Carlos Manuel de Céspedes

Carlos Manuel de Céspedes launched the official military quest for Cuban independence from Spain on October 12 1868. In a historic speech known as the Cry of Yara (el Grito de Yara), he freed his slaves, and, along with a handful of additional rich Cuban planters who did likewise, began what became the Ten-Year War. This day is celebrated in Cuba as the Day of Cuban Culture.