January 8, 1959; Castro enters Havana On January 8, 1959, Fidel made his grand entrance into Havana. With his son Fidelity at his side, he rode on top of a Sherman tank to Camp Columbia, where he gave the first of his long, rambling, difficult-to-endure speeches. It was broadcast on radio and television for the entire world to witness. For the Cubans it was what they had waited for! During the speech, smiling Castro asked Camilo Cienfuegos, “How am I doing?” and the catchphrase “VOY Bain, Camilo” was born.