• Veterans of the 1959 insurrection against Gen. Fulgencio Batista attend a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary the Cuban Revolution in Santiago, Cuba, Thursday Jan. 1, 2009. Fifty years after triumphant armed rebels descended from the mountains, Cuba celebrated the revolution's anniversary Thursday with toned-down festivities following a trio of devastating hurricanes and under the enduring public absence of an ailing Fidel Castro. ISMAEL FRANCISCO / AP

  • The President of Cuba, Raul Castro speaks during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba Thursday Jan. 1, 2009. Fifty years after triumphant armed rebels took power, Cuba celebrated the revolution's anniversary Thursday with toned-down festivities following a trio of devastating hurricanes and under the enduring public absence of an ailing Fidel Castro. DARIO LOPEZ-MILLS / AP

  • A woman watches the 50th Anniversary of the Revolution ceremony on television in her home decorated with a photograph of Cuba's leader Fidel Castro in Havana, Thursday, Jan.1, 2009. Fifty years after triumphant armed rebels descended from the eastern mountains, communist Cuba celebrated the revolution's anniversary Thursday with toned-down festivities after a trio of devastating hurricanes and under the enduring public absence of an ailing Fidel Castro. JAVIER GALEANO / AP

  • People listen to a speech during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba, Thursday Jan. 1, 2009. DARIO LOPEZ-MILLS / AP

  • Signs marking the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution are placed throughout Santiago, Cuba. Tourists cross the street across from the Plaza of the Revolution. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Residents on Santiago shop for festivities in celebration of the new year and the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. A woman peers through her front door for a vegetable vendor. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Children stand on their balcony in Old Havana as a flag hanging over their street waves in the wind. Parents say it is hard times, simple things like soap and milk are rare. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Men groom themselves outside and near their homes as many prepare for a night of celebration. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Signs marking the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution are placed throughout Santiago, Cuba. Shoppers and commuters wait pass and wait at the bus stop where the large billboard looms. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Roast pig is prepared and cooked to mark both the new year and the 50th anniversary of the revolution. Men cook the traditional dish in open pits outside their homes, MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Signs marking the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution are placed throughout Santiago, Cuba. Small poster's honoring the 5Oth anniversary of the revolution is placed inside the frame of a window. An antique Ford is parked on the sidewalk. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Men groom themselves outside and near their homes as many prepare for a night of celebration. Two young men cut their toe nails by softening their nails with water. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Residents on Santiago shop for festivities in celebration of the new year and the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. A woman peers through her front door and purchases produce from a vegetable vendor. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • A man dressed in military uniform, bottom right, stops to give instructions and where pedestrians can move throughout the historical colonial center. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • A mural celebrating the Cuban Revolution and with the words 'Viva Fidel y Raul' is one of many decorating the historic colonial town. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • A mural celebrating the Cuban Revolution and with the words 'Viva Fidel y Raul' is one of many decorating the historic colonial town. Meanwhile, a pedestrian makes his way across the busy boulevard. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • A woman stands in the empty street near the area where Raul Castro is suppose to the 50th anniversary address. Most shops and several streets were closed as security is tight in anticipation of the President's arrival. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Two elderly women read the official party paper, Granma, in Santiago, Cuba. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Residents of Santiago line to board the bus. A woman carrying a festive cake tries to make her way on the bus to others' dismay. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Cuba celebrates its 50th Anniversary of its revolution on New Year's Day with a speech from Raul Castro in Santiago, Cuba. The historic city center is decorated with the national flag and banners in celebration of the significant day. Most shops and other businesses were closed and security surrounding the old town square is tight due to the arrival of the president, Raul Castro. MIAMI HERALD STAFF

  • Cuba celebrates its 50th Anniversary of its revolution on New Year's Day with a speech from Raul Castro in Santiago, Cuba. The historic city center is decorated with the national flag and banners in celebration of the significant day. Most shops and other businesses were closed and security surrounding the old town square is tight due to the arrival of the president, Raul Castro. MIAMI HERALD STAFF