The Obama Diary

Sunday, March 20

Old Havana Walking Tour

On the day they touch down in Cuba, President Obama and his family will visit Old Havana. When the First Family visits the Havana Cathedral during their walk, they will be met by Cardinal Ortega, the Latin Rite Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Havana and a Cardinal of the Catholic Church.

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Monday, March 21

José Martí Memorial

The following day, the President will lay a wreath and sign a guestbook in a ceremony at the José Martí Memorial. José Martí, known as “the Apostle of Cuban Independence,” was an influential poet, journalist, and political theorist who became a symbol for the Cuban people’s bid for independence.

Discussion on Entrepreneurship and Opportunity

In Havana, the President will meet with Cuban entrepreneurs, or cuentapropistas, to hear their experiences. The event will include American entrepreneurs who will share their own experiences with their Cuban counterparts and look for opportunities to build long-term relationships.

Bilateral Meetings and State Dinner at the Revolutionary Palace

During the day, President Obama will hold a bilateral meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro at the Revolutionary Palace to discuss a full host of bilateral and regional issues.

Later that evening, the President and First Lady will return for a State Dinner.

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Tuesday, March 22

Meeting with Civil Society Members

Just as he will meet with the government, the President will meet with a group of Cuban civil society, including human rights activists.

Remarks to the Cuban People

President Obama will have the opportunity to speak directly to the Cuban people with remarks at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater.

Major League Baseball Game

The Tampa Bay Rays are traveling to Cuba to represent Major League Baseball in an exhibition game against the Cuban National Team at Estadio Latinamericano, which first hosted Jackie Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The President will attend.

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Full details here

On This Day: President Barack Obama and Senior Advisor David Axelrod depart an event at the Costa Mesa Town Hall at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., March 18, 2025 (Photo by Pete Souza)

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Today

The President has no public events scheduled (although some speculation that he might hold a press conference re Merrick Garland/pre-Cuba trip - we shall see!)