When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

You've reached your limit of one free article.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime .

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Exclusive International news coverage

Ad-free experience NEW

Weekly digital Magazine NEW

9 daily & weekly Newsletters

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Free trial

30-days free access, then $2.90
per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
This Happened

This Happened — July 31: Fidel Castro Hands Over Power

Fidel Castro officially handed over power to his brother Raúl Castro on this day in 2006.

Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.

Why did Fidel Castro decide to transfer power to his brother?

Fidel Castro's decision to transfer power to his brother Raúl Castro was prompted by his declining health. Fidel underwent intestinal surgery in July 2006, leading him to temporarily delegate presidential responsibilities to Raúl. Eventually, Fidel made the decision permanent due to his health condition.

What role did Raúl assume after taking over from Fidel?

After assuming power from Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro became the acting president of Cuba. He held this position until February 2008 when he was formally elected as the President of the Council of State and the President of the Council of Ministers.

How did Raúl Castro's presidency differ from Fidel Castro's rule?

Raúl Castro's presidency marked a period of gradual reform in Cuba. Under his leadership, the country experienced some economic changes and openness to limited market reforms. Raúl implemented measures such as allowing more private enterprise and initiating diplomatic discussions with the United States, leading to the restoration of diplomatic relations in 2015.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

food / travel

Pasta v. Fascists: How Italy's Staple Dish Became A Symbol Of Resistance

Pasta may not be considered controversial today, but it played an important role during Italy's fascist years, particularly in one family's celebration of community and liberation.

Photo of the Cervi family.

Photo of the Cervi family, whose seven children were shot by the Fascists on December 28, 1943, at the Reggio Emilia shooting range.

@comunisti_alla_ribalta via Instagram
Jacopo Fontaneto

ROME — Eighty years ago — on July 25, 1943 — the vote of no confidence by the Grand Council of Fascism, leading to Benito Mussolini's arrest, set off widespread celebrations. In Campegine, a small village in the Emilian province, the Cervi family celebrated in their own way: they brought 380 kilograms of pasta in milk cans to the town square and offered it to all the inhabitants of the village.

The pasta was strictly plain: macaroni dressed with butter and cheese, seen as more of a "festive dish" in that period of deprivation. As soon as the Cervi brothers learned about the arrest of Mussolini, they procured flour, borrowed butter and cheese from the dairy, and prepared kilos and kilos of pasta. They then loaded it onto a cart to distribute it to their fellow villagers. Pastasciutta (dry pasta) specifically regards dishes with noodles that are plated "dry", not in broth. That would disqualify soup, risotto, ravioli...

Even though pastasciutta is the most stereotypical type of pasta today, it had a complicated relationship with the government during Italy's fascist years.

Keep reading...Show less

The latest