The popular character Facundo Correcto, from the show Vivir del cuento, joined in his own way the recent cleaning days promoted by the Cuban regime, although he did so from exile and with a clear tone of mockery.
In a video posted on his Facebook profile, Facundo appears in the backyard of his home in Cape Coral, Florida—where he is building a pool—dressed in his classic white guayabera and holding a rake. From there, he pretends to be participating in "volunteer work," in the same classic style of Cuban leaders who pose for cameras while pretending to work.
"Imagine, fellow countryman, I took a while because I was having a snack, there with all the leaders... each one heading to their volunteer work. Come on, let’s get started, let's go," Facundo says in a theatrical tone, before posing several times with the shovel. Then he concludes, "Is that enough? Well, see you later. We'll meet at the next volunteer work."
The humorous sketch comes after the performance featuring Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero, who took part in a cleaning event in the gardens of the Palace of the Revolution, dressed in luxury clothing and footwear while posing for the official press.
Díaz-Canel was wearing German Lowa boots valued at over $200, while Marrero sported Skechers sneakers, an American brand priced around $90. The gesture was harshly criticized by Cubans on social media, who described the event as a "Sunday theater" and accused the leadership of cleaning the palace while real garbage continues to overflow in the streets.
"They started cleaning the Palace, but the trash is you," wrote a user on X. Another commented, "What multiplies is the theater, not well-being."
Meanwhile, brigades of state workers, police officers, and recruits were mobilized to the streets of Havana and other provinces to address the garbage collection crisis. Despite the effort, Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged that there is no sustainable plan. "Everyone is asking how we will sustain it," he admitted, once again appealing to “popular initiative.”
Shortly after, the comedian posted another entry titled “Here’s a Sunday of volunteer work,” in which he juxtaposes his staged image with real photographs of the brigades mobilized by the regime in Cuba. The visual comparison reinforces the critique of the performative nature of these events and the state propaganda that accompanies them.
The streets of Havana, with piles of accumulated waste, blackouts, shortages of potable water, and recent protests with pans and pots in neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Regla, reflect the national deterioration. In contrast, Facundo uses humor to highlight the disconnection between the power elites and the reality of a country engulfed in chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Critical Situation in Cuba and the Role of Facundo Correcto
How does Facundo Correcto criticize the Cuban regime from exile?
Facundo Correcto uses humor and satire to criticize the Cuban regime. In his recent video from Miami, he pretends to participate in "volunteer work" in a mocking tone, imitating the Cuban leaders who pretend to work for the cameras.
What was the reaction of the Cubans to the sanitation campaign led by Díaz-Canel and Marrero?
The reaction of the Cubans was one of criticism and mockery. Social media was flooded with comments describing the event as a "Sunday theater" and highlighting the disconnection between the ruling elite and the reality of the Cuban people, who are suffering from blackouts, water shortages, and garbage accumulation.
What problems does Havana currently face?
Havana faces a public health crisis due to the accumulation of garbage, prolonged blackouts, a shortage of drinking water, and protests involving pot-banging in response to the lack of basic services. The situation reflects the widespread deterioration in the Cuban capital.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address the waste crisis in Havana?
The Cuban government has organized "hygienization" campaigns to clean the streets, mobilizing state workers, recruits, and police officers. However, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that there is no sustainable plan to maintain cleanliness, appealing to "popular initiative" to address the issue.
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