Che Guevara T-Shirts

Che Guevara’s image has become iconic and a Che t-shirt is an essential addition to all revolutionary wardrobes. For a full range of Che t-shirts, visit our online shop. 

Classic Red Che T-Shirt

The t-shirt is available in Child, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.

The t-shirt is available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.

Che ‘Viva La Revolucion Cubana’ T-Shirt

The t-shirt is available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.
 
It is also available in Green in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.

Che Guevara Olive Tank Top

The tank top is available in Small, Medium, Large.

Che, Fidel, Hugo and Evo T-Shirt

The t-shirt is available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.

Che Flag T-Shirt

This t-shirt is available in Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large.

Books about Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara

Remembering Che – My Life With Che Guevara

In this touchingly affectionate book, Aleida March – Ché’s second wife – recalls a revolutionary romance tragically cut short by Ché’s execution in Bolivia by CIA-backed troops. From a young “girl from the sticks” hopelessly addicted to romantic fiction, Aleida joins the guerrilla struggle against Batista before falling in love with iconic revolutionary hero Ernesto ‘Ché’ Guevara.

Aleida – with tremendous passion and poignancy – conjures a remarkable picture of a remarkable man. Unlike most literature surrounding the subject, the book gives a truly unique insight into Ché’s personality and touching humour. Like all of us, he is a flawed human being, but he is underpinned by steely determination and selfless dedication.

It also gives the first detailed impression of the life and role of Aleida March herself. Her strength and courage is exemplified – not just by her role bringing up four children with an absent father – but the crucial part she played establishing and developing the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) which is now the biggest NGO in the whole of Latin America.

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Who Killed Che? How the CIA got away with murder

This book presents fascinating new evidence which joins the dots between the role of the Bolivian armed forces and the CIA in the events leading to Che Guevara’s murder on 9th October 1967, nearly 24 hours after his capture.

The CIA began a file in July 1956, identifying “Che” as a key political figure and charted his movements from Cuba via the Congo to Bolivia. Despite their antipathy, Che’s personality and political qualities come through even these CIA files.

The account of Che’s capture is well documented but this book contains evidence of direct CIA involvement and places one of their agents at the scene of his murder consulting with the highest authorities in the administration. This is the “smoking gun” that puts them on the spot.

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Travelling with Che Guevara – The Making of a Revolutionary

In 1952, young doctor Alberto Granado, set off from Cordoba in Argentina and travelled through Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela by motorbike, with him was a medical student named Ernesto Guevara.

Along the way they came across shocking levels of poverty and exploitation of the native population which had a massive effect on both men. This is the beginning of a tale in which Granado commits himself to medicine on his continent, and Ernesto becomes Che, Cuban revolutionary and Latin American hero.

Published for the first time in English, this partner to Che's Motorcycle Diaries is a moving and often hilarious story of how two carefree young men came of age and found their true purpose in life.

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Che in Verse

Complex and charismatic, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara has been immortalised in popular culture as the archetypal, self-sacrificing rebel with a cause. His martyr's death in October 1967 transformed him into the poster-boy of revolution - and also inspired poets and songwriters the world over to put pen to paper.

Che in Verse reproduces 134 of the finest poems and songs from 53 countries about or referring to this enigmatic Argentine-Cuban revolutionary. It examines how Che was celebrated or remembered from before his death at the hands of the CIA-backed Bolivian army to the present day. And it explores why Guevara - himself a gun-toting poet - has achieved a level of sanctification comparable to Christ.

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Books by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries

These diaries were written by Che during his 1952 motorcycle odyssey through Latin America with his friend Alberto Granado as Guevara is transformed and politicised by the injustice he witnesses.

During their travels, Guevara and Granado encounter the poverty of indigenous peasants: they witness a penniless couple forced onto the road because of their communist beliefs in Chile; the maltreatment of workers at a Chuquicamata copper mine; the segregation of dark-skinned peasants; and observe the division of society whilst volunteering on a leper colony in Peru. They also chase girls, drink too much and get into scrapes along the way – but it is the encounters with social injustice that help crystallise Guevara’s belief in egalitarianism and a pan-Latin American identity.

Had Guevara’s life not become entwined in revolutionary adventure, this would have been the journey of a lifetime. As the Times described it, the Motorcycle Diaries is “Easy Rider meets Das Kapital”.

