Che Guevara Volunteer Brigade, 2006

What is the Brigade?

Every year the Cuban Institute of Friendship of the Peoples (ICAP) hosts several work/study solidarity brigades from all over the world. The "Che Guevara" Brigade is comprised of English-speaking Canadians who seek a better understanding of the Cuban reality. Brigadistas participate in volunteer work - frequently in agricultural fields or construction sites for the benefit of Cuban people. In addition, participants have the opportunity to visit historical sites and learn about the economy, culture and social fabric of the Cuban people.

In 2006, the 14th Contingent of the Che Guevara Brigade spent 21 days mainly in the provinces of Granma, and Holguin, and in the historic city of Havana.

Itinerary for 2006

Friday, July 28th

Wpg - Toronto, Pearson International Airport - Habana - International Camp

Saturday, July 29th

Habana - Ciego de Avila - Camaguey by Autobus

Sunday, July 30th

Camaguey - Holguin

Monday, July 31st

Holguin - Biran, Fidel's Childhood Home

Tuesday, August 1st

Holguin - Bariay Encounter - Bayamo - Provincial leaders - Meet the Press - Gala Cultural Event

Wednesday, August 2nd

Bayamo - Escuela de Instructores de Arts Cacique Hatuey

Thursday, August 3rd

Field work, Bayamo City Tour, Wreath Laying Ceremony

Friday, August 4th

Bayamo - Field Work

Saturday, August 5th

Field Work - Free time in Bayamo

Sunday, August 6th

Field Work - Botanical Garden Tour

Monday, August 7th

Che HQ at Las Mercedes - Museum of Battle of Santo Domingo - Police Escort

Tuesday, August 8th

La Comandancia de La Plata, Fidel's Mountain Rebel HQ - Rebel Quintet

Wednesday, August 9th

Tour of Southern Granma Province... La Demajagua, Home of Celia Sanchez, Granma Landing Site, Los Coloradas Beach

Thursday, August 10th

Field Work - Learning to drive oxen - Cuban Political System

Friday, August 11th

Ice Cream Factory Tour - Neighbourhood Block Party!

Saturday, August 12th

Field Work - The Economy of Cuba -

Sunday, August 13th

Dos Rios - Jiguani - Canadian Night Supper

Monday, August 14th

Guizza Battle Site - Medical Clinic Tour - Elementary School Visit - Evening Program & Many Goodbys

Tuesday, August 15th

Bayamo - Ciego de Avila - Santa Clara (Che's City) - Santa Clara Libre Hotel

Wednesday, August 16th

Santa Clara, Che Monument - La Habana

Thursday, August 17th

Family of The Cuban 5 - Meeting with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs - Izule Resort (Last Night)

Friday, August 18th

Habana - Toronto - Winnipeg