Cuba's Independence Day: Commemorating the 1868 Grito de Yara and the Ten Years' War Against Spanish Rule

Cuba's Independence Day: The Grito de Yara and the Ten Years' War of 1868

Cuba's Independence Day, observed annually on October 10th, commemorates one of the most transformative events in the nation's history: the Grito de Yara (Cry of Yara) in 1868 that marked the beginning of Cuba's prolonged struggle for independence from Spain. This date does not merely symbolize the start of a military conflict but represents the birth of the Cuban revolutionary spirit that would ultimately lead to sovereignty after decades of sacrifice. Unlike many independence movements that culminated quickly, Cuba's path to freedom unfolded through a series of interconnected rebellions spanning thirty years, with the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) serving as the crucial first chapter that established the ideological foundation and military framework for eventual success .

The historical importance of October 10, 1868, extends beyond mere political emancipation. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes' proclamation simultaneously launched two revolutionary transformations: the fight against colonial oppression and the movement toward abolition of slavery. This dual character distinguished Cuba's independence struggle from many others in the Western Hemisphere and established an antiracist vision of Cuban nationhood that would influence all subsequent liberation efforts . The Ten Years' War, though ultimately ending in a military stalemate, fundamentally altered Cuba's social and political landscape, creating national heroes, developing effective guerrilla tactics, and fostering a collective identity that would eventually triumph in the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898).

Historical Context: Colonial Cuba Before 1868

To understand the profound significance of the Grito de Yara, one must examine the conditions in Cuba during the mid-19th century. While most Spanish colonies in Latin America had achieved independence by the 1820s, Cuba remained under Spanish control, earning it the nickname "Spain's Ever-Faithful Isle" . This loyalty was not absolute but reflected complex economic and social factors, particularly the planters' fears of slave rebellions similar to the Haitian Revolution, which had devastated the neighboring island decades earlier. However, this apparent fidelity concealed growing discontent with Spanish colonial policies that would eventually boil over into open rebellion.

By the 1860s, several converging factors created a revolutionary situation in Cuba:

Economic Grievances: Spanish colonial administration imposed oppressive taxation without corresponding political representation. The Spanish Parliament increased taxes on Cuban planters by six percent while denying them political rights enjoyed by Spaniards on the peninsula. Additionally, much of Cuba's wealth was extracted to fund military expenditures and colonial administration rather than being reinvested in the island's development   

Social Inequality: Cuban-born elites (criollos) faced systematic discrimination, being excluded from high administrative positions and subject to judicial inequality. The colonial administration favored peninsulares (Spanish-born residents) who controlled much of the island's trade and commercial wealth.

Slavery Controversy: Cuba's economy depended heavily on slavery, with approximately 90,000 Africans imported as slaves between 1856 and 1860 alone, despite an official ban on the slave trade. This occurred amid a growing abolitionist movement and changing economic realities that made large-scale slavery increasingly impractical for many planters, especially in the eastern regions.

Political Repression: When Cuban elites presented demands for reform to the Spanish Parliament in 1865—including tariff reform, political representation, judicial equality, and enforcement of the slave trade ban—they were met with increased repression rather than compromise. The colonial government banned reformist meetings and strengthened military tribunals, eliminating peaceful avenues for political change.

The deposition of Queen Isabella II during Spain's Glorious Revolution in 1868 further destabilized the colonial arrangement, convincing many Cuban reformers that more decisive action was necessary . In eastern Cuba, particularly Oriente, where planters struggled to compete with the mechanized sugar plantations of the west, revolutionary sentiment found fertile ground. It was here that wealthy planters, including Carlos Manuel de Céspedes and Francisco Vicente Aguilera, began organizing secret revolutionary committees, setting the stage for the dramatic events of October 1868.

The Ten Years' War (1868-1878): Cuba's First Struggle for Independence

The Grito de Yara and Initial Uprising

The Ten Years' War commenced in the early morning of October 10, 1868, when Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a wealthy sugar planter and lawyer, assembled his slaves and followers at his sugar mill, La Demajagua, and issued the historic "10th of October Manifesto" . This proclamation, which became known as the Grito de Yara, contained several revolutionary elements that would define Cuba's independence struggle:

Declaration of Independence: The manifesto formally declared Cuba's independence from Spain, stating, "Our aim is to throw off the Spanish yoke, and to establish a free and independent nation"

Abolitionist Stance: Céspedes famously freed his slaves and invited them to join the struggle as equals, establishing the inseparable link between independence and abolition that would characterize the Cuban revolution

Vision of Racial Equality: The proclamation emphasized brotherhood, tolerance, and justice, asserting that "We sincerely profess a policy of brotherhood, tolerance, and justice, and to consider all men equal".

Democratic Principles: It called for popular participation in government, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and the establishment of constitutional government.

The uprising had been planned for October 14 but was moved forward when Spanish authorities discovered the conspiracy . In the initial days, the rebels suffered a setback when they failed to capture the town of Yara on October 11. Despite this early failure, the insurrection quickly spread throughout the Oriente province, with the rebel army growing to approximately 12,000 volunteers by the end of October . On October 18, rebel forces achieved a significant victory by capturing the city of Bayamo, which would become the first capital of the revolutionary Republic in Arms.