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Latin America Diaries

This book is another riveting instalment of the life and times of Che Guevara as he travels Latin America and becomes increasingly involved in political struggles from 1953. It is a sequel to the Motorcycle Diaries and provides an enjoyable and fascinating look at the development of a revolutionary hero.

His second trip through the continent reveals the emergence of a revolutionary icon, captured in these writings - his diary entries, poetry, journalism and letters. Together they document his life after leaving medical school, travelling through Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador and his witnessing of the US-inspired coup in Guatemala before travelling to Mexico where he encounters Fidel Castro.

As a writer, Che had the ability bring to life sights, sounds, emotions; elicit feelings of romance, laughter, even tears. This book makes clear Che’s humour, passion for life and love of people.

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Reminiscences of Cuban Revolutionary War

This autobiographical book by Che Guevara documents his experiences during the Cuban Revolution. First published in 1963, it was a compilation of articles by Che that originally appeared in Verde Olivo, the weekly publication of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces.

This collection of memories conveys the excitement, zeal, possibilities, problems and limitations of Guevara's "guerrilla warfare" strategy as it was practiced in the Sierra Maestra. It is brimming with battlefield action as it examines how the popular war transformed a nation and follows Che’s own transition from troop doctor to world famous revolutionary leader.

It features a preface by Che’s daughter, Aleida Guevara, and a new translation with Che’s own corrections incorporated into the text for the first time, this edition also contains extraordinary photographs of the period.  

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Guerrilla Warfare

This classic account of the motivations and justifications of revolution forms the basis of Che’s theory of guerrilla warfare. It was written after the Cuban Revolution and soon became the guidebook for thousands of guerrilla fights in across the world. As well as being used as a manual for revolutionary struggle, it has been studied by counter-revolutionary military schools to inform counter-insurgency strategy.

Guevara stresses the need for an underpinning political motivation to guerrilla methods, organisation and supply. He emphasisez that guerrilla warfare is a favourable method only against totalitarian regimes where political opposition and civil struggle is impossible to conduct.

Guevara dedicated the book to his recently deceased comrade Camilo Cienfuegos, "who should have read and corrected it, but whose fate prevented him from carrying out the task."
With an introduction by Marc Becker, this is more than an instruction guide to founding a guerrilla movement, it is a work that sets out the faith necessary for political action, it showcases Che’s own idealism and gives the best insight into Guevarist political philosophy and military strategy.

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African Dream – Diaries of the Revolutionary War in the Congo

The African Dream follows Che’s attempts to spread the fight against U.S. imperialism to Africa. This extraordinary diary records in minute and often humorous detail Guevara’s experiences with a Cuban guerrilla force in the eastern Congo between April and November 1965. In his own opinion, the adventure was a fiasco and this book is an unvarnished account of what he saw as flaws in the Congolese revolutionaries he met and his own military strategy. 

The differing splits and factions in the Congolese resistance characterises the ethnic in-fighting that has effected the whole world and, in particularly, this region of Africa. Che’s frustration at the lack of success with his task becomes obvious, but one must not diminish the importance of how much the Cubans learnt from their experiences in the Congo, in relation to their later international successes.
This special edition contains a beautiful foreword by Aleida Guevara March, the daughter of Che Guevara plus 8 pages of stunning photos.

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The Bolivian Diary

Che Guevara’s famous last diary – found in his backpack after he was captured by the Bolivian Army and assassinated by CIA-backed troops in 1967 – played a pivotal role in catapulting him to iconic status after his death.

This fascinating diary is the remarkable and ultimately tragic account of the Bolivian Liberation Army and Che’s attempts to forge a revolutionary movement of workers and peasants against the military dictatorship. The book is a sobering account of the drudgery, fear and monotony of guerrilla warfare. Much of the diary is taken up with the preoccupations of basic survival in primitive conditions. There are some wonderful moments, such as commandeering a jeep and running it on the urine of his guerrillas, but ultimately this period will be remembered for Che’s tragic death which enshrined him as a martyr of the radical Left.

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Che Guevara mug only £3.50

Our Che Guevara mug – designed exclusively for CSC – features the classic Che image, ‘Viva la Revolucíon Cubana!’ slogan, star and CSC website.

Red and black print on white mug. Dishwasher safe. And only £6.60 inc P&P from our online shop.

