The grandson of Fidel Castro, Sandro Castro, stars in new cosplay videos in Cuba, featuring gunmen, witches, and Cristal beer, creating controversy on social media.
Vampirach came up with the idea to create a three-episode series set in different locations: Old Havana, a cave, and a dilapidated courtyard. The videos share a common thread of subtle erotic scenes, carefully crafted to capture attention while avoiding censorship on social media.
In the first episode, Sandro appears dressed as a priest in Old Havana, being carried in a wheelbarrow by his henchmen while he “blesses” passersby with Cristal beer. A group of witches appears out of nowhere, casts an absurd spell on him, and kidnaps him.
The second chapter shows him imprisoned, at the hands of the witches who “torture” him with pipe beer. He claims that all the villains want "his blood," referring to his "Castro blood," because, in his view, it is a source of vitality and madness.
Witches harass him, torment him, and pounce on him with desire. Meanwhile, Fidel Castro's grandson pretends to suffer this state of being a helpless man and waits for El Cangrejo to rescue him. He makes a clear reference to his cousin Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of Raúl Castro, who is a military officer and personal guard to the Army General.
The climax occurs in the third episode when Sandro's henchmen arrive armed with guns to rescue him. The "Vampirach" regains his composure by drinking Cristal beer and forces the witches to seal a pact. They must provide him with a beer every day, dance to a song he composed in honor of the brand, and cook him tortillas each day.
The plot may seem like just an eccentric pastime, but the truth is that Sandro produces videos in line with a growing trend among young Cubans: cosplay and themed parties.
Sandro Castro, the king of cosplay in Cuba
Cosplay is in vogue in Havana and other areas of Cuba. It is a practice where people dress up and portray fictional characters.
More and more young Cubans are organizing events inspired by fantastical worlds ranging from the Old West to movies and video games. It’s a way to escape the harsh economic and social reality that the country is experiencing.
These events, organized by collectives like SuZume Studio, provide attendees with an immersive experience featuring costumes, handcrafted settings, and audiovisual production.
Participants young people who are not interested in political debate prefer to focus on developing creativity and enjoying entertainment options. The cosplay trend in Cuba is fueled by a desire for disconnection, to play the role of other characters in a country where material shortages and uncertainty shape daily life.
In this context, Sandro Castro's videos appear to be more than just a personal endeavor. They represent a strategy to connect with a young audience that is used to consuming light content with a playful, erotic, and exaggerated aesthetic.
The figure of Vampirach remains at the center of controversy, and although it may seem contemptible to thousands of Cubans how he avoids reality and ignores what is happening in the country, it doesn’t seem he will put an end to his advertising campaigns for Cristal beer.
While a significant portion of the Cuban population faces food shortages, blackouts, and salaries that are insufficient to meet basic needs, Fidel Castro's grandson boasts about the value of his blood and does not hesitate to show off as he enjoys privileges and resources that are beyond the reach of the average worker.
The result is content that blends provocation and marketing, while also winking at the growing Cuban cosplay culture. The subtext also reignites the debate about the contrast between the life of the elite connected to power and the harsh everyday reality of the rest of the Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandro Castro and His Media Impact in Cuba
Who is Sandro Castro and why is he controversial?
Sandro Castro is the grandson of Fidel Castro, known for his extravagant and provocative videos on social media. His content often mixes absurd humor, costumes, and references to cosplay culture, generating significant controversy in Cuba due to his disconnection from the economic and social realities that the country faces.
What does the character "Vampirach" by Sandro Castro represent?
The character "Vampirach" is a provocative figure created by Sandro Castro to garner attention through satire and spectacle. This character breaks into absurd situations, mixes religious and cultural symbols, and is used as a marketing strategy to promote Cristal beer, attracting both criticism and mockery in Cuban society.
How has the Cuban public reacted to Sandro Castro's videos?
The reactions of the Cuban public to Sandro Castro's videos have been diverse. A significant portion of the population criticizes him for his lack of sensitivity towards the real issues in Cuba and perceives him as a symbol of the privileges of the ruling elite. Others, however, find in his content a space for entertainment and a disconnection from the harsh daily reality.
What is Sandro Castro's connection to Cristal beer?
Sandro Castro uses his character "Vampirach" to promote Cristal beer through his videos on social media, where the brand is a recurring element. Despite the beer's poor reputation in the market, his strategy aims to associate it with a youthful and carefree lifestyle, although this generates criticism for its disconnection from the economic reality of most Cubans.
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