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In a country where many mothers go through pregnancy with just enough to feed themselves and where bringing a child into the world usually happens with barely the bare essentials, a newborn in Santiago de Cuba received an unusual privilege: being born on the same day as Fidel Castro, one of the continent's greatest dictators.
On August 13th, the Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso General Hospital enthusiastically announced on Facebook that the first mother to give birth that day would be honored with a gift basket "filled with essential items" crafted by its union workers.
The reason for the gesture, in addition to the arrival of the baby, was the "blessed" coincidence with Fidel Castro's birthday.
"In this hospital, we not only care for… we celebrate every life that arrives!" the institution posted on social media, without mentioning that for most Cuban families, acquiring what fits in that little basket involves months of searching, bartering, and endless queues, not to mention the solidarity and aid from abroad.
The photos shared on social media show that the gift included soaps, little clothes, laundry detergent, bottles, and wet wipes.
The birth of a child, regardless of the country in which it takes place, is generally a cause for family joy.
However, the regime does not miss any opportunity to politicize this and other moments in its pursuit of propaganda.
Congratulations to the young mother, who has reasons to celebrate, but we should ask the government: what about the mothers who do not have the "blessing" of giving birth on August 13th?
In the early hours of this Wednesday, a date that the official press dedicates each year to commemorate the birth of Fidel Castro, Milán Daimel Montejo Machado was also born in Matanzas, son of Liliana Machado Alfonso, a first-time mother at the age of 33 who received the greatest blessing of her life.
The story was spread by the official journalist Yuni Moliner, who emphasized that the birth occurred exactly at 1:30 am, highlighting the unfortunate coincidence with the 99th anniversary of the deceased dictator, turning a fact that holds no significance beyond an anecdote into "news."
As part of the activities commemorating the anniversary, local officials presented the mother with a gift basket containing baby care items, a gesture that the regime describes as a "tradition of support and solidarity" towards families welcoming new members on this date.
The joyful event of the birth was coincidentally accompanied by an "official" gift basket, which undoubtedly provides relief for the young mother amid the severe economic crisis.
But in Cuba, the propaganda machine seizes every opportunity to worship –or make a fool of itself over– the personality of one of the worst dictators in the continent's history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Delivery of Gift Baskets in Cuba for the Birth of Fidel Castro
Why are gift baskets given to babies born on August 13 in Cuba?
The baskets are given to babies born on August 13 in tribute to Fidel Castro's birthday, a date that the Cuban regime uses for political propaganda. These gestures are presented as traditions of "support and solidarity" towards families, although they actually reflect the political use of personal events.
What does the basket given to Cuban mothers on this date include?
The basket provided by the Cuban regime includes basic items for baby care, such as soaps, clothing, laundry detergent, bottles, and wet wipes. These products are a relief for mothers amid the economic crisis, but they also symbolize the politicization of assistance that should be universal.
What is the main criticism of the Cuban regime regarding the distribution of baby gift baskets?
The main criticism is that the regime uses the distribution of gift baskets as political propaganda, instead of addressing the real and widespread needs of Cuban mothers. The chronic shortage of basic goods in the country contrasts with these symbolic gestures that only benefit a select few on specific occasions.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba impact mothers and their babies?
The economic crisis in Cuba has a devastating impact on mothers and their babies. The lack of basic products, medicines, and the widespread economic precariousness make raising children difficult, forcing families to rely on external aid and face a constant struggle for daily survival.
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