Although Che preferred a hot drink of mate, why not get a packet of delicious Cuban coffee to go with your designer mug?

Films about Ernesto 'Che' Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries is the compelling biopic based on the memoirs of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. The film recounts Che’s 1952 expedition across Latin America with his friend Alberto Granado as Guevara is transformed and politicised by the injustices he witnesses.

During their travels, Guevara and Granado encounter the poverty of indigenous peasants: they witness a penniless couple forced onto the road because of their communist beliefs in Chile; the maltreatment of workers at a Chuquicamata copper mine; the segregation of dark-skinned peasants; and observe the division of society whilst volunteering on a leper colony in Peru. These encounters with social injustice help crystallise Guevara’s belief in egalitarianism and a pan-Latin American identity.

The film expertly captures the adventure and humour of Che’s diary and Gael Garcia Bernal’s portrayal of Guevara’s political awakening – as he journeys from adolescent adventurer to Marxist revolutionary – is truly captivating.

In 2005 the Motorcycle Diaries won the BAFTA Film Award for Best Film not in the English Language.

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Che Part 1 & 2 - A Revolutionary Life

Spread over two explosive movies, Che: Part One and Part Two have gained fame for their unflinching, graphic and incredibly realistic depiction of guerrilla warfare.

Part One follows Guevara’s adventurous journey from his beginnings as a young, politically active physician to becoming one of the most iconic revolutionaries in Latin America. Meticulously re-enacting Che’s relentless quest to destroy the Batista dictatorship and bring freedom to Cuba, Part One marches towards an unforgettable, heart pounding, cinematic climax. Benicio del Toro’s depiction of Che is uncanny and – from his first meeting with Fidel Castro in the opening scene – the film gives tremendous insight into the Cuban revolution in terms of origins, philosophy and military tactics.

Part Two – in contrast – is a more sombre affair as Che journeys into the merciless terrain of the Bolivian jungle in an attempt to export revolution and build an international assault on imperialism. The insidious reach of America delves deep into the South American continent and – after being captured by CIA-backed troops – Che is unceremoniously executed.

Del Toro won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Che with Cuban state newspaper Granma professing that he “personifies Che” in both his physical appearance and his “masterly interpretation”.

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Day of Cuban Culture, 20th October 2012

Buy your t ickets online now.

NEW and EXCLUSIVE Viva Cuba baseball cap

The latest chic revolutionary style

Protect yourself from what remains of the Summer Sun with our NEW and EXCLUSIVE Viva Cuba baseball cap.

Dark blue baseball cap with embroidered Cuban flag and VIVA CUBA embroidered logo. 100% cotton, one size, adjustable strap.  

Get it now for just £10 from our Cuba Connect website.

"Neo-liberal policies are destroying my continent"

Aleida Guevara at the 2004 European Social Forum

Aleida Guevara will tour the UK in September in a special ‘Remembering Che’ speaking tour organised by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. Full details here.

The following article was written by Aleida for the Guardian in 2004.

It is extremely dangerous for humanity that the president of the mightiest power on the planet publicly says that he speaks with and acts on behalf of God. What lies ahead for us? More of what is happening today in Afghanistan or Iraq? Is that the future for our children? We need to pull all our strength together to avoid such a future.

Today, more than ever before, it is important that thousands of people are coming together to confront this situation and to look for ways to achieve a more just and equal world.

For me, it constitutes a big honour to represent my people at the European Social Forum in London this week. When I say "my people", I refer to my continent - to the Mandinga, Congo or Carabali blood that runs through my veins.

I also refer to the very wise Asian culture that is part and parcel of our own culture. I feel able to do this because I was educated to respect and accept other cultures even if I do not understand them in their totality. Since I was young, I have understood how right Benito Juárez, the outstanding Mexican patriot, was when he said: "Respecting others' rights is the way to peace."

Some time ago, I first visited Brazil. I felt a tight knot in my heart, and I mean that literally. I thought the pain I felt would not let me go on. To see children living in the poorest conditions, being used by unscrupulous people for prostitution and drug trafficking, all this really made me very angry - because Brazil is one of the richest countries in my continent, with as many natural resources as you can think of, with vast expanses of very fertile land, with enough cattle to feed the whole continent.

How can it be possible that there are people, especially children, who live or survive in these conditions? How can such a situation be tolerated?

