Castro passed away on Friday night. His death was announced by his brother and the incumbent Cuban president, Raul Castro. A funeral ceremony has been scheduled for December 4, and will be held at a cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. Cuba has received a flood of condolences from leaders around the world, including the United Sates and Russia.
PEOPLE BRING FLOWERS TO CUBAN EMBASSY IN US IN MEMORY OF FIDEL CASTRO
People have been bringing flowers to the embassy since the very morning on Saturday.
Volunteer with LACAN (the Latin-American and Caribbean Action Network) and one of the organizers of the Saturday night vigil told Sputnik that despite the cold weather, there has been a "steady stream" of supportive and sad people coming to the embassy.
"We are here to mourn the loss of one of the greatest revolutionary leaders of the world history and to celebrate his life, and to celebrate his achievements," James Ploeser said. "But also to gather as a community because Fidel is exactly the sort of example we need in the US right now in the age of Donald Trump coming."
"For the Cuban people we send our love and empathy. We are sad for their loss, and the loss for the whole world. And we will continue here to keep fighting for the sort of ideals Fidel Castro fought for. Justice for working people, good healthcare for everyone, solid education for everyone," Ploeser added.
The Cuban flag was flying at half-staff. The posters with the photos of Fidel Castro hanging on the fence of the embassy read "Humanity lost an Icon," "In Solidarity, in liberation, in love, in peace," "People united will never be defeated."
While some people just stood thinking and watching the posters on the gates, others could not hold tears.
Gloria from the US state of Virginia laid flowers crying.
"I love Fidel. I am a socialist, and I believe in a cause," Gloria told Sputnik. "He did not rob from his country, he gave to his country."
Francisco Furlani from Brazil told Sputnik that he wanted to come to the embassy as he believes it’s a historic moment.
"Fidel an icon" Furlani said. "I think it’s important moment for the world in terms of history. We are with them [Cuba people]. They are mourning, it’s important for their country and I think solidarity from all the countries in the world."
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF FIDEL CASTRO HELD NEAR CUBAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON
Several dozen supporters of Fidel Castro held a moment of silence to honor the memory of the former Cuban president outside the embassy.
The vigil started at 5:00 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT) and lasted over an hour. People were holding candles, posters with Castro's photos, and flowers.
The moment of silence finished with people clapping, and shouting "Fidel, amigo, el pueblo esta contigo [Fidel, my friend, people are with you]."
And then the participants of the vigil sang one the most patriotic Cuban songs "Guantanamera" to the guitar player.
The gathering was peaceful and only one police car was seen nearby.
