The "Dia de la Independencia" or the Independence Day marks the start of Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain in 1868 observed on October 10th.
The Peninsular Wars in Europe at the beginning of the 1800s made Napoleon's brother Joseph the King of Spain. These occurrences made many people in Spanish colonies in South and Central America want to be free from this new government since they didn't feel loyal to it.
Cuba was faithful to Spain, but as the century went on, the desire for independence didn't go away. People were becoming more and more angry with the Spanish government, which they thought was corrupt and oppressive.
Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a rich sugar mill owner, and his allies declared independence on October 10, 1868. The Grito de Yara ("Cry of Yara") began the Ten Year's War.
In the long run, this first battle of freedom was very important for Cuba's fight for independence from Spain, which eventually happened in December 1898. The conflict concluded with Cuba's submission to Spain in May 1878.
People also think that what happened in October 1868 led directly to the end of slavery in Cuba in 1886.
