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The Camilo Cienfuegos Military School in Santiago de Cuba, popularly known as the "Camilitos," recently celebrated one of the so-called "15 collectives," a ceremony that, according to the authorities, fills the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) with "pride."
The event was shared on Facebook by the regime-aligned profile Frank Enrique, who posted images and messages praising the continuity of this militaristic tradition.
According to the publication, the activity represents a reaffirmation of the values instilled in adolescents under the military education system.
The propaganda machinery of the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) did not miss the opportunity to celebrate on Facebook "the 15 collectives," describing the event as "a great day" for the students of the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School.
According to the official publication, this date is "awaited by all the female students," and they sent public congratulations to the young women, highlighting the institutional pride represented by the ceremony.
The "15 collectives" are not just a simple birthday celebration: behind the ritual lies the indoctrination of young people in the principles of obedience, loyalty, and discipline in service of a military apparatus that has historically been used for internal repression in Cuba.
As the country faces one of the deepest economic crises in its history, the regime is committed to training those it considers the "future defenders" of the system from a young age.
The priority, it seems, is not free and critical education, but rather the reproduction of loyal cadres that ensure the perpetuity of power.
The celebration of collective 15th birthdays in military schools has become an increasingly visible practice in Cuba. In a ceremony held in December 2024, a collective party was organized at a military training center, highlighting how these activities reinforce the values of obedience and loyalty among young individuals subjected to the militarized system.
Subsequently, new celebrations were recorded in other similar institutions. The emphasis was on the reproduction of military rituals and on consolidating military identity from an early age, minimizing any free or critical educational approach.
Another recent example is the party organized at the Military School of Bayamo, where the government strategy of using social ceremonies as tools for political and ideological indoctrination was reiterated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collective Quinceañeros in Military Schools in Cuba
What are the "15 collectives" at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School?
The "15 collectives" are celebrations organized at the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School for girls turning 15 years old. These parties combine the traditional gala of "entering adulthood" with political and ideological elements, as they take place in institutions where future Cuban military personnel are trained.
Why is the celebration of the "15 collectives" in Cuba criticized?
In the context of Cuba's profound economic and social crisis, these celebrations are seen as an attempt by the regime to divert attention from the country's real problems. Critics argue that instead of addressing the urgent needs of the population, the government continues to invest resources in propaganda events that perpetuate the official ideology.
How are the "15 collectives" used as a propaganda tool in Cuba?
These celebrations are presented by the Cuban regime as a "beautiful tradition" that humanizes future military personnel. They are used as propaganda tools to portray a more amiable side of military schools and reinforce the ideological indoctrination of youth, blending personal celebrations with tributes to figures of the regime, such as Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
What is the impact of indoctrination in Cuban military schools?
Military schools in Cuba, such as the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School, prioritize obedience and the propagation of official ideals, allowing little room for critical perspectives. This type of training aims to create a behavioral model based on the disciplined fulfillment of tasks and the adoption of values associated with sacrifice and dedication to the regime.
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