With a cry of 'Viva Fidel!', Cubans begin mourning for Castro

A photograph of Cuba's former President Fidel Castro is seen during a tribute ceremony, following the announcement of the death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in La Paz, Bolivia, November 26, 2016. REUTERS/David Mercado

HAVANA (Reuters) - Flag-waving Cuban students broke into a mass chant of "I am Fidel" to salute Fidel Castro as nine days of mourning began for the combative Cold War icon, who dominated the Communist island's political life for generations.

Alcohol sales were suspended, flags flew at half-staff and shows and concerts were cancelled after his younger brother and successor, President Raul Castro, told the country on Friday that Fidel had died at 10:29 p.m., without giving a cause of death.