Thousands of Cuban youths marched on Monday (January 27) through the streets of Havana to honour independence leader Jose Marti on the 161st anniversary of his birth.<br/> <br />Known as the "March of the Torches", the procession is held every year to remember Marti.<br/> <br />This year, the march coincided with the 2nd Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).<br/> <br />Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Uruguayan President Jose Mujica and Bolivian President Evo Morales joined Cuban President Raul Castro in leading off the march.<br/> <br />Young people celebrated the memory of Marti and the first march held for him in 1953.<br/> <br />Marti was a 19th century writer and opponent of Spanish colonial rule who is hailed in Cuba as the nation's independence hero.
