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The Cuban regime is preparing for the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro, which will be celebrated on August 13, 2026, with a political and propaganda campaign aimed at having citizens "defend, know, and love" the deceased dictator.
The exhortation was made in an article published in Granma by Sissi Abay Díaz, deputy director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, who asserts that the commemoration should not be limited to formal tributes but should become an opportunity to strengthen the “patriotic roots” of Cubans and project Castro's thoughts toward new generations.
It seems that the regime spokesperson has the false perception that children, adolescents, and young people want to "approach" the life and work of the deceased dictator.
According to the official, the celebration will include public events, cultural activities, images, and songs dedicated to the former leader, in addition to the publication of a large-scale editorial project: 23 volumes of Selected Works, featuring over 600 documents, speeches, interviews, and reflections by Fidel.
The material will be shared on digital platforms and translated into other languages, with the aim of extending the influence – even after death – of the former dictator beyond the island.
Abay points out that, alongside this compilation, the centennial should serve to disseminate the main axes of Castro's political thought—and indoctrination—such as his anti-imperialism, adherence to Marxism and the ideals of José Martí, the role he assigned to the Communist Party of Cuba as a supposed "political vanguard of the nation," and his military strategy based on the "war of the entire people."
The official text also suggests highlighting personal aspects of the former leader, such as his character, his interactions with friends and adversaries, and his views on science, the economy, and education, in an effort to present him as a comprehensive model of a revolutionary leader, in a futile attempt to make the dictator more relatable to the youth.
One of the central points of the article is the call to reach children and young people who have historically grown up without the presence of Fidel Castro.
The author warns that new generations are exposed to "misrepresentations on social media" and suggests that they must be won over using "the codes and resources of these times" to ensure they see Castro as an exemplary figure.
The campaign, which aims to protect the image of the former ruler in the collective mindset, coincides with a time of severe economic and social crisis on the island, where scarcity, inflation, and mass migration are taking a heavy toll on the population.
Despite this reality, the regime prioritizes resources to strengthen the cult of personality around the historical leader of the Revolution.
With this centenary, the government intends to reactivate the propaganda surrounding Fidel Castro as a symbol of resistance and unity, although for many sectors of Cuban society, his figure also represents decades of authoritarianism and a political and economic model that has failed to address the basic problems of the citizenry.
The regime's propaganda machinery in Cuba has been activated with great force in the lead-up to the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth, scheduled for 2026. The directive is clear: every gesture, every act, every whisper of wind must be used as a vehicle for political indoctrination.
Days ago, it was reported that military personnel were mobilized to plant one hundred trees in a military area across several provinces, and the activity was officially dedicated to paying tribute to the dictator.
In Guantánamo, several dining facilities for vulnerable individuals were also inaugurated in honor of the birthday of the dictator who brought so many people to misery.
Manipulation reaches unusual extremes: in Matanzas, the birth of a baby was announced as a “gift to the Commander” since it coincided with the 99th anniversary of his birth.
The newborn was registered with the name Fidel, in a clear indication of ideological submission disguised as popular spontaneity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Commemoration of Fidel Castro's Centenary in Cuba
What activities is the Cuban regime planning for the centenary of Fidel Castro?
The Cuban regime is planning a political and propaganda campaign that includes public events, cultural activities, the publication of 23 volumes of Selected Works of Fidel Castro, and the dissemination of these materials on digital platforms and in other languages. The aim of all this is to strengthen the "patriotic roots" of Cubans and project Castro's thoughts to new generations.
What is the regime's objective in commemorating the centenary of Fidel Castro?
The aim is to reinforce the image of Fidel Castro as a symbol of resistance and unity, projecting his thoughts as a "living symbol of the Revolution." Additionally, the regime seeks to connect new generations with Castro's legacy, despite the severe economic and social crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
Why does the Cuban regime prioritize Fidel Castro's campaign in the midst of a crisis?
The regime prioritizes this campaign as a mechanism of social control and to keep the figure of Castro alive as a pillar of the Cuban political system. Despite the crisis of blackouts, inflation, and shortages, the government continues to invest in propaganda to sustain its political model, rather than addressing the urgent needs of the population.
How is Fidel Castro perceived among today's Cuban youth?
For many young Cubans, Fidel Castro symbolizes decades of authoritarianism and a political model that has not addressed the basic needs of the citizens. Despite the regime's efforts to relate Castro's image to the new generations, many young people associate his legacy with blackouts, scarcity, and repression.
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