There in Brazil, I thought that we humans must have a limit to our patience and that, somehow, we must decide whether it is better to starve to death or to die fighting in an attempt to change this reality. Then I thought that my way of thinking could be the result of my education in a socialist society, with a different cultural and professional level, and with a different ideology. But none of these things are important when your children are dying right in front of your eyes and no one is willing to extend a helping hand. It does not matter who you are, man or woman - you just cannot continue living like that.

Rosa, an ordinary Brazilian woman, showed me this. She not only said the same thing that I have said, but also put words into practice: she died defending a piece of land to feed her children. It is for mothers like Rosa that I raise my voice, and it is for Rosa and for many others that we have to move forward.

Neo-liberal policies are destroying my continent. We are now importers of grains, when we used to be major producers. But it happens that the grain we produce does not belong to us any longer.

We cannot go on like this. It is important that honest men and women in Europe awaken to the reality of the historical debt they have to our peoples.

It is only because of the wealth looted from our lands and our people that their present high standards of living are possible.

When will this be stopped? An urgent answer is needed. Time passes quickly and it may happen that, by the time we realise what we have lost, we will not even have a place to live.

We all need to live in a better world. Solidarity and unity are indispensable in these times. Let us do our best. It is likely that only humans can dream. I do not know. But what I know is that only we have the capacity to make our dreams come true.

A better world is possible. The challenge lies in being able to act, rather than just talk.

Miami Five Vigil and Aleida Guevara 'Remembering Che' tour

 

More information on the vigil here and more information on Aleida's 'Remembering Che' tour here.

A revolutionary train of thought

El Tren Blindado - the armoured train

The Armoured Train

The Battle of Santa Clara was a decisive victory for Fidel Castro’s revolutionary forces against the rule of General Fulgencio Batista. Within 12 hours of the city’s capture, Batista fled the island and the Cuban Revolution triumphed. Following two years of intense fighting, the dictator’s regime capitulated under popular pressure – but it was a train that helped achieve the final victory. 

According to Comandante Ernesto ‘Ché’ Guevara – who led the assault on Santa Clara – the city had huge strategic importance because it was “the centre of the railroad system and all communications in the country”. If the revolutionaries could liberate Santa Clara, then the capital Havana would soon fall.

On paper, the attack looked suicidal. Ché’s rag-tag band of guerrillas – weary from constant skirmishes with federal forces – barely numbered 300. They faced an army garrison of 3,500 soldiers and a heavily armoured locomotive containing another 400 combatants. Los Barbudos – the bearded ones – were outnumbered and outgunned, but Batista’s troops were demoralised. In addition, a sympathetic local population supported the insurgents by building barricades to neutralise Batista’s tanks. This allowed the revolutionaries to embed themselves throughout the city.

Ché knew that success depended on nullifying the armoured train. After appropriating a bulldozer from the local agricultural college, Ché’s men removed 30 feet of track. As the locomotive approached from Capiro Hill, it was derailed and three carriages overturned. Government soldiers came tumbling out and a bloody battle ensued.

“Our Molotov cocktails forced the men out of the armoured train,” reflected Ché. Under constant fire, “the train became – thanks to its armoured plating – a veritable oven for the soldiers.” At 7pm on 30th December 1958, the train and its soldiers surrendered to the rebels.

Bulldozer used by Che

The capture of the train proved a key tipping point in the revolution as news of the victory spread quickly round the island. It struck a psychological blow at the heart of Batista’s army who – already low on morale – were tired of fighting their own people.  Furthermore, the bounty gained – including bazookas, machine guns, mortars, a 20mm cannon, 600 rifles and $4m worth of munitions – strengthened Fidel Castro’s rebel army and allowed them to equip student reinforcements and peasant supporters.

Rail-workers and the Cuban Revolution

If the Battle of Santa Clara was the spark for success, the foundations were laid through prolonged armed struggle and mass working class action – and rail-workers themselves played a crucial role in overthrowing the Batista dictatorship.

Rail-workers – like workers throughout Cuba – came under brutal attack from the Batista regime as mass redundancies and forced retirement were introduced, collective agreements were scrapped, the working-day was increased and wages were reduced by over 20%. Strikes were ruthlessly repressed as the army rounded-up train-workers and signalling staff and forced them to work at gunpoint.