Key Figures and Factions

The Ten Years' War produced several iconic leaders who would become central figures in Cuban national history:

Table: Principal Figures of the Ten Years' War

Leader	Role	Significance
Carlos Manuel de Céspedes	Planter, revolutionary initiator	Issued Grito de Yara, "Father of the Cuban Fatherland"

Antonio Maceo

Military commander

Known as "The Bronze Titan," exceptional tactical leader

Máximo Gómez

Dominican-born military commander

Introduced machete charge tactic

Francisco Vicente Aguilera	Wealthy plantation owner	Early organizer of revolutionary committees
José Martí	Writer, political organizer	Cuban national hero, later architect of 1895 independence war

The revolutionary forces, known as Mambises, comprised a diverse coalition including planters, freed slaves, free people of color, and international volunteers . The origin of the term "Mambí" is disputed—some sources suggest it derived from Juan Ethninius Mamby, a Dominican officer, while Cuban anthropologist Fernando Ortiz argues it has Bantu origins . Initially used as a derogatory term by Spanish soldiers, it was proudly adopted by the rebels.

Military Campaigns and International Incidents

The Ten Years' War was characterized by guerrilla warfare, with rebel forces employing hit-and-run tactics against a better-equipped Spanish army . The Mambises developed particularly effective tactics under Máximo Gómez, who taught them the devastating "machete charge"—a cavalry tactic combining rifle fire with close-combat machete attacks that proved highly effective against Spanish formations.

Key military developments included:

Spread of the Conflict: By November 1868, the uprising had spread to Camagüey, and by February 1869, to Las Villas. However, the western provinces of Pinar del Río, Havana, and Matanzas largely remained under Spanish control, limiting the revolution's reach.

Symbolic Victories: The capture of Bayamo in October 1868 represented a major moral victory. During the three months that rebels held the city, poet Perucho Figueredo composed "La Bayamesa," which would become Cuba's national anthem . When Spanish forces retook the city on January 12, 1869, it had been largely destroyed by fire.

International Dimension: The Virginius Affair of 1873 brought international attention to the conflict. The Virginius, a ship illegally flying the American flag while transporting arms and Cuban patriots, was captured by Spanish authorities, leading to the execution of 53 crew members and passengers. The incident created a major diplomatic crisis between Spain and the United States, ultimately resolved through an $80,000 indemnity paid by Spain to the families of American victims.

The war also saw the emergence of skilled Cuban commanders from diverse backgrounds. Antonio Maceo, of mixed African and Spanish descent, rose from humble origins to become one of Cuba's most brilliant military tacticians, ultimately receiving 24 battle wounds during his revolutionary career . Federico Fernández Cavada, who had served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War, brought valuable military experience to the rebel forces.

Aftermath and Historical Legacy of the Ten Years' War

The Treaty of Zanjón and Protest of Baraguá

By 1878, after nearly a decade of brutal conflict, the revolutionary forces were exhausted and fragmented. Internal divisions, exacerbated by Spanish propaganda emphasizing racial tensions, weakened the rebel cause . On February 10, 1878, representatives of the Cuban Liberation Army signed the Treaty of Zanjón with Spanish authorities, effectively ending the Ten Years' War.

The treaty offered certain concessions:

• Political Reforms: Promised greater autonomy and political rights for Cubans

• Freedom for Combatants: Granted freedom to slaves who had fought on either side

• General Amnesty: Provided amnesty for revolutionary fighters

However, the agreement failed to achieve the two primary objectives of the revolution: full independence from Spain and complete abolition of slavery . This compromise settlement proved unacceptable to several revolutionary leaders, most notably Antonio Maceo, who issued the historic Protest of Baraguá on March 23, 1878 . In this document, Maceo forcefully rejected the Treaty of Zanjón and declared his intention to continue fighting until independence and abolition were achieved. Though Maceo's continued resistance was short-lived, the Protest of Baraguá became a powerful symbol of revolutionary principle and uncompromising commitment to Cuba's liberation.

Casualties and Consequences

The human cost of the Ten Years' War was staggering. Approximately 50,000 Cuban rebels died, while Spanish forces suffered roughly 81,000 fatalities (including 75,000 from disease, primarily yellow fever) . The conflict also resulted in widespread economic devastation, particularly in eastern Cuba where most fighting occurred.

Despite its military failure, the Ten Years' War produced profound historical consequences:

Abolition of Slavery: The war accelerated the end of slavery in Cuba. The institution was formally abolished in 1886, partly due to the participation of enslaved people in the conflict and the disruption of the plantation economy

Revolutionary Precedent: The war established patterns of guerrilla warfare, international solidarity, and anti-colonial ideology that would inform subsequent struggles.

Leadership Development: It produced a generation of battle-tested leaders who would play crucial roles in the final push for independence, including Maceo, Gómez, and Calixto García.

