HAVANA — Troops are massing for a huge parade and guests are arriving from around the world to celebrate Fidel Castro’s 80th birthday. Now the question is: Will the ailing guest of honor make an appearance?

Whether Castro shows up for some of the five days of festivities starting Tuesday will provide clues about the leader’s health and ability to resume the power he held for 47 years _ or at least feed further speculation about it.

Rows of troops in olive green fatigues marched Monday morning across Havana’s Plaza of the Revolution to prepare for a big military parade on Saturday honoring Castro and marking the 50th anniversary of the island’s Revolutionary Armed Forces.

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