Residents of Ciego de Ávila stated that it was "wonderful" to witness the public appearance of Army General Raúl Castro during the national central event for the 72nd anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks on July 26th.
"This event on the 26th has been wonderful. The joy and pride of the people of Avila is immense because the community demonstrated loyalty to the Revolution. We are satisfied and grateful for the leadership of the country and to see Raúl; it has been something wonderful for us," declared an emotional woman to National Television.
Another interviewee reiterated the excitement about seeing the elderly nonagenarian, who has reduced his public appearances in recent years.
The event paid tribute to the dictator Fidel Castro and to Raúl himself, who attended the ceremony alongside regime leaders.
However, many felt that the event once again staged a carefully orchestrated political theater that stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality faced by Cubans.
In the midst of a country plagued by widespread blackouts, uncontrollable inflation, shortages, and over 1,000 political prisoners, many Cubans are questioning statements made by residents of Villa Clara.
They believe that, more than representing a spontaneous reaction, such statements seem like a recycled piece of the propaganda script aimed at reinforcing the narrative of a supposed emotional connection between the people and the main architects of the crisis.
The presence of Raúl Castro, Ramiro Valdés, and José Ramón Machado Ventura, all in their nineties, not only highlights the aging of the historical leadership but also underscores the regime's inability to renew its legitimacy.
The image of the same faces that have been in power for decades only reinforces the sense of stagnation.
This is compounded by Manuel Marrero's rhetoric, which, rather than presenting concrete solutions, resorted to empty phrases like "national dignity is non-negotiable," while promising—without any explanation—that in 2026 the country's most serious problems would be resolved.
While the cultural gala was taking place, millions of Cubans were facing power outages of more than 24 hours, food shortages, lack of medication, and repression.
Several activists agreed that the July 26 event in Ciego de Ávila, with choreographed tributes and the symbolic presence of Raúl Castro, was not a tribute to the people but to a power structure that refuses to yield, even though it has run out of answers.
Frequently asked questions about Raúl Castro's appearance in Ciego de Ávila
Why is Raúl Castro's appearance in Ciego de Ávila considered a significant event?
The appearance of Raúl Castro is significant because it symbolizes the continuity of the Cuban regime, especially in a context of economic and social crisis. His presence at the July 26 event reinforces the image of a historic leadership that resists change, despite the aging of its key figures and the increasing social pressure for real reforms.
What is the reaction of Cubans to the event on July 26 in Ciego de Ávila?
While some residents expressed excitement about Raúl Castro's presence, many Cubans question the authenticity of these statements, viewing them as part of a propaganda script. Most Cubans see the event as political theater that contrasts sharply with the harsh reality they face, characterized by blackouts, shortages, and repression.
What problems is the Cuban population currently facing?
The Cuban population is facing widespread blackouts, uncontrollable inflation, shortages, and political repression. These issues are compounded by the lack of concrete solutions from the government, which continues to rely on revolutionary rhetoric without addressing the urgent needs of the population.
What promises did the Cuban government make to improve the situation in 2026?
The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero promised that in 2026, the focus will be on increasing national production, obtaining foreign currency, recovering the electro-energy system, and strengthening the socialist state enterprise. However, these promises lack concrete explanations on how they will be achieved, which has generated skepticism among the population.
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