In a country where people count power outages to determine if food spoils before reaching the table, the Cuban leadership gathered in Birán to celebrate Fidel Castro's 99th birthday, determined to keep alive, through propaganda, the myth of the dictator who led Cuba to its current ruin.
Raúl Castro, now elderly and frail, accompanied by Miguel Díaz-Canel and the entire apparatus of the Communist Party, participated in the central event for the anniversary, held at the museum Casa Natal of the Castro-Ruz family, transformed into the official sanctuary of the memory of the "historical leader."
There, amidst speeches and political theater, the Commemorative Program for the Centenary was unveiled, a plan filled with activities under the slogan "One Hundred Years with Fidel," aimed at indoctrinating the new generations in the communist faith that the people themselves no longer profess.
In the words of the PCC's Secretary of Organization, Roberto Morales, the goal is to "bring it to the present and continue on the path he laid out for us," involving the entire society, especially children and young people, in a large political mobilization that, according to him, will strengthen "the revolutionary work he bequeathed to us."
"All organizations, institutions, organizations, provinces, municipalities, and communities will embrace this celebration, developing their own programs and directing their efforts to achieve a day filled with patriotism, beauty, and symbolism, with creativity, simplicity, and economic rationality," Morales stated.
Fidel's "legacy," which for official propaganda is synonymous with sovereignty and justice, translates for most Cubans into scarcity, repression, and misery.
The cult of the dictator's figure continues to be one of the few industries that the regime maintains efficiently.
But what is described in the official narrative as "eternal presence" is perceived on the streets as the echo of a monumental failure.
Neither do the inflated words of Díaz-Canel about the "guide", the man who "is still at the forefront, just like in the Sierra or in Girón,” manage to hide that the country is going through one of the worst crises in its history.
The attempt to present Fidel as an inspiring figure for new generations clashes with a context in which young people dream more of emigrating than of "keeping the flame of the Revolution alive."
On social media, any attempt to glorify the commander is quickly buried under a flood of comments that link him to blackouts, hunger, long lines, under-resourced hospitals and political repression.
The government, however, insists on a heroic narrative that no longer convinces anyone beyond the walls of the Central Committee.
While the country sinks deeper into material hardships and unfulfilled promises, Birán became the setting for a political mass aimed at resurrecting a ghost.
One that, for the majority of Cubans, is not a symbol of hope, but rather the root of the nightmare.
Frequently asked questions about the tribute to Fidel Castro and the situation in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government continue to promote the figure of Fidel Castro?
The Cuban government insists on promoting the figure of Fidel Castro as a tool for propaganda and social control. Through commemorative activities and official speeches, it aims to reinforce Castro's ideology and maintain its historical narrative, even though many citizens associate his legacy with the island's current crisis. This cult of personality persists despite criticism and the evident disconnection from the needs of the Cuban people.
What is the current situation in Cuba regarding the economy and public services?
The economic situation and public services in Cuba is critical. The island faces daily blackouts lasting up to 20 hours, runaway inflation, widespread shortages, and collapsed public services, such as healthcare and transportation. Salaries in Cuban pesos are insufficient to cover basic needs, exacerbating inequality and poverty among the population.
How does the Cuban government respond to the growing protests and social discontent?
The Cuban government responds to protests with repression and censorship. In the face of growing social discontent, the regime has intensified its crackdown on demonstrations, cut off internet access during critical moments, and militarized conflict zones. Moreover, it uses propaganda rhetoric to try to divert attention from the real issues facing the population.
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