In the early hours of New Year’s day 1959, the dictator Fulgencio Batista stole away from Cuba. His ignominious departure, entirely in keeping with the manner in which he had ruled, opened the way for the headstrong son of a prosperous farmer to take over the country.

On Wednesday, the farmer’s son, Fidel Castro, leader of a scruffy group of rebels who overcame the odds to destroy Batista’s army, celebrates 50 years in power. He is no longer president, having passed the title to his younger brother Raúl in February but, despite his poor health, he is still assumed to guide the country from behind the scenes.