* - slight stain on the bottom of the note
The Cuban 50 peseta note is a unique reminder of national history and a tribute to one of the most important figures of the Cuban struggle for independence, General Calixto García Iñíguez.
Calixto García (1839-1898) was one of the main leaders of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. This native of Holguín devoted his life to the three wars for the liberation of Cuba, known as the Ten Years' War (1868-1878), the Little War (1879-1880) and the War of Independence (1895-1898). He became famous not only for his determination, but also for his ability to wage guerrilla warfare and his strategic achievements, which contributed to the weakening of Spanish power.
Calixto García and his legacy
One of the most significant moments of his life was his capture during the Ten Years' War, when he attempted suicide to avoid the humiliation of captivity. Although he survived the attempt, this act illustrates his unwavering determination. In later years, he played a key role in organizing the fighting and winning support for the Cuban cause abroad.
His death in 1898 in Washington, D.C., where he sought U.S. assistance in the struggle for independence, was a tragic end to a life dedicated to the liberation of Cuba. But Calixto García remains a symbol of Cuban resistance and the desire for freedom.