National Identity: The conflict fostered a sense of Cuban national identity that transcended regional and racial divisions, creating what historian Ada Ferrer has called an "insurgent Cuban identity" that combined anti-colonial and antiracist principles.

Modern Commemoration: Independence Day Celebrations in Cuba

Contemporary observance of Cuba's Independence Day on October 10th reflects the deep historical significance of the Grito de Yara while incorporating vibrant cultural traditions. The holiday, known locally as "Dia de la Independencia," is marked by various festivities and solemn remembrance ceremonies throughout the island .

Table: Traditional Independence Day Activities in Cuba

Celebration	Description	Significance
Parades	Festive processions with music, costumes, and dancing	Community expression of national pride

Cultural Performances	Music and dance events in public spaces	Celebration of Cuban artistic traditions
Flag Displays	Cuban flag prominently exhibited on homes and buildings	Symbol of national identity and sovereignty
Traditional Foods	Preparation of special dishes like Arroz con Pollo	Culultural heritage and family traditions
Remembrance Ceremonies	Laying flowers at monuments to independence heroes	Honors sacrifices of freedom fighters
Fireworks	Colorful displays in the evening	Symbolizes celebration and national joy

The holiday forms part of a broader "Jornada de la Cultura Cubana" (Cuban Culture Day) that extends from October 10th to October 20th, the latter marking the date when Cuba's national anthem was first sung in 1868 . This connection between independence and cultural expression highlights how Cuba's struggle for sovereignty became inextricably linked with the development of a distinct national identity.

For visitors to Cuba, October provides a particularly rich cultural experience, with celebrations occurring throughout the month. Major hotels in Havana, such as Hotel Inglaterra (which once hosted José Martí) and Hotel Nacional de Cuba, often serve as hubs for Independence Day-related activities . The combination of historical reflection and vibrant celebration makes Independence Day a powerful annual reaffirmation of Cuban national identity, connecting contemporary citizens with the revolutionary ideals of 1868.

The Path to Final Independence: From Ten Years' War to Republic

The Ten Years' War, though unsuccessful in immediately achieving independence, initiated a revolutionary process that would continue through two subsequent conflicts:

The Little War (1879-1880): This brief uprising, sometimes called the Guerra Chiquita, was led by Calixto García and other veterans of the Ten Years' War. Lacking sufficient preparation and popular support, it was quickly suppressed by Spanish authorities but maintained the revolutionary continuity between the larger conflicts.

The Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898): Organized primarily by José Martí through the Cuban Revolutionary Party, this final uprising began on February 24, 1895 . Martí, who had been deported to Spain as a teenager for his support of the Ten Years' War, developed a sophisticated revolutionary ideology during his exile. He returned to Cuba in 1895 but was killed shortly after at Dos Ríos on May 19, 1895 . The war continued under the leadership of Máximo Gómez and Antonio Maceo (who was killed in 1896) and culminated in U.S. intervention in 1898 after the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 resulted in the final Spanish withdrawal from Cuba. After nearly three and a half years of U.S. military administration, Cuba formally achieved independence on May 20, 1902, with Tomás Estrada Palma becoming its first president  . The United States, however, retained significant influence through the Platt Amendment, which granted Washington the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintained a perpetual lease on Guantánamo Bay. This qualified independence explains why October 10th rather than May 20th remains the primary independence commemoration in Cuba, as it represents the authentic popular uprising rather than the politically complicated final transition.

It is worth noting that the White House under the current administration continues to recognize May 20th as Cuban Independence Day in its official communications, highlighting how the complex path to Cuban sovereignty continues to be interpreted differently by various political perspectives.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of October 10, 1868

The Grito de Yara launched a revolutionary tradition that would fundamentally shape Cuban history and identity. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes' declaration on October 10, 1868, established the inseparable connection between national sovereignty and social justice that has characterized Cuban political culture ever since. By linking independence with abolition and racial equality, the Ten Years' War created a vision of Cuban nationhood that transcended the narrowly political to embrace a more profound social transformation.

Though the Ten Years' War ended in military stalemate, its ideological victory proved decisive. The concepts of mambisería (the rebel spirit), antiracism, and uncompromising resistance to colonial oppression became enduring features of Cuban national identity, inspiring subsequent generations in their continued struggle for meaningful sovereignty. The leadership that emerged from this conflict—particularly the multiracial coalition represented by figures like Céspedes, Maceo, and Gómez—established a powerful precedent for Cuban unity across racial lines.

Today, as Cubans commemorate Independence Day each October 10th, they honor not merely a historical event but a living tradition of resistance and self-determination. The parades, cultural events, and remembrance ceremonies that mark this holiday connect contemporary Cuba to that fateful morning in 1868 when a sugar planter in Oriente province declared his slaves free and his country sovereign, initiating a struggle that would redefine the Caribbean and inspire liberation movements throughout the world. The Ten Years' War may not have immediately achieved its goals, but it forged the revolutionary consciousness that made Cuban independence inevitable, ensuring that the Grito de Yara would echo through history as the authentic birth cry of the Cuban nation.

Photo from: iStock

Share this

myearthisone