Bayamo, Feb 19 (RHC)-- Residents of Cuba's eastern city of Bayamo, in Granma province, paid homage Sunday to patriot Pedro Figueredo, fondly called 'Perucho Figueredo' --composer of the music and lyrics of Cuba's national anthem, on the occasion of his 200th birthday anniversary.

During the solemn ceremony, a floral wreath was placed at the bust of Figueredo at the Revolution Square in Bayamo City, and those in attendance sang the national anthem, which waswas first heard on October 20th, 1868.

In statements to the press, Bayamo's city historian Ludin Fonseca stressed that 'Perucho' Figueredo is much more than just the author of the patriotic song turned into the Cuban national anthem. He rose up in arms alongside patriot Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in October, 1868, against Spanish colonialism.

Due to his pro-independence activities, Perucho Figueredo was captured by Spanish troops in 1870 and taken to Santiago de Cuba, where he was sentenced to death and later, executed by a firing squad.

Addressing those present during Sunday's solemn ceremony, Eduardo Torres Cuevas, President of the Cuban Academy of History said: "Paying tribute to Perucho is honoring the greatest, most noble, and patriotic of our country.” He highlighted Figueredo's rebelliousness and his commitment to Cuba's independence.

The Cuban Ministry of Informatics and Communications and the company Correos de Cuba issued a commemorative stamp of the 200th birthday anniversary of 'Perucho' Figueredo. It features Figueredo on horseback, composing the lyrics of what was to become Cuba's national anthem.