This helped militarise the workforce – particularly in the East of the island. In 1955, railwayman Octavio Louit established a local branch of Fidel Castro’s 26th July Movement in Guantanamo. The clandestine cells derailed scab trains and organised short stoppages which helped disrupt timetables whilst reducing the risk of victimisation. When Fidel Castro’s band of guerrillas landed on the south coast in 1956, the Guantanamo rail-workers created a diversion with a spectacular strike as the whole rail network was paralysed in the east of Cuba for five days. Throughout the revolutionary struggle train crews supported the guerrillas by smuggling arms and ammunition.

The activity of rail-workers helped facilitate a general strike which – following the Battle of Santa Clara – consigned the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship to history.

The Footsteps of Ché

The capture of Santa Clara helped create the legend of Ché Guevara and confirmed his reputation as a military strategist. Today, the city is a shrine to the world’s most iconic revolutionary. The derailed train and bulldozer – elevated on cement plinths – remain on display as a permanent tribute to the famous victory. His image is emblazoned on walls throughout Santa Clara and – if you spend any time in the central square – you’ll meet someone claiming to have fought alongside the man himself and happy to regale you with revolutionary reminiscences.

Just outside town is the Ché museum and mausoleum. Following the repatriation of his remains in 1997, Ché is buried in the mausoleum alongside his rebel comrades. An imperious bronze statue stretches high into the sky and sits atop a fascinating museum charting Guevara’s journey from care-free student doctor to committed guerrilla fighter.

Ché Guevara Brigade, 27th September – 16th October 2012, £1,199

** SPECIAL OFFER ** Only £1,000 if you book and pay before Monday 20th August 2012

This autumn, to mark the 45th anniversary of Ché Guevara’s assassination by CIA-backed troops in Bolivia, an exclusive one-off brigade will visit Cuba to undertake solidarity work, spend time in Santa Clara and enjoy the island’s cultural delights.

The cost of the brigade includes return flights, Cuban tourist card, accommodation, food, and most visits.

In the Footsteps of Ché Study Tour, 8th – 23rd November 2012, From £1,599

This new study tour – based in Santa Clara, Trinidad and Viñales – will examine Ché’s involvement in the Cuban Revolution. There will also be visits to neighbourhood projects, schools and health care centres.

For further information and to book, please email tours@cuba-solidarity.org.uk or call the Cuba Solidarity Campaign on 020 8800 0155.

Cuba climbs Olympic rankings

The star of Cuba's Olympics - 18yr old Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana

Cuba smashed its Beijing gold medal haul to finish 15th in the overall medal table at London 2012. Although Cuba won a total of 24 medals in 2008 – compared to 14 in London – the fact they only won two gold medals in China meant that they finished 28th in the medal rankings. At the 2012 Games – with five gold medals achieved – the Cuban team soared 13 places up the rankings and finished as the highest placed team from Latin America & the Caribbean. Meanwhile, empiricists from the Royal Statistical Society have suggested that an ‘alternative’ medal table – weighted by GDP, population size, and team size – would place Cuba as eighth.

Mijain Lopez Nunez retained his Olympic gold

Cuba equalled its Beijing gold medal tally within the first week of competition as Idalys Ortiz claimed gold in the Women’s +78kg judo and Leuris Pupo secured Cuba’s first ever gold medal in the shooting as he fired his way to victory in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol.

Elsewhere, Yanet Bermoy Acosta and Asley Gonzalez narrowly missed out on gold medals in the judo as they both won silver medals and Ivan Cambar Rodriguez claimed a bronze in weightlifting.

As the Olympics entered its second week, Mijain Lopez Nunez retained his Olympic gold from Beijing in the 120kg Greco-Roman wrestling in a heavyweight bout against Heiki Nabi. Compatriot Livan Lopez Azcuy won a bronze in the freestyle wrestling and Robelis Despaigne claimed Cuba’s only medal in taekwondo as he took home the bronze.

Leonel Suarez

Although Cuba will be disappointed after claiming only two medals in the track and field competitions, there were some outstanding individual performances. Leonel Suarez proved himself an exceptional all-round athlete after coming from behind to claim bronze in the men’s decathlon. He ranked first in the high jump and javelin.

