Havana, January 27 (RHC)-- In diverse parts of the world -- such as China, Russia, Costa Rica and Key West, Florida -- homage is being paid to Cuba’s National Hero, José Martí, on the occasion of the 165th anniversary of his birth, on January 28, 1853.

In the Chinese capital, Beijing, the Cervantes Institute hosted an event with the participation of diplomats from various nations and Chinese students and academics, where it was stressed that the figure of Martí is essential and universal.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, there was a celebration at the Cuban embassy, attended by the chairman of the Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation Indonesia-Cuba, the deputy director of the Department of American Foreign Ministry, Vice President of the Association of Friendship Indonesian-Cuba, and a representation of students from seven universities in the capital.

The Cuban ambassador said in his remarks: “Martí left his mark on history, not only because he led the war for the independence of Cuba, but also because he bequeathed to humanity his ethical thinking, and the principles defended by him are valid for any society.”

Commemorations also took place in Italy.  In Rome, the Cuban embassy invited political and social organizations, trade unions, the Cuban solidarity movement, Cuban expatiates and Italians to mark the occasion with recitations of Marti's writing and ideas.

In Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador activities of homage were paid to the Hero, who died in combat on May 19, 1895, during the struggle to liberate Cuba from Spanish colonial rule.

In Cuba on Friday, the University of Havana paid homage with a screening of the documentary "Antorchas Martianas," which centers on people who took part in 1953's March of the Torches -- a few years before U.S.-backed dictator Fulgensia Batista was overthrown by Fidel Castro and his fellow revolutionaries.

Sunday, on the day of the anniversary of his birth, there are many celebrations taking place across the island.