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On November 25, marking the ninth anniversary of the death of the dictator Fidel Castro in 2016, the Cuban regime once again deployed its political propaganda machinery, turning —once more— to young children and students to keep alive the cult of the communist leader's figure, in a country going through its worst economic and social crisis in decades.
While the population faces daily blackouts, extreme shortages, outbreaks of diseases, insufficient salaries, and an unprecedented exodus, the government continues to prioritize symbolic ceremonies dedicated to Castro, ignoring the real demands of the country.
Children from a daycare center in Moa were used to pay tribute to Fidel
The Facebook page of the Children's Circle "Los Pequeños Industriales," in Moa, Holguín, published images and messages on Facebook, where four-year-old children can be seen making and placing flowers in honor of Fidel Castro.
The educational center's message reads: “Always remembering our Commander Fidel Castro Ruz, our 4-year-old children are decorating flowers dedicated to him. #EducaciónMoa #FidelLives #EarlyChildhoodMatters.”
In another post, the space added: "A beautiful ceremony was held for the 9th Anniversary of the physical passing of our leader Fidel Castro, dedicating poems, songs, and the love of our children and workers."
In Camagüey, they are also mobilizing pioneers to honor Castro
The Provincial Department of Education of Camagüey also shared a message with a strong ideological charge, showcasing young pioneers in the Plaza de la Revolución Mayor General Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz: “Today, the living memory of the Commander in Chief flourishes (…) with passionate hearts, they pay tribute to the one who instilled in them love for the Homeland, justice, and dignity… Because Fidel has not departed: he lives in the smile of every child studying, in the flag that waves free…”, the organization stated.
The epic language stands in stark contrast to the reality faced by thousands of families: deteriorating schools, a shortage of teachers, lack of food in school cafeterias, and a deeply troubled education system.
Propaganda in Times of Collapse
Despite the social discontent and the growing rejection among youth and families, the regime insists on perpetuating the cult of Fidel Castro, presenting him as the spiritual guide of the country, as was similarly done this Tuesday by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
This insistence continues even amid: the most severe economic crisis in 30 years; the massive migration of Cubans; the collapse of the electricity and healthcare systems; the lack of food, medicine, and transportation; and the rise in public discontent on the streets and social media
While the country is sinking into its worst moment, the authorities continue to use children as a tool for ideological propaganda, reinforcing an official narrative that is increasingly detached from the reality experienced by the population.
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