In the midst of a growing energy crisis and under extreme economic conditions, the Cuban government launched its summer campaign 2025 under the slogan "Always Young," with a proposal aimed at keeping Cubans—especially children and young people—entertained without leaving their communities.
During the most recent edition of the Mesa Redonda, representatives from INDER, the Union of Young Communists (UJC), and the Ministry of Culture announced that this summer will be characterized by “modest but aesthetic” activities, focused on the neighborhood as the main stage and featuring strong youth participation. The official narrative appeals to the “rescue of traditions,” “family unity,” and “knowledge of national history,” while avoiding direct mention of the inability to access real recreational options due to inflation, power outages, and the collapse of transportation.
Raúl Fornés Valenciano, the first vice president of INDER, asserted that actions should "utilize free time productively and healthily," and emphasized that activities will not be isolated by organization but rather an integration of sports, culture, education, and workplaces. The focus is on ensuring that families are "beneficiaries" and that "modest resources" are used creatively.
The plan includes everything from popular races to historical tours and cultural workshops, as well as more than 21,000 artistic activities in neighborhoods, led by art instructors and youth brigades. The Deputy Minister of Culture, Lizette Martínez Luzardo, confirmed that over 2,200 cultural institutions in the country will be active, featuring 230 films in theaters, 58 national events, and daytime concerts to conserve electricity.
One of the main venues for the opening will be Santiago de Cuba, which is celebrating its 510th anniversary, and from there the National School Games and other activities featuring children as the main participants will also be coordinated.
Children in the factories: the other side of summer
The summer campaign takes place just days after reports emerged about the reinitiation of the Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI) in Santiago de Cuba, where the regime promotes that minors “donate” part of their vacation to work in factories, organic farms, or schools. These practices, officially presented as educational, have been highlighted by experts as covert forms of child labor.
Far from providing genuine rest options, state planning involves children in productive work under the pretext of fostering values such as responsibility and commitment to the community. In that same vein, the UJC announced six productive workdays and three historical routes for this summer, featuring camps and meetings with authorities, including the celebration of Fidel Castro's birthday.
Political rhetoric and evasion of responsibilities
At the opening of the Round Table, its host Randy Alonso directly accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of wanting to "rain on the parade" of the Cuban people, in a clear display of the official discourse that externalizes internal problems. However, neither the embargo nor the external enemy explains that the summer plan essentially consists of activities within the neighborhood, with limited resources and little mobility.
Despite the statements about "popular satisfaction" and collaboration among organizations, the population faces limited real options to enjoy the school and work break. Access to camping, for instance, depends on transportation to the facilities, and although the vice president of Campismo Popular assured that there are still available offers, an occupancy rate of 85% and logistical difficulties have been reported.
With daily power outages, exorbitant prices, and a stifling economic reality, the Cuban government has chosen to promote recreation "without leaving the neighborhood," placing the responsibility of making summer a "creative" and "useful" experience on families, young people, and children.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Summer Campaign in Cuba 2025
What does the summer campaign "Siempre Joven" promoted by the Cuban government consist of?
The summer campaign "Always Young" aims to keep Cubans entertained without leaving their communities. It includes cultural, sports, and educational activities, focusing on the neighborhood as the main setting. The official objective is the "rescue of traditions" and "knowledge of national history," although it actually reflects the lack of access to recreational options due to the economic and energy crisis.
What is the role of children in summer activities in Cuba?
Children in Cuba are being encouraged to "donate" part of their vacations to work in factories and organopónicos as part of the Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI). Although these activities are presented as educational, they have been criticized by experts who view them as covert forms of child labor.
How does the energy crisis affect summer activities in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba significantly limits recreational options, forcing the government to promote activities that do not require leaving the neighborhood. With daily blackouts and a collapse of transportation, families are facing difficulties in enjoying a genuine break during the summer.
What criticisms do the Cuban government's summer measures face?
The summer measures taken by the Cuban government are criticized for their lack of real recreational options. The population is confronted with unaffordable prices, constant power outages, and a suffocating economic reality, making the summer experience more about survival than enjoyment.
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