Cuba organized its major annual observance July 26 event in Santiago de Cuba.
This highlights 73 years following the 1953 Moncada Barracks attack.
Raúl Castro was not present.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the U.S. government at the event.
He claimed Washington tried to wipe out Cuba and occupy it.
Citizens in Havana readied for the ceremonies.
They did this still with severe water problems, caused by ongoing power shortages.