45 years of a name: Isla de la Juventud

On August 2, 1978, the name Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth) became part of Cuba’s geography. Since then, this name has accompanied the former Isle of Pines, popularly known as the «Island of a Thousand Names».

An article published in CubaSí points out that the list of names began in the 16th century: Santiago, Santa María, San Pauli, Colonia de la Reina Amalia, Isla del Tesoro, Isla de los Piratas, Isla de las Cotorras, Isla Olvidada, Isla de los 500 Asesinatos, Siberia de Cuba, Isla de las Toronjas, Isla de Pinos…

Officially, Isla de Pinos was the dominant name for a significant period of time, to the extent that even today, individuals born on the island are referred to as «pineros».

The change of name in 1978 was preceded by long days of work, effort and transformation. According to the newspaper Juventud Rebelde, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz personally oversaw the process and described the event as a recognition of the youth.

**Fidel at the inauguration of the Viet Nam Heroico dam on the former Isle of Pines. Photo: Fidel Soldier of Ideas**

Since August 12, 1967, during the inauguration of the Vietnam Heroico dam, Fidel had predicted this change: «And so, comrades, if this phrase ‘Isle of Youth’ still does not have this content, why call it ‘Isle of Youth’? Let’s refer to it as the ‘Isle of Youth’ when young people have accomplished something remarkable with their work, when they have brought about a revolution in nature and can showcase the results of their efforts, when they have brought about a revolution in society here.

Eleven years later, the younger generations responded to Fidel’s call. Raúl Roa García, as Vice President of the National Assembly of People’s Power, officially declared the name change.

Coming from different parts of Cuba, hundreds of young people came together to speed up the development programs that were delayed by the devastating hurricane Alma in 1966. Thanks to their efforts, the cultivation of grapefruits and oranges expanded. Additionally, they also constructed the television tower in Sierra Caballos and made advancements in road and dam construction. This part of Cuba received an injection of life, and some who thought they were there temporarily stayed forever.

**Silvio Rodríguez at the Isla Verde Festival. Photo: Isla Verde Festival (Facebook)**

The Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud has priceless natural resources, legends of corsairs and pirates, and is currently a cultural haven. Recent cultural events include the Isla Verde International Caribbean Film and Environment Festival and the Paco Mir Literary Event, which honors the legacy of the celebrated poet from Pinar del Río.

Economic growth should not be overlooked, with agriculture and fishing playing a leading role. The Monumental Complex Presidio Modelo offers the advantages of heritage and history, while providing a better standard of education and well-being in the areas of education and health.

This August 2, the Municipal Department of Culture of the Territory will host an artistic show entitled The Island is Eternally Young, which will begin at 9:20. at the Caribbean Cinema. A well-deserved tribute to the hardworking people of this land discovered on June 13, 1494 by the Genoese admiral Don Cristóbal on his second voyage to the New World.