A visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero to an agricultural market in Ciego de Ávila sparked a wave of outrage among Cubans inside and outside the Island, who claim that the supply and low prices showcased were a carefully arranged setup for the event.
Far from being impressive, the event drew mockery, criticism, and, above all, a sense of fatigue in response to what many describe as "another stage set for the bosses."
During the visit, enthusiastically covered by state media, the authorities toured a surprisingly clean market, with stands filled with fruits, root vegetables, and greens, alongside a price list that seemed like a cruel joke.
Products like sweet potato, banana, or malanga were labeled at prices that are impossible to find in the everyday life of the average Cuban. However, this postcard was fleeting.
For most, the scene was a déjà vu: a routine makeup operation in Cuba whenever an official inspection is announced.
The comments on the page of CiberCuba were filled with sarcasm, anger, and frustration.
"That's always been the case," commented a user. "They announce they're going to visit, and suddenly everything appears. Everything is great, everything is fine... until they leave and the magic fades." Another summarized it this way: "Visits and inspections are just theater."
Many focused on the absurd contradiction between the image of the market and the reality in the country, where scarcity is severe and chronic.
The markets are empty or selling at prices that are unattainable for a salary in Cuban pesos due to the extremely high inflation.
However, that day in Ciego de Ávila, everything seemed perfect. Too perfect.
Critics pointed to what is perceived as a farce orchestrated by the state apparatus.
Users claimed that those pretending to be sellers were actually government agents, and that the crowds surrounding the event were brought in from other locations.
"Everything is a facade, except for the hunger of the people," wrote an emigrant. "Let’s not be deceived any longer; none of those there are puppet masters. They sent buses with people to put on a show because nobody follows them anymore."
The board displaying the prices—clean, aligned, almost like a showcase—became a symbol of deception.
An internet user stated that they took the photo to "have it as a keepsake."
Another person joked, "How beautiful the lie dressed as truth looks, what a prosperous country Cuba is! I don’t know how three million people have emigrated from a country that is doing so well."
For Cubans, this episode was merely another demonstration of how the government manipulates the country’s image on camera, with no real intention of addressing the deep economic crisis.
"They live in their own world, in mansions, with luxury cars, children traveling the globe. The average Cuban will have to continue on their knees," denounced an emigrant.
Another remembered that this kind of political theater dates back to the times of Fidel Castro and that, despite the decades, the strategy has not changed: a facade to impress while the people sink into misery.
The context in which this visit occurs cannot be overlooked. Cuba is experiencing one of the most critical moments in its recent history: plummeting agricultural production, uncontrolled inflation, prolonged blackouts, deterioration of basic services, and massive migration.
The people, increasingly skeptical and exhausted, are not swayed by temporary displays or hollow rhetoric.
"What a great disrespect to this town," wrote a resident in Camagüey.
And in that simple and direct phrase, the prevailing sentiment regarding a setup that fails to conceal its failure is succinctly summarized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Setup in the Agricultural Market of Ciego de Ávila
Why is Díaz-Canel and Marrero's visit to the market in Ciego de Ávila considered a setup?
The visit was deemed a setup because the market was unusually well-stocked and had low prices only during the leaders' presence, which contrasts with the scarcity and high prices that Cubans face daily. Many users on social media pointed out that this is a common practice during official visits, where a reality that does not exist is simulated.
What was the reaction of the Cuban population to the event in Ciego de Ávila?
The Cuban population reacted with outrage, mockery, and criticism towards the event. Many Cubans voiced their frustration and skepticism on social media, labeling the visit as "another façade for the leaders" and denouncing that the supply was temporary and only for the cameras and the officials.
How does Cuba's economic reality affect the perception of these official events?
The economic reality of Cuba is critical, with rampant inflation, shortages of food, and deteriorating basic services. These official events, which portray an unrealistic image of prosperity, are seen as a mockery of the daily suffering of the population, increasing discontent and distrust towards the government.
What precedents do these setups have in official visits to Cuba?
These setups during official visits have a long history in Cuba. Since the times of Fidel Castro, staged scenarios have been used to create a false impression of normalcy and progress. Over the years, these practices have persisted, as seen in other visits by Díaz-Canel to various provinces where reality is groomed for the cameras.
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