vergrössern

vergrössern

When the On December 31st, 1958 Tropicana opened, no one suspected the big event to come. Everything had been prepared as usual, but for the first time since its inauguration, the halls were not as full it was normal to see.
Approximately at 10:30 p.m., a man in civilian clothes rushed in and approached the Chief of Police of Marianao, who was sitting at a table, who suddenly hurried out. Excitement took over all people present.
That night was very moderate. At 12 midnight, there was no natural joy for the coming of the New Year. A dramatic, tense, expectant atmosphere was sensed, as if all foretell the outcome.
At 2:30 a.m. a plane flying above the cabaret was heard. Something unusual never happened before. Although everyone expected the fall of Fulgencio Batista, nobody imagined that he would flee. Early in the morning, after hearing the news, employees occupied the cabaret.
At 8:00 a.m., as usual, Martin Fox, its owner arrived. He was authorized to enter and was informed that the cabaret would not open its doors in response to the call by Fidel for general strike.
Around 4 p.m. two trucks loaded with people made their appearance in order to plunder the cabaret, but those who were guarding it step out and the trucks opted to leave.
On day 3, in the afternoon, the troops of Commander Camilo Cienfuegos heading to occupy Camp Columbia, now Ciudad Escolar Libertad, under the command of Lieutenant Egaña, came and coordinated the operations related to custody and care of the cabaret.
In the evening, they had to find Martin at his home with police to open Tropicana because he had refused to do so. After the Fidel's speech on January 8, 1959, Tropicana returned to normal. From the 9th it has continued to operate with remarkable influx of people.