Cry of Yara

The Cry of Yara (Spanish: El Grito de Yara) was a declaration, battle cry, and uprising in eastern Cuba on 10 October 1868, initiating the Ten Years' War.

Cry of Yara
Part of Ten Years' War
Date 10 October 1868 – 11 October 1868 (1 day) Location Yara, Oriente Province, Captaincy General of Cuba Result Cuban victory
Belligerents
Cuban rebels	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Gen. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes	Unknown
Strength
140 mambises	Unknown

History

The signaling of the Yara uprising occurred near Manzanillo in the eastern province of Oriente, at the sugar plantation and mill of La Demajagua. On October 10, 1868, the revolutionary proclamation of Cuba's independence known as the Cry of Yara (Spanish: El Grito de Yara) was issued by Cuban revolutionary and plantation owner Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.

Following the tolling of the slave bell that morning, which signaled his slaves that work was about to begin, they assembled before him, ready for instructions. Céspedes gave a passionate address, declared the independence of Cuba, and pledged to gradually end slavery. He first liberated his own slaves and invited them to fight alongside him against Spanish colonial forces, initiating the Ten Years' War in Cuba.

The Battle

The Cuban insurrectionists remained at Demajagua, leaving the next day at dawn on October 11, 1868, with intentions to attack and occupy the nearby town of Yara. A total of 147 men armed themselves with 45 fowling pieces, 4 rifles, and several pistols and machetes.

The Spanish garrison at Yara, situated between the cities of Manzanillo and Bayamo, fell to Céspedes in his first successful military encounter.

Aftermath

The news of the uprising at Yara inspired many to join the cause, leading to the eventual formation of the Cuban Liberation Army.

Cuba Independence Day is observed every year on October 10th as a national holiday and the anniversary of the beginning of the first Cuban War of Independence.