Fidel Castro makes rare public appearance in support of favorite artist Alexis Leyva

Fidel Castro, former President of Cuba, stopped by the Havana cultural center in support of a Cuban artist, Alexis Leyva. He was greeted by locals with a warm welcome and applause.

Castro, 87, was reportedly helped into the building by aides and a cane after talking to some residents from Playa municipality of Havana, according to Reuters.

In 2006, the former president stepped down after falling gravely ill. Castro has had multiple abdomen surgeries, as well as half his colon removed. After the death scare, he handed the power directly to his brother, Raul.

Although, occasional writings of Castro appear in the media, pictures do not.
Castro has not made a handful of appearances since April of last year, according to BBC News . The last pictures to surface were of him meetings with Venezuelan President, ally of Cuba, in December, however he entertains several guests at his villa outside of Havana.

His wife Dalia Soto de Valle was in attendance with him.

Photo Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons