The message posted by Miguel Díaz-Canel regarding the Torch March, held on January 27 in Havana, sparked a wave of critical, ironic, and rejecting reactions on social media. While the leader praised “the torches of the Centennial of Martí and those of the Centennial of Fidel” as a symbol of “warmth and light in the battle to achieve full justice,” thousands of users responded by highlighting the contradiction between the official discourse and the prolonged blackouts affecting the entire country.
In the post, which garnered thousands of reactions, comments echoed the contrast between the march and the reality faced by Cubans. "The torches are because of the lack of electricity in Cuba," wrote one user. Another joked, "It's the first time that the power lasts this long in Cuba." There were also those who expressed disbelief at the massive turnout: “I can't believe all these people are here of their own free will; Cubans are more afraid than hungry.”
The overall tone was one of mockery, indignation, and frustration. "At least they lit up at night when they arrived at the house," someone commented, while another questioned the use of resources during an energy crisis: "With what oil or gasoline did they light the torches?"
Many claimed that attendees were forced to participate. “They go because if not, they’ll be fired from work or suspended from university,” said one user. “They’ve already taken attendance, and those who don’t show up will be expelled,” added another. Among the harsher messages, phrases such as “This is a complete mockery,” “A people full of sheep is easy to herd,” or “They have no food, no electricity, no water… and still they march alongside their executioners” were read.
Only a small group expressed support for the leader, repeating labels such as #MartíLives, #CubaWillWin, and #AlwaysAntiImperialist, and defending the march as “an act of continuity.” However, the vast majority conveyed outrage and fatigue regarding the country's situation.
Criticism was not limited to the ruler's profile. On the page of CiberCuba Noticias, where images and videos of the parade were also shared under the title “Torch March in a Dark Country: A Sad Metaphor for Current Cuba”, the debate continued with hundreds of comments that maintained a tone of frustration and sarcasm.
"And with that torch, they lit the way at night when they arrived at the house," wrote one reader. Another commented, "Gentlemen, these marches demonstrate the fear that the people have of repression." There were also repeated complaints about the lack of voluntariness: "They are there under duress," "If you don't go, you lose your chance at a career or your job."
Some used humor as an outlet. "Take some torches with you, we're going to need them," joked one user, while another quipped, "The perfect festival for the occasion... at least the streets are lit." References to shortages and blackouts mingled with messages of resignation: "The people have no food, no power, no water... but looking at this, I can say we have neither shame nor dignity," "That's why we're in this situation," "It's sad," "I'm at a loss for words."
Among the harshest criticisms, phrases such as "Every people gets what they deserve," "Bread and circus, but without bread," or "If Martí were alive, he would die again upon seeing this" were repeated. Only a few comments defended the march as a revolutionary tradition and a patriotic tribute, but they were far outweighed by messages of discontent.
The contrast between official propaganda and popular reaction turned the March of the Torches into an involuntary symbol of the moment the island is experiencing: a country walking with fire while remaining mired in darkness, scarcity, and fatigue.
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