Yarisley Silva lived up to her surname as she leapt to silver with an incredible performance in the women’s pole vault. Silva’s success perfectly demonstrates Cuba’s struggle against economic blockade enforced by America. As Cuban Olympic legend Alberto Juantorena revealed in an exclusive interview with CSC earlier this year:

“We cannot buy anything from the United States. If we want to buy a javelin, shoes or rice, we need to go via another country like China or Pakistan. It would be cheaper to go to the United States, but we cannot do it.

Two of our pole-vaulters – Lázaro Borges and Yarisley Silva – need equipment, but the pole they need is produced in the United States by UCS Enterprise and we cannot trade with them. Do you know how I got them five poles each for a tournament last month? I called a friend of mine in Mexico who was a former president of their association. I asked him to speak to UCS – even though they are friends of mine – and we had to get the poles via Mexico.”

Yarisley Silva claims Olympic silver

Despite struggling against shortages and adversity, Silva was able to jump to Olympic success. Elsewhere, there was bitter disappointment on the track as Dayron Robles pulled up injured in the 110m hurdle final.

After failing to win any boxing gold medals at the Beijing Olympics four years ago, Cuba re-confirmed itself as a dominant force in world boxing as the Olympic team took home four medals. Lazaro Alvarez Estrada (Men’s Bantam) and Yasniel Toledo Lopez (Men’s Light) both claimed bronze. Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo was imperious as he slugged his way to Men’s Lighter Welter gold but the undoubted star of the team was the 18-year-old Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana who was both dominant and sublime on his way to winning gold in the Men’s Fly.

In total, Cuba sent a squad of 110 athletes to compete in 14 of the 26 disciplines. It won a total of 14 medals: 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 6 Bronze. Since the inception of the modern Olympics – and having competed at 19 games – Cuba has won 208 medals in total, most of them gold (72 Gold - 67 Silver - 69 Bronze). Its best performances have been at Moscow 1980 (8-7-5), where it ranked fourth worldwide, and Barcelona 1992 (11-6-14), where it ranked fifth. 


Well done to all the Cuban athletes that competed at the London 2012 Olympics. You did yourselves – and Cuba – proud. And good luck to all the athletes competing in the Paralympic Games!

Missing the Olympics already? Why not buy our exclusive Team Cuba t-shirt? Or get the fantastic Sons of Cuba DVD – a powerful  and moving documentary which explores amateur boxing in Cuba and gives insight into Cuba’s incredible success on the international boxing scene.

Special Offer For Exclusive Che Guevara Brigade

27 September - 16 October 2012, from £1,199

**SPECIAL OFFER** only £1,100 if you book and pay in full by Monday 20th August 2012

This unique Brigade coincides with the 45th anniversary of Che Guevara’s assassination by CIA-backed troops in Bolivia. Che Guevara is the godfather of voluntary work in Cuba and, to this day, appears on Cuban banknotes cutting sugar cane with a machete. This exclusive Brigade allows you to follow in Che’s footsteps and learn about his incredible legacy. Sign-up now as places are limited!

The Brigade consists of groups from the solidarity organisations of several countries. Members of the Brigade spend their time near Havana on the Julio Antonio Mella camp as a ‘Brigadista’, working, learning and socialising with Cubans and people from all across Europe.

It is a unique opportunity to experience the Cuban Revolution firsthand and show that Cuba is not alone. The programme is focussed on discussion and learning about the life and legacy of Che Guevara, including meetings with some of his family, visits to places significant in his life and a wonderful opportunity to learn more of this most iconic revolutionary.

The cost of this Brigade will include return flights from London Gatwick, UK departure tax, Cuban tourist card, transfer from and to Havana International Airport, accommodation, food, and most visits whilst at the camp.

Visit our website to book

Book Review: Remembering Ché – My Life With Che Guevara, Aleida March

In this touchingly affectionate book, Aleida March – Ché’s second wife – recalls a revolutionary romance tragically cut short by Ché’s execution in Bolivia by CIA-backed troops.  From a young “girl from the sticks” hopelessly addicted to romantic fiction, Aleida joins the guerrilla struggle against Batista before falling in love with iconic revolutionary hero Ernesto ‘Ché’ Guevara. 

Their first encounter – deep in the Escambray Mountains – involves Ché removing a secret package of supplies and money strapped to Aleida’s torso. Whilst Ché confessed he suspected her of being sent to “monitor him because of his reputation as a communist,” Aleida found Ché’s “penetrating gaze rather intriguing”. It is not long before Ché is serenading Aleida with poetry as they cavort through battlefields.

