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The Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) sparked controversy on social media again after publishing a postcard as part of the tribute for the 99th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth, which highlights a "curious anecdote" about his alleged culinary skills.
The story, narrated by Eliseo Y. and shared on Facebook, recalls how in the 1960s, Mario Alfonso —at that time a union leader and trade official— was appointed as a cook at the Party's small farm, located along the Maleza road.
According to the account, during one of Fidel Castro's visits to the place, the Cuban dictator requested to prepare a dogfish sauce. Some time later, Castro reportedly returned claiming that he already knew how to make it.
While "examining" it, the cook asked him about the ingredients. The official detailed the recipe step by step, until he confessed that he had added fish fillets instead of wheels, to which Alfonso corrected him that, in that case, it was not dogfish sauce.
Castro's response, according to testimony mentioned by the educational institution -which now has a new headquarters following a collapse in January- was: "It's dog sauce because I made it, and besides, it seems to me that you are against innovations."
The publication from ISDI, rather than generating admiration, sparked mockery and strong criticism on social media.
The journalist José Raúl Gallego questioned what he referred to as a "display of servility, sycophancy, and disrespect towards Cubans."
In their opinion, the ISDI postcard romanticizes the privilege of Fidel Castro, who—while the population faced chronic hunger and was forced to consume low-quality products such as soybean picadillo or fricandel—enjoyed personal chefs, housing distributed throughout the country, and access to exclusive food resources.
Gallego emphasized that the anecdote illustrates Castro's authoritarian character, capable of imposing his views in any domain without the need for real expertise, and surrounding himself with a chorus of sycophants who interpreted his decisions as "ideas" or "displays of wisdom" with which he solidified his image for decades.
The ISDI also published postcards about Fidel Castro's relationship with literature, fishing, and cigars.
The regime has announced several initiatives to commemorate the dictator's anniversary this August 13.
Frequently Asked Questions about the tribute to Fidel Castro and the situation in Cuba
Why has the ISDI tribute to Fidel Castro generated controversy?
The tribute from the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) to Fidel Castro has generated controversy as it focuses on an anecdote about Castro's culinary skills, while the Cuban people are facing a severe food crisis. The post was seen as a display of servility and a lack of respect towards Cubans who are suffering from food shortages. This situation contrasts with the access to exclusive resources that Fidel Castro had.
How is the current diet in Cuba compared to the past?
According to content creator Elieser El Bayardo, the diet of slaves in the 19th century was richer and more varied than that of most Cubans today. Currently, many Cubans struggle to access basic food items and rely on lower-quality products, such as pizza and spaghetti, due to shortages and high prices.
What criticisms have arisen regarding the Cuban government in relation to food?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its disconnection from the reality of the people, particularly regarding food. The criticisms focus on inequality, with images of deputies enjoying lavish meals while the population faces shortages. Furthermore, the individual initiatives promoted as solutions, such as fish farming in backyards, are seen as insufficient and a sign of the collapse of the productive system.
What role does Sandro Castro play in the public perception of inequality in Cuba?
Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro, has faced criticism for displaying a life of luxury amidst Cuba's economic crisis. His behavior is viewed as a symbol of the inequality and disconnection of the elite from the reality of the people. His actions and statements have sparked outrage as they do not reflect the situation faced by most Cubans.
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