The Cuban people celebrated the 53 rd anniversary of their revolution in Havana on the first day of the new year (January 1).

The celebration took place at a time when Cuba went through 2011 with a number of historical events, especially the successful organising of the 6 th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba and the adoption of an economic model update policy that aims to bring the country out of difficulties and continue the path to socialism.

A 21-gun salute was fired to mark the day when the Cuban revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro overthrew the dictatorial Batista regime, beginning the process of building socialism in this peaceful island.

Many cultural and artistic activities have been held nationwide to celebrate New Year 2012 with a hope for new successes in the revolutionary cause of the Cuban people.

On the occasion, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Bolivian President Evo Morales and Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega sent messages of congratulations to Cuba .

In 2011, despite impacts of the world economic crisis, Cuba recorded an economic growth of 2.7 percent./.