"Why doesn't Sandro Crash send some Cristach through the ration book?" asks a Cuban from his bed, with a toothless mouth and the camera aimed directly at his empty smile.
The brief moment was shared as a story on Instagram by the user Yaleidis Betancourt and replicated by the grandson of Fidel Castro, Sandro Castro, who in recent years has managed to capitalize on his surname with a mix of irreverence, privilege, and digital exposure.
Beyond the humorous tone, the scene points to a deep criticism. In the supply notebook in Cuba, there is no beer, but there are also not enough food supplies to feed millions of vulnerable families, amidst the current economic crisis.
The Government insists on blaming external factors for the shortage, but the population is active on social media and sees every day the posts from figures like Sandro Castro, a perfect symbol of privilege disconnected from the national reality.
For some time now, Cubans have been sarcastically asking Sandro to distribute "Cristash for the ration book". They frequently do this on social media, where some even fantasize about proposing him as president of the country, thinking that at least he will "bring them beer and laughs."
Sandro, with his character “Vampirach”, his sunglasses, and his strolls through Havana as if he were a tourist in his own country, has become a media sensation and is more popular than Miguel Díaz-Canel himself.
The man in this video, without front teeth and laughing despite his precarious situation, resembles a caricature of a true Vampirach. His message reflects the social decay left in Cuba by a system unable to guarantee the bare minimum to the people.
The story reveals the contrast between two Cubas: one of those who live off an empty ration book and the other of those who, through their name or fame, mock that harsh reality while recording their daily lives for entertainment or provocation.
Frequently asked questions about the Sandro Castro controversy and the situation in Cuba
Who is Sandro Castro and why does he generate so much controversy in Cuba?
Sandro Castro is the grandson of the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, known for his provocative appearances on social media under the persona "Vampirach." His videos, which often showcase an extravagant lifestyle disconnected from the Cuban reality, have drawn criticism from the population living in the midst of an economic and social crisis. His actions are seen as a mockery of the Cuban people and a symbol of the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite.
Why are some Cubans asking Sandro Castro to distribute Cristach "through the ration booklet"?
The demand for Sandro Castro to distribute Cristal "through the supply booklet" is a sarcastic way to criticize the scarcity of food and basic products in Cuba. The supply booklet, which should ensure essential supplies for the population, does not include products like Cristal beer. This demand highlights the contrast between the everyday struggles of Cubans and the privileged lifestyle of figures like Sandro Castro.
How does the figure of Sandro Castro impact the perception of the Cuban regime?
The figure of Sandro Castro is seen as a symbol of the disconnection between the ruling elite and the Cuban people. His provocations and ostentatious lifestyle contrast sharply with the challenging economic and social situation faced by most Cubans. For many, his actions reflect the impunity and privilege of the regime's "untouchables," fueling discontent and disillusionment with the political system in Cuba.
What criticisms has Sandro Castro received for his posts on social media?
Sandro Castro has been criticized for trivializing the difficult situation in Cuba and for his apparent indifference to the struggles of the people. His videos, which often include elements of religion and popular culture, have been labeled as blasphemous and disrespectful. Furthermore, his behavior is seen as a deliberate provocation aimed at distracting from the country's real problems, which has sparked a wave of outrage among the citizens.
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