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The official Cuban press issued a controversial call asking citizens to send commemorative photos of July 26, a date that the regime insists on glorifying despite the deep deterioration of living conditions on the island.
Send your photo to commemorate July 26, says the message posted on social media by La Tira de los Lectores, a section of Cubadebate, which also provides the email comentacubadebate@gmail.com for sending images.
The state portal claims that the intention is to portray “how the day is celebrated in your community or local environment,” and warns that it plans to publish the photos on Sunday on its website and social media.
The proposal has generated a wave of indignation among Cubans, who flooded the comments with criticism, sarcasm, and reports of the serious situation the country is facing.
The ability to upload images is disabled in the comments on the post, but not a single favorable opinion has been visible in the publication, highlighting a complete disconnection between the official discourse and the reality of the people.
“I’m going to send you a photo during a blackout. 26 hours of darkness is what Cuba is experiencing. Nothing to celebrate,” wrote a user.
“Is it okay to take a photo during the blackout? Or one of the spoiled food?,” asked another Cuban, pointing out the energy collapse and the food shortages that the population is experiencing.
Other comments suggested sending images of overflowing trash bins, endless lines to access basic services, and sorrowful faces of children who cannot enjoy their holidays due to the lack of electricity.
“I’m sending you the picture of my freezer, with three bottles of water that freeze and thaw whenever our president feels like it. In Cuba, only those Díaz-Canel wants can drink cold water,” another commentator joked.
The responses reveal the popular exhaustion with the regime's attempts to keep revolutionary propaganda alive, while the material and emotional conditions of Cubans deteriorate more and more each day.
Instead of images of celebrations, the Cuban people seem to have other postcards to show not only the power outages lasting over 30 hours, the accumulation of garbage in public spaces, but also the increasing begging among the elderly, and a collapsed basic services system.
“How dare they?”, many repeat, with suppressed anger, in response to what they see as a new attempt to conceal the daily suffering of millions with a propaganda facade that few still believe.
Frequently Asked Questions about the July 26 Celebration in Cuba
What is July 26th and why is it important for the Cuban regime?
July 26 commemorates the assault on the Moncada Barracks in 1953, an event which the Cuban regime considers the beginning of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959. This date is used to keep revolutionary propaganda alive despite the growing difficulties faced by the Cuban population.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the call for submitting photos for July 26th?
The call has generated wave of outrage and criticism among Cubans, who have responded with sarcasm and reports about the serious situation facing the country, such as blackouts, food shortages, and the collapse of basic services.
What are the main criticisms from Cubans regarding the current situation on the island?
The main criticisms focus on prolonged blackouts, food shortages, lack of water, and the collapse of basic services, which has generated deep discontent and skepticism towards the government's empty promises to solve these issues in the near future.
How has the Cuban regime tried to justify the energy crisis?
The regime has attributed the crisis to external causes such as the American embargo, and to internal issues like high electricity consumption and the obsolescence of energy infrastructures, without fully acknowledging the lack of investment and proper maintenance over decades.
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