Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as El Cangrejo and grandson of the former ruler Raúl Castro, was spotted at a luxury party in the Hotel Playa Cayo Santa María Beach Resort & SPA, one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in Cuba, while the country is experiencing one of the worst economic crises in its history.
The image, shared by Cubanos por el Mundo, shows the son of the late General Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja and Déborah Castro Espín sitting in the front row, dressed in designer clothing and sharing a table in an atmosphere of abundance, lights, and live music. The event was organized by Gaviota, a tourism conglomerate controlled by the military and regarded as one of the economic pillars of the Castro family.
In the description of the photo, it speaks of a setting with tables laden with delicacies, fireworks, and an atmosphere of opulence, a stark contrast to the reality of millions of Cubans who face 24-hour blackouts, food shortages, collapsed hospitals, and a life marked by scarcity.
A "historic pride" for Gaviota
In an official video shared by the tourism company itself, the inauguration of the “Destinos Gaviota 2025” fair was celebrated as a “historic event” with the participation of over 3,000 visitors from 45 countries, to whom the island was presented as a “tourist paradise in rebirth.”
The evening featured an artistic show with performances by figures such as El Micha, among other musicians, in a setting filled with luxury and exclusivity. While the political elite celebrated with invited artists and foreign tourists, the Cuban people continue to be mired in daily hardship.
It’s not the first time
The appearance of El Cangrejo in Cayo Santa María comes just weeks after it was seen in Santiago de Cuba, attending a concert by reggaeton artists Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13 at the St. Pauli bar, and later dancing in the front row during the "Rumbón Mayor" at the Alameda in Santiago, amid strict security measures and police presence.
At that moment, criticism also erupted on social media due to the contrast between the nightlife of the elite and the hardships faced by the people, who in cities like Santiago continue to face endless blackouts, shortages of water and food, and a “forced happiness” imposed from above.
Privilege in times of crisis
Raúl Castro's grandson, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Ministry of the Interior and is part of his grandfather's security team, is once again at the center of controversy due to his constant presence at parties and events, shielded by the protection of the State's security apparatus.
Her image enjoying luxury symbolizes, for many Cubans, the growing distance between the power elite and the daily life of the people. While official propaganda speaks of resistance against the "blockade," the heirs of Castroism continue to celebrate in exclusive venues that the average Cuban will never be able to step foot in.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Crab and Social Contrast in Cuba
What happened at the luxury party in Cayo Santa María?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as El Cangrejo and grandson of Raúl Castro, was spotted at a lavish party at the Hotel Playa Cayo Santa María Beach Resort & SPA. This event, organized by Gaviota, stood in stark contrast to the economic crisis faced by the majority of Cubans, who are enduring power outages and shortages.
Why does the appearance of El Cangrejo generate controversy in Cuba?
The Crab has become a symbol of privilege and the disconnection of the Cuban elite from the reality of the people. Its presence at luxury events and exclusive concerts generates outrage among Cubans, who are dealing with blackouts and shortages of basic resources.
What is Gaviota's role in the economic context of Cuba?
Gaviota is a tourism conglomerate controlled by the military and one of the economic pillars of the Castro family. It organizes luxury events while the country faces a severe economic crisis, highlighting the contrast between luxury for a few and misery for the majority.
What does the figure of El Cangrejo represent for Cubans?
The figure of El Cangrejo symbolizes privilege and opulence amidst the crisis that Cuba is experiencing. Its constant presence at exclusive events and the protection provided by the state security apparatus highlight the divide between the power elite and the reality of the Cuban people.
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