Bay of Pigs

Bay of Pigs, English name for Bahia de Cochinos (southwestern Cuba), scene of an abortive invasion of Cuba on April 17, 1961. The invaders were Cubans who had fled to the United States after Fidel Castro seized power. Although U.S. citizens were not directly involved, the CIA helped plan the invasion. The invasion was a political disaster for President Kennedy, who had approved the operation.