Medals from Cuba
Cuban Military Medals, Awards, and Decorations
Cuba’s system of orders, decorations, and medals reflects the nation’s values and history, honoring individuals and organizations for exceptional service, heroism, and contributions to society, the state, and international solidarity. These awards are deeply rooted in Cuba’s revolutionary ideals and socialist principles, and they serve to recognize achievements in a wide range of fields, including labor, military service, science, culture, and internationalism.
Cuban honors are typically bestowed by the Council of State, the highest governing body, ensuring that they align with national priorities and values. They may be awarded to both Cuban citizens and foreigners who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to Cuba or global socialism.
Popular Cuban Medals, Orders & Decorations
Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the republic of Cuba.
The Order of Playa Girón
The Order of Playa Girón was established in 1961 to recognize exceptional contributions to the defense of sovereignty, peace, and humanity.
The Order of Jose Martí
The Order of José Martí is one of Cuba’s most prestigious honors and awarded for exceptional contributions to humanity and society.
The Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes
The Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is a prestigious decoration of the Republic of Cuba, named after the independence leader.
The Hero of the Republic of Cuba Medal
The Hero of the Republic of Cuba is the nation’s highest honorary title, symbolizing extraordinary achievement and dedication.
The Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba Medal
This medal is awarded by the Council of State to Cuban and foreign citizens in recognition of extraordinary achievements in creative work.
Categories of Cuban Awards
Cuba’s awards system is organized into three main types: Orders, decorations, and medals.
Orders represent the highest honors, reserved for individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to Cuba’s revolutionary and national ideals, often through lifelong contributions or extraordinary acts of bravery and leadership. Decorations recognize significant achievements in specific fields such as science, the arts, or social progress. Finally, medals are more widely awarded and typically highlight specific acts of valor, notable contributions to Cuban society, or consistent dedication to a particular cause.
Cuban Medals
from All Time Periods
Cuba’s system of honors is comparable to similar systems in other socialist and revolutionary states, reflecting shared ideological values. However, it also includes awards that highlight Cuba’s unique cultural and historical context, emphasizing the island nation’s revolutionary identity, sovereignty, and contributions to global solidarity. Here’s the complete list.
The Order of Jose Martí
The Order of José Martí is one of Cuba’s most prestigious honors and awarded for exceptional contributions to humanity and society.
The Order of Sports Merit
The Order of Sports Merit is a distinguished Cuban honor that recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of sports.
The Order of Blas Roca
The Order of Blas Roca (Orden Blas Roca) is a prestigious Cuban honor established for the advancement of socialism and collective progress.
The Order of Félix Varela
The Order of Félix Varela is a prestigious Cuban honor for exceptional contributions to the enrichment and preservation of cultural heritage.
The Order of the 17th of May
The Order of the 17th of May is a distinguished Cuban honor honoring individuals whose dedication align with the Revolution.
The Order of the 6th of June Medal
The Order of the 6th of June (Orden 6 de Junio) is a prestigious Cuban honor for dedication, bravery, and exceptional achievements.
The Order of Juan Marinello
The Order of Juan Marinello is a prestigious Cuban decoration for contributions to ideological, cultural, and artistic development.
The Order of Solidarity
The Order of Solidarity is a prestigious Cuban decoration for outstanding contributions to justice, equality, and peace.
The Order For the Service to the Fatherland in the Revolutionary Armed Forces
This order is a distinguished military honor for exemplary dedication and exceptional service within the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).
The Order of Ana Betancourt
The Order of Ana Betancourt is a distinguished Cuban decoration that celebrates the achievements of exceptional women.
The Order of Frank Pais
The Order of Frank País is a prestigious Cuban award that recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of education.
The Order of Julio Antonio Mella
The Order of Julio Antonio Mella is a Cuban honor that recognizes outstanding contributions by youth who embody revolutionary ideals.
The Order of the Liberation War Combatant
The Order of the Liberation War Combatant is a prestigious Cuban decoration for individuals who demonstrated extraordinary dedication.
The Order of Lázaro Peña
The Order of Lázaro Peña is a prestigious Cuban award that recognizes extraordinary contributions to labor and national development.
The Order of Marianna Grajales
The Order of Mariana Grajales is a distinguished Cuban honor that recognizes the exceptional contributions of Cuban women to the nation.
The Order of Ernesto Che Guevara
The Order of Ernesto Che Guevara is one of Cuba’s most distinguished honors and is awarded for contributions to internationalist missions.
The Order of Camilo Cienfuegos
The Order of Camilo Cienfuegos is a prestigious Cuban military decoration for exceptional contributions to the defense of Cuba’s sovereignty.
The Order of Antonio Maceo
The Order of Antonio Maceo is a distinguished military honor established in 1979 and awarded in recognition of exceptional contributions.
The Order of Máximo Gómez
The Order of Máximo Gómez is one of Cuba’s highest military honors, established on December 10, 1979 and given for exceptional contributions.
The Order of Playa Girón
The Order of Playa Girón was established in 1961 to recognize exceptional contributions to the defense of sovereignty, peace, and humanity.
The Order of Carlos J. Finlay
The Order of Carlos Juan Finlay honors Cuban and foreign citizens for their contributions to science, research, and public health.
The Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes
The Order of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is a prestigious decoration of the Republic of Cuba, named after the independence leader.
The Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba Medal
This medal is awarded by the Council of State to Cuban and foreign citizens in recognition of extraordinary achievements in creative work.
The Hero of the Republic of Cuba Medal
The Hero of the Republic of Cuba is the nation’s highest honorary title, symbolizing extraordinary achievement and dedication.
The Inter Allied Victory Medal (Cuba)
The Cuban Victory Medal was awarded to all military personnel or civilians who have been employed in war service between 1917 and 1919.