Santiago de Cuba, February 25 (RHC)-- Cubans paid tribute on Monday to National Hero José Martí on the occasion of the 119th anniversary of the start of the “Necessary War,” the last Cuban offensive against Spanish colonial rule.

An homage ceremony took place in the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, where the remains of the Apostle, as Marti is popularly referred to, were led to rest.

Floral wreaths on behalf of Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro, President Raul Castro and the people of Cuba were deposited by soldiers during the act attended by workers and students from nearby military schools.

The final war cry against Spanish colonialism of February 24 is known in Cuba as “El Grito de Baire”, and was launched by patriots such as Martí, Satunino Lora and Florencia Salcedo under the premise of Independence or Death.