Aleida – with tremendous passion and poignancy – conjures a remarkable picture of a remarkable man. Unlike most literature surrounding the subject, the book gives a truly unique insight into Ché’s personality and touching humour. Like all of us, he is a flawed human being, but he is underpinned by steely determination and selfless dedication.

It also gives the first detailed impression of the life and role of Aleida March herself. Her strength and courage is exemplified – not just by her role bringing up four children with an absent father – but the crucial part she played establishing and developing the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) which is now the biggest NGO in the whole of Latin America. No other organisation has done more to champion and advance the role of women in Cuban society. Furthermore, she succeeded in raising her family – according to the frugal ideals she shared with Ché – as ordinary Cubans. She went on to institute the Ché Guevara Studies Centre in Santa Clara and, to this day, remains its Director. 

The book gives a fresh perspective on decisive historical events – such as the Battle of Santa Clara – and illustrates the qualities of Ché’s leadership. Correspondence between Ché and his family and between Ché and Fidel help deepen understanding of Ché’s revolutionary sojourns in the Congo and Bolivia. When Aleida’s narrative requires further clarification, helpful footnotes explain the historical significance. 

Letters and poems sent between Ché and Aleida are peppered throughout the book and reveal Ché’s psychological state as he endeavours to export revolution. In a remarkable short story, The Stone, written in the Congo and reproduced in full here, Ché predicts: “I would decompose on the grass or they might exhibit me”. The precise foreshadow is truly chilling.

One hundred priceless photographs from family albums – many published here for the first time – illustrate the story and add further depth to our understanding of Ché. One particular photo shows Ché disguised as the balding “old uncle Ramón” with his four children in 1966. It tragically captures the last time Ché saw his beloved family.

As Ché once wrote: “At the risk of seeming ridiculous, the true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality.” This book provides an authentic insight into Ché’s love – for the world’s dispossessed, popular revolution and his treasured family.

Buy it now for just £12.99 from our Cuba Connect website

Che and Aleida’s daughter – Dr. Aleida Guevara March – will be touring the U.K. in September. Catch her at a venue near you - full details here

Cuba plunders gold in first week of Olympics to equal Beijing haul

Gold medal winner Idalys Ortiz

Despite a relatively slow start by its own high Olympic standards, Cuba equalled its Beijing gold medal haul in the first week of competition and peaked at 14th overall in the medal table.

Hot shot Leuris Pupo

Idalys Ortiz lead the field in judo as she claimed gold in the Women’s +78kg as the Cuban team continued its proud history of judo success. Compatriots Yanet Bermoy Acosta and Asley Gonzalez narrowly missed out on golds as they both won silver medals. Although he failed to win a medal, Cuba’s Oscar Brayson caused a stir as he pinned 34st judoka Ricardo Blas Jr. Blas Jr is more than 10 stone heavier than any other athlete in the Olympics - and 6st 10lbs heavier than the entire Japan women's gymnastics team.

Leuris Pupo shot his way to victory in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol as he secured Cuba’s first ever gold medal in the shooting. Elsewhere, Ivan Cambar Rodriguez claimed the only bronze of Cuba’s campaign to date in weightlifting.

Although Cuba finished the week in 19th overall, it would be in the top 10 if ranked by GDP and number 13 if determined by population.

Yasnier Lopez Toledo

As the Olympics enter its second week, Cuba will be optimistic about increasing its medal tally. In the boxing, Lazaro Alvarez Estrada has already guaranteed at least a bronze following victory in his quarter-final bout. Yasnier Lopez Toledo, Robiesy Ramirez Carrazana, Roniel Iglesias Sotolongo and Julio la Cruz Peraza compete in their own quarter-finals over the coming days and victory will guarantee them a medal.

With strong Olympic wrestling pedigree, Cuba hopes to pick-up further medals on the matt whilst, in the athletics stadium, there are high hopes that Dayron Robles will defend his Olympic title. Other potential stars include Yarelys Barrios (F, Discus), Jorge Fernandez (M, Discus), Lazaro Borges (M, Vole Vault), Leonel Suarez (M, Decathlon), Yarisley Silva (F, Pole Vault) and Alexis Copello (M, Triple Jump). 

If these athletes perform anywhere near their potential, we should be hearing the Cuban national anthem – La Bayamesa – ring out a number of times yet across London.

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