The three embraces of Labor Hero Abundio Sánchez Varona to Fidel Castro

Abundio Sánchez Varona—a native of Sancti Spíritus who has carved out a thousand paths with the blade of his machete, eventually earning the honorary title of Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba—counts the three embraces he shared with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, among the highlights of his life.

Abundio was the first “National Vanguard” worker recognized by the Agricultural and Forestry Workers’ Union of Sancti Spíritus, a distinction he held for 28 years.

It is said that he became renowned in the fields for his ability to produce—single-handedly—as much as an entire brigade of men.

Memories of this quintessential countryman’s first meeting with Fidel are still worth revisiting. “It was a surprise; I was taken to Varadero, where I received an award from the agricultural union, and then taken to Havana. Fidel wanted to present an award to the ‘Vanguard’ workers and to meet them—to see them in person.”

I remember it took place at the Ñico López Party School, during the Fifth Plenary Session on livestock farming.