By Rosa Tania Valdes and Nelson Acosta HAVANA, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Cubans were astonished by ailing Fidel Castro's absence from his birthday parade on Saturday, but many believe the only leader they have known for 47 years will survive his health crisis and return to public life. Whether they like his communist government or not, Cubans find it hard to get used to the idea the bearded revolutionary might no longer be around. Few thought he would fail to turn up on Saturday in his trademark green uniform. "He did not show up, but he will show up," said a retired army general, as he walked away from Havana's Revolution Square after the biggest show of military muscle in two decades. "Everybody wanted to see him, but it is best that he look after himself so we can have him back," said the general, who asked not to be quoted by name. The Cuban military rolled out their Soviet-era tanks and fighter jets for the parade celebrating the start of Castro's revolution 50 years ago and Castro's 80th birthday. The event was led by brother Raul Castro, acting president since emergency surgery forced Fidel Castro to cede power in late July. "His absence is a sure sign that his health is in very bad shape," said Martinez, a university professor who declined to give his full name as he marched through the square in a civilian contingent of 300,000 people. Seven out of 10 Cubans were born after Castro seized power in 1959. His long speeches and anti-American tirades have been a constant in their lives. "I was convinced he would be there, because he seems to be omnipresent," said Veronica, a housewife who lives in an overcrowded and dilapidated district of central Havana. She also asked not to use her full name. She is sure Castro, a master of surprise since his days as a guerrilla fighter, will reappear like a magician to dash the hopes of his exiled opponents in the United States. "He was silent for a time and the people in Miami thought he was dead. Now there is another strategic silence, but he will appear again to shock them," she said. "If he does not, it will be because he is dead or very badly ill," she said. Castro's condition is a state secret known only to his closest aides. Cubans, used to being told little about the inner workings of their government, do not know where Castro is convalescing, let along what illness he has. Dissidents who hope his departure will lead to democratic changes in Cuba's one-party state say the country is wondering what is going on. "Something is very wrong with him. The government set this date for his reappearance. They will have to give Cubans an explanation now because people want to know," said dissident Manuel Cuesta Morua.
