Alberto Granado Argentine and Cuban physician, writer and scientist Date of Birth: 08.08.1922 Country: Argentina

1. Alberto Granado: The Argentine-Cuban Revolutionary
2. Friendship with Che Guevara
3. Journey Across Latin America
4. Founding the Santiago de Cuba Medical School
5. Documenting the Revolution
6. The Motorcycle Diaries Film
7. Legacy

Alberto Granado: The Argentine-Cuban Revolutionary

Alberto Granado was an Argentine-Cuban physician, writer, and scientist who played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution.

Friendship with Che Guevara

Born in 1922 in Córdoba, Argentina, Granado became a renowned biochemist before his fateful encounter with a young medical student named Ernesto "Che" Guevara in 1952. Their bond quickly blossomed into a lifelong friendship and shared passion for social justice.

Journey Across Latin America

In 1952, Granado and Guevara embarked on an iconic motorcycle journey across Latin America. Traveling on a dilapidated Norton 500, they witnessed firsthand the poverty and inequality that plagued the region. This experience radicalized Guevara and set him on the path to revolution.

Founding the Santiago de Cuba Medical School

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Granado moved to Cuba and committed himself to the development of the country's healthcare system. In 1962, he founded the Santiago de Cuba Medical School, which became a renowned institution training thousands of physicians who went on to serve in Cuba and beyond.

Documenting the Revolution

Granado's firsthand experiences with Guevara during their motorcycle journey inspired him to write his memoir, "Travelling with Che Guevara: The Making of a Revolutionary." This book, published in 1975, provided invaluable insights into Guevara's early life and the events that shaped his revolutionary ideology.

The Motorcycle Diaries Film

Granado's memoir served as the basis for the 2004 film "The Motorcycle Diaries," which chronicled his and Guevara's epic journey. In the film, Granado was portrayed by Argentine actor Rodrigo de la Serna, while Gael García Bernal played Guevara. Granado himself made a memorable cameo appearance in the film's closing scene.

Legacy

Alberto Granado's contributions to the Cuban Revolution extended far beyond his role as a companion to Che Guevara. As a physician, writer, and educator, he dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of the Cuban people. His legacy as a revolutionary and a compassionate human being continues to inspire generations of activists and change-makers around the world.