While Cuba is experiencing one of the worst economic crises of the last few decades, the regime spares no effort or resources to keep the figure of Fidel Castro alive, the deceased leader whose administration laid the groundwork for the collapse the nation is suffering today.
Less than a year ahead of the centenary of his birth, the official apparatus is already engaged in a commemorative campaign in Santiago de Cuba, which will culminate on August 13, 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Castro's birth.
In the "Hero City," according to the official narrative, the agenda includes symbolic acts, the restoration of museums, and the placement of plaques, like the recently unveiled one at an old residence where the dictator lived during his childhood.
These propaganda activities illustrate how Castroism remains tied to a historical narrative that no longer reflects the priorities of the citizenry.
Amid daily blackouts lasting over 20 hours, overwhelmed hospitals, rampant inflation, widespread shortages, and a massive exodus, the government appears to have a clear priority: to continue investing in propaganda to sustain a failed political model and an ideological structure rooted in nostalgia.
Even recognitions for the Vilma Espín Memorial and the Museum of the Clandestine Struggle were announced, while many cultural institutions lack basic resources to operate.
The cult of Fidel Castro's figure, far from being a spontaneous tribute, reflects the government's need to cling to a symbol that legitimizes its power, even though historical evidence and the current crisis confirm that the imposed communist model has completely failed.
This disconnection from reality is contrasted by the recent social explosion recorded in the Micro 9 neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba.
On the night of May 21, amidst another prolonged blackout and extreme food shortages, dozens of people took to the streets to protest. They shouted "electricity" and "food", making it clear that their exhaustion has surpassed their fear.
It was a direct response to the government's attempt to justify the power outages during a Round Table discussion that, ironically, many were unable to see due to the lack of electricity.
As it has done on previous occasions, the regime responded with repression: it cut off access to the Internet, militarized the conflict zones, and resorted to its usual digital strategy to try to hide the popular discontent.
Manipulated images and empty messages on social media aimed to project a false sense of normalcy, while in the streets, there was only anger and outrage.
Repression does not succeed in stifling the growing discontent of a population that can no longer find relief in promises or tributes to the past. What Cubans demand are not plaques or slogans, but concrete solutions to the problems that affect them daily.
So far, the government has not issued official statements regarding what happened in Santiago de Cuba. Its silence in the face of the protest contrasts with the energy it devotes to organizing tributes to a figure who, for many Cubans, symbolizes the origin of the current nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Celebration of Fidel Castro's Centennial in Cuba
Why is the Cuban government organizing events for Fidel Castro's centenary?
The Cuban government organizes events for the centenary of Fidel Castro as a strategy to keep the figure of the leader and his legacy alive, despite the fact that the political model he established has proven to be ineffective. These acts aim to reinforce the official narrative and legitimize its power in a context of economic crisis and social discontent.
How does the celebration of Fidel Castro's centenary affect the Cuban population?
The celebrations of Fidel Castro's centenary are taking place at a time when the Cuban population faces serious problems such as prolonged blackouts, the collapse of basic services, and shortages. The government prioritizes these propaganda events instead of allocating resources to address the shortages that affect the daily lives of citizens, which increases discontent and criticism of the regime.
What is the response of the Cuban population to the government's celebrations?
The Cuban population has responded with protests and criticism towards government celebrations, especially in neighborhoods like Micro 9 in Santiago de Cuba, where recent demonstrations have reflected the fatigue and frustration of the citizens. The demands of the population focus on basic needs such as electricity and food, rather than tributes to the past.
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