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Every January 27, the eve of José Martí's birthday, the Cuban regime reveals its true priorities: this year, it once again calls on the people to march with torches while a large part of the country remains in darkness.
In Havana, power outages exceed 15 hours, and in some provinces, they last over 30 hours—an image that better encapsulates the contrast between propaganda and reality than any speech.
The official source Cubadebate reported that an official call for the March of the Torches was made in the capital, scheduled for January 27 under the slogan “Centennial Antimperialist Torch.”
According to the state media, the parade will feature the new generations who "honor the national history" in the year marking the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth.
Representatives from student organizations will reaffirm their "commitment" to pay tribute to National Hero José Martí on the 173rd anniversary of his birth, highlighting the "historical continuity" of the revolutionary process.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel wrote on his : “Just like 73 years ago, we will light torches on the eve of José Martí's birthday, the Apostle of independence and Cuban anti-imperialism. Tonight, another motivation brings us together: we march for the Centenary of Fidel, from the University where he became a revolutionary.”
From the official platforms, messages also included one from the spokesperson Gerardo Nordelo, who exclaimed: “See you tonight!”.
However, the announcement has sparked criticism among Cubans who question the regime's priorities amid the national energy collapse.
Elizabeth González Aznar commented: “If anything could please me about a march like this, it would be the emergence of a new generation of the centennial with the ideals of Martí. But sadly, that is not the case; today, it is not possible to have a generation that defends freedom and speaks the truth without fear.”
Nelson Garrido joked: "Is there fuel for that?" while Carlos Andino added: "It's going to be the best parade in history; it will look very beautiful when all of Havana is in blackout."
Others, such as Âustín Quevedo and Beatriz Estupiñán, questioned the contrast between propaganda and the crisis.
“There's a lot of marching and the people continue without food, without electricity, without medicine; it's a mockery,” said Quevedo. “They might as well do the blackout march,” added Estupiñán.
In the same tone, Danny Roque recommended “bringing rechargeable flashlights instead of torches,” while Abel A. Castro asked “where the fuel to mobilize people came from.”
China Sotolongo Tunón sarcastically remarked, “Ah, that’s why there are power outages, to save fuel and be able to light the torches,” and Yusmel R. Padrón summed up the sentiment of many: “If Martí could see what they have done to Cuba…”.
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