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5 unusual facts about Sierra Maestra


Carlos Rafael Rodríguez

In July 1958, he joined the 26th of July Movement in the Sierra Maestra mountain range in support of its guerrilla war against Batista; it was the first such gesture of support by the Communist Party for the rebels.

Catalpa brevipes

It is found in only three countries: Cuba (in Baire, a hilly area that lies on the north side of the Sierra Maestra mountains, and coastal Cabo Cruz); the Dominican Republic (Azua Province); and Haiti (Massif de la Hotte).

Kathleen Weaver

Following the dissolution of her marriage to Francovich in 1986, she became associated with and later married painter, poster and printmaker, KPFA Radio public events producer, and co-founder of Black Oak Books, Bob Baldock— one of only two North Americans who went from the mainland in March, 1958, to join Fidel Castro’s own 26th of July Group as a combatant in the Sierra Maestra of Cuba.

Magnolia cubensis

It grows in the Sierra Maestra in the southeastern part of the island, at elevations from 700-1800 m (2300-5900 feet).

Radio Bemba Sound System

Radio Bemba Sound System is also the name of Manu Chao's backing band, named for the communication system used in the Sierra Maestra by the Castro-and-Guevara-led rebels in the Cuban Revolution.



see also

Carlos Franqui

On his release, he went into exile in Mexico and Florida, but was soon drafted by Castro into the Sierra Maestra to continue work on Revolución, the guerrilla movement's clandestine newspaper and Radio Rebelde, their clandestine radio station.