Cuba puts new 2,000 and 5,000 peso bills into circulation featuring Mariana Grajales and Celia Sánchez

April 5, 2026

Cuba's central bank began putting 2,000 and 5,000 peso bills into circulation, a measure aimed at easing the pressure of an economy marked by inflation and massive cash use.

According to official information released through Cubadebate, it is the first time that Cuban paper money features the faces of women. The 2,000 peso bill bears the image of Mariana Grajales, a key figure in Cuban independence, while the 5,000 peso bill is dedicated to Celia Sánchez, a combatant and close collaborator of Fidel Castro.

The decision responds to the need to facilitate transactions in an economy where many payments are still made in cash, while also attempting to reduce logistical costs and make the handling of money in circulation more efficient.

The announcement comes amid a prolonged economic crisis, with high inflation and strong pressure on the population's purchasing power.