Cuba's Fidel Castro turns 90

A giant cake for workers in Havana – just one of the many tributes to Fidel Castro on his 90th birthday.

Communist-ruled Cuba is celebrating its founding figure, a decade after he stepped down.

The elderly revolutionary now has the honorific title Historic Leader. His history – undeniably part of world history too.

Tribute to the 90th birthday of Fidel Castro.The living legendary.The revolutionary inspiration.#socialism_or_death. pic.twitter.com/47UYyBcK84

— Dr.Sujan Chakraborty (@Sujan_Speak) August 13, 2016

From 1959 when he took power helped by Che Guevara and others (ché guébara) to the impassioned, hours-long speeches during nearly half a century of rule and the changing Cuba that has emerged now that Fidel’s influence has waned, with market-style reforms and detente with arch-foe the United States.

Many will be wondering if a rare public appearance might mark Fidel Castro’s big day.

Wishing a very, very happy 90th birthday to Fidel Castro. pic.twitter.com/DQhJ8Yx6YC

— Taryn Fivek (@fivek) August 13, 2016

Analysts says that he remains hugely popular even with his aura of invincibility gone. And he plays a role as a brake on the pace of change, with Communist Party conservatives using his moral authority and popularity to bolster attempts to thwart reform.