Granma has received numerous calls from readers questioning why 2010 is being defined as the 52nd Year of the Revolution when we have just finished celebrating the 50th anniversary of that historic event.

This is something that we have explained before on previous occasions, but which always needs to be clarified again.

So as to clarify these concerns, we should say that the name chosen is correct because in effect, from this January 1st our revolutionary process will begin the 52nd year of its existence, although the anniversary will be celebrated on the same day in 2011.

Perhaps the following example will help to better explain the issue. When a baby is born, its first year begins from the moment he is born, that is to say, it includes that and every one of the 364 days that follow until s/he celebrates their first birthday. And from that moment onwards begins their second year.

This logic indicates that during the course of 2010, we are in the 52nd Year of the Revolution.

Of course, the names of the past two years appears to have created confusion but if we analyze the situation using the previous explanation, this should serve to clarify the years and the anniversaries: 2008, was the 50th Year of the Revolution and 2009 was the 50th anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution.

The agreement by the National Assembly of People’s Power is that the denomination of the years will continue by consecutive numbers except if there is any event or special commemoration that should be highlighted for its exceptional nature. This was what occurred in 2009 which should have been Year 51 of the Revolution if we had not celebrated the extraordinary 50th anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution.