Related videos:
Miguel Díaz-Canel celebrated his 66th birthday on Monday amidst a torrent of sarcastic and ironic comments on social media, where Cubans sent their own "congratulations" to the leader of the dictatorship while the regime spread messages of praise from its officials.
Díaz-Canel received congratulations from members of the Communist Party, the Government, and mass organizations.
The chancellor Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla wrote on X: "Under his leadership, we will continue to defend the Homeland, the Revolution, and Socialism, and work for the well-being of all Cubans."
The Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso Grau expressed "all our affection and admiration."
The contrast with the popular reaction could not have been more eloquent.
The reference imbued with the most political significance was the recurring mention of New York.
"The next one in New York in grand style," wrote Malay Peña Otero.
"Give them a little trip as a gift to New York," added Yahima Urra.
"The next one is in New York," agreed Navir Gonzalez Croza.
The reference is not incidental: Nicolás Maduro, a strategic ally of the Cuban regime, was captured on January 3, 2026, and taken to the Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, where he faces charges of conspiracy for narcoterrorism and drug trafficking with penalties that can reach life imprisonment. The judge rejected dismissing the case on March 26.
The Cubans, with irony, wish Díaz-Canel the same fate.
Others were more direct. "I just wish the next one is celebrated in Alcatraz," wrote Alexis Marino.
"Let it be celebrated to the fullest, as it might be the last one," pointed out Yordan Roque Alvarez.
"Maduro wants me to go celebrate with him so we can keep fighting together," Alberto Arufe Rodriguez joked.
The popular anger has a specific context: the capture of Maduro cut Venezuela's supply of between 25,000 and 35,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Cuba, triggering the worst energy crisis on the island in years.
Mexico suspended its shipments on January ninth under pressure from Washington. US sanctions reduced fuel imports by between 80% and 90%.
That same Monday, the Electric Union forecasted a reduction of 1,165 megawatts during peak nighttime hours.
"I see now why I have energy, they're celebrating it in a big way," wrote Ade Morales Rodriguez.
"Surely he is celebrating the birthday cooking with charcoal during a massive blackout and struggling to buy food," described Lisbet Rodriguez.
"You won't be able to celebrate, with no electricity, no water, and nothing to eat," May Lei declared.
The outrage also targeted political prisoners.
"And how many innocents are in prison unable to celebrate with their families," recalled Ismael Sauvanell, at a moment when hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Cuba, after the government announced on April 2 the release of 2,010 detainees without including any prisoners from 11J.
Several comments demanded, outright, his departure from power. "He's of retirement age," wrote Oberdan Yanes.
"Dale singao, the people do not want you. Down with the PCC. No more dictatorship," summarized Ernesto Pineiro the sentiment of many Cubans on this 66th birthday.
Filed under: