A bust of the communist leader Vilma Espín Guillois was unveiled at the memorial that bears her name in Santiago de Cuba, as part of the official events celebrating the 95th anniversary of her birth.
The sculpture, created by the Santiago artist Luis Aragón Téllez, was donated in tribute to the late president of the Cuban Federation of Women (FMC). The piece, made of glazed ceramic, was placed inside the memorial located at the home where Espín lived during her childhood and youth.
The institutional tribute to Vilma Espín also included an official ceremony on April 7 in Santiago de Cuba, led by General Raúl Castro and the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel. At the Mausoleum of the II Eastern Front, where Espín's remains rest alongside those of Raúl, a floral tribute was placed in the presence of family members, officials from the FMC, and members of the Communist Party.
"It was a morning of tribute and emotions," Díaz-Canel wrote on the social media platform X, where he shared images from the homage, attended by Raúl Castro who brought flowers to his tomb.
However, on social media, the bust has received multiple criticisms and mockery for its finish and design. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada joked on Facebook: "Vilma, darling, those who say they love you are your first detractors," accompanying his post with emojis and close-up photos of the artwork.
Among the comments are phrases such as "Looks like a little coconut," "Carnival doll," and "They should put the name in big letters so that she can be recognized." Some internet users have questioned whether the piece faithfully represents the historic fighter, while others have compared the bust to fictional characters or figures unrelated to the honoree.
This is not the first attempt to represent Vilma Espín in a sculptural work. In 2008, the artist Alberto Lescay —president of the Caguayo Foundation— worked on a bronze portrait intended for the Avenida de Las Américas in Santiago de Cuba. As reported at the time, he aimed to capture a recognizable image for new generations, highlighting "her beauty and personality."
Additionally, in April 2010, the Vilma Espín Memorial was officially inaugurated, located in her former home. The space was designed as an interactive museum that tells the story of her personal life, her involvement in the clandestine struggle, and her role as a key figure in the Cuban regime after 1959.
Vilma Espín passed away on June 18, 2007. Her image continues to be used by the government as a symbol of women's participation in the revolutionary project.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bust of Vilma Espín in Santiago de Cuba
What does the bust of Vilma Espín unveiled in Santiago de Cuba represent?
The bust of Vilma Espín, unveiled in Santiago de Cuba, is a tribute to the communist leader and president of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC). The sculpture aims to commemorate the 95th anniversary of her birth and is located in the memorial that bears her name, within the home where she lived during her childhood and youth.
Why has the bust of Vilma Espín been the subject of criticism on social media?
The bust has faced criticism and mockery on social media due to its finishing and design, which many believe do not accurately represent Vilma Espín. Ironical comments and comparisons to fictional characters have been common, reflecting dissatisfaction with the sculptural work.
What other activities were held in tribute to Vilma Espín?
In addition to the unveiling of the bust, an official ceremony took place in Santiago de Cuba on April 7, with the presence of Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel. A floral tribute was also laid at the Mausoleum of the II Eastern Front, where the remains of Vilma Espín rest.
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