Miami residents took to the streets to celebrate the death of controversial Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro. Their reactions were captured on video (see above).
Roads were closed in Little Havana as the celebrations burst out after news of the death of Castro.
The death of Castro, at the age of 90, was announced on Cuban state television on November 25 by Castro’s brother, Raul. Castro had been ill for some time; in 2008, he turned over the power of the government to his brother. For decades, Castro stood as a Cold War symbol of defiance against the neighboring United States and its system of capitalism, the latter of which he was harshly critical. The exact circumstances of the death were not made clear on November 25.
Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. (Getty)
In Miami, people were rejoicing over the news. Outside Little Havana, people banged pots and pans, honked, cheered, and shouted “Cuba Libre!” Some criticized Castro for not allowing freedom of speech and expression like that exhibited after his death in Miami.
Starting to be a real crowd outside Versailles in Little Havana, cars stopping to honk and cheer “Cuba Libre!” (And “el viejo murió!”)
Great to watch the celebrations about Fidel Castro in Miami. This country allows freedom of expression. Unlike Fidel.
Roads closed in Little Havana — celebrations that #FidelCastro is dead. @wsvn
People waved the Cuban flag in what was dubbed “spontaneous” celebrations.
In Miami, spontaneous celebrations reacting to the news that Fidel Castro is dead. @NPR
Others were hesitant to celebrate the death of Castro.
Every Cuban I spoke to loved Fidel Castro. So while there may be celebrations, I’m sending my love to those mourning his loss 🇨🇺
On the opposite end of the reaction spectrum, NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell became the butt of jokes on Twitter for appearing to almost tear up when talking about Castro’s death. Mitchell has been criticized before for appearing to have positive feelings about Castro. She interviewed Castro in 2002.
Andrea Mitchell crying over Castro is reason 1002725 why I will never watch @MSNBC ever again.
Obama : gone
Hillary: gone
Fidel Castro: gone
Andrea Mitchell: sad
Chris Matthews: sad
RIP 2106 #Cuba
Read quotes from Castro here: