Cuba Celebrates Football Day

As every December 11, Cuba celebrated Football Day in commemoration of the first official match, held in 1911 between the Hatuey and Rovers teams.

Although it is known that the match actually took place one day earlier, tradition established the date, and it was officially recognized as such.

This year, activities honoring the 114th anniversary were held throughout the country, featuring matches across all categories and events related to the sport.

The national celebration program began with the women’s World Cup qualifying match between the Cuban team and the squad from Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The date also coincided with the Clausura Tournament of the 108th National Football League, with six teams competing for the national championship title.

A visit was made to the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital, where athletes from the U-17 men’s and women’s teams spoke with hospitalized children and gifted them football jerseys.

On Thursday morning, a floral tribute was offered at the sports pantheon of Havana’s Colón Cemetery, honoring the nation’s sports legends.

A discussion was also held with current representatives of the sport, followed by a dinner in which past milestones were revisited and suggestions were presented to the leadership of the Cuban Football Association regarding the future of the sport on the island.

The anniversary celebration concluded with a match reenacting the historic game in which Cubans and Spaniards faced the British.

Participating were Raúl Fornés Valenciano, First Vice President of Inder; Oliet Rodríguez Méndez, President of the Cuban Football Association; and renowned former athletes.

The symbolic curtain came down with a warm gathering uniting all participants in the day’s activities.