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The Cuban regime is organizing a simultaneous rueda de casino in plazas and parks across the country as part of a campaign driven by official institutions aimed at filling the streets with music and dance this May 3rd, projecting the image of a joyful, participatory, and harmonious nation, despite the growing social unrest and the deep economic crisis the island is experiencing.
The initiative, presented as a tribute to National Son Day, has been promoted on social media by figures such as former spy Gerardo Hernández in yet another attempt to divert attention from the crisis faced by the people.
Hernández, the current national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), published this Tuesday on his Facebook profile: “And after May 1st comes May 3rd! Let's dance casino!”, along with an institutional video announcing the event.
In the audiovisual, the following announcement can be heard: “For lovers of good music and Cuban popular dances, on May 3 at 4 PM, a rueda de casino will be held simultaneously across the country. Squares, parks, and streets will be filled to dance to the rhythm of the Cuban 3-2 clave, in tribute to May 8, National Son Day.”
"Find out at your community's cultural center or contact the number on the screen. Don't miss the chance to dance casino and make history. Bringing back the son, dancing casino," emphasized the announcement.
The activity, seemingly cultural and festive, is a broader strategy of the government to project an image of normalcy and collective joy amid the collapse of services, prolonged blackouts, widespread shortages, and the increase in migration.
The proximity of the casino wheel to the May Day parade —another event choreographed by the authorities— reinforces the perception that the regime is trying to strengthen its narrative of stability through mass spectacles.
While calls are made to dance casino in parks, thousands of people stand in line to buy basic food, face daily power outages, or look for ways to emigrate from the country.
Although National Son Day, celebrated every May 8th, is a date of undeniable cultural significance, the political use of popular traditions to reinforce official propaganda does not go unnoticed.
The promotion of such events as a means of distraction has been a recurring practice of the Cuban regime, especially in contexts of high economic and social tension.
However, this is not an isolated event. In 2024, Cuban dancers prepared to break a Guinness World Record in Havana with the Largest Casino Wheel in the World.
In an event held at La Piragua, the Retomando el Son project, supported by the Provincial Center of Culture Houses, brought together numerous dancers in an attempt to create the largest casino wheel in the world, aiming to break existing records.
Beyond the record, the initiative also served as a platform to reinforce the official narrative of national pride and social cohesion, in contrast to the harsh daily reality faced by the majority of the Cuban people.
In 2023, the project "Retomando el Son" also aimed to set a world record with nearly 200 people playing the clave of son in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Simultaneous Casino Wheel in Cuba
What is the simultaneous casino wheel organized in Cuba?
The simultaneous casino wheel is an event organized by the Cuban regime that will take place on May 3rd, where it is expected that squares and parks across the country will be filled with people dancing to the rhythm of Cuban music. This event is presented as a tribute to National Son Day, but it has been criticized for serving as a distraction from the economic and social crisis facing the island.
What is the objective of the Cuban regime with this event?
The main objective of the Cuban regime with the simultaneous rueda de casino is to project an image of joy and normalcy amidst the crisis, through a mass event that aims to fill the streets with music and dance. However, many criticize this initiative as an attempt to divert attention from social discontent and the difficult economic situation the country is undergoing.
Who is behind the promotion of the casino wheel in Cuba?
The promotion of the casino wheel has been driven by figures from the Cuban government, including former spy Gerardo Hernández, the current national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). Hernández has used his social media to promote the event and reinforce the official narrative aimed at portraying a united and joyful country, despite the challenges.
What criticisms has the simultaneous casino wheel received in Cuba?
The simultaneous casino wheel has been criticized for being perceived as a distraction from the real problems facing Cuba, such as shortages, blackouts, and the increase in migration. Many people view such events as part of a strategy by the regime to divert attention from social discontent and the ongoing economic crisis.
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