Sandro Castro, grandson of Fidel Castro and Cuban influencer, posted a video on Instagram this Monday celebrating the start of summer in Varadero, which triggered a flood of criticism due to the stark contrast between his luxuries and the crisis faced by the Cuban people.
In the video posted on his Instagram profile, Sandro shows a sign at the entrance of Varadero that reads "What is collected here is for the people," a phrase that immediately became the trigger for the harshest reactions.
Then he gets on a jet ski and announces that he will reach the U.S. aircraft carrier deployed in the Caribbean—probably referring to the USS Nimitz—to "invite the Americans to the party" in Varadero.
At another moment in the video, Sandro films a camel grazing near a hotel. He alluded to the fact that the animal has adapted to the water scarcity faced by the Cuban people and made a jest: "We're being looked after by those from Egypt."
She also recorded the dolphins at the Varadero Dolphinarium and stated that "they protected Elián González and now bring people from Miami to vacation," a reference to the relationships between Cuba and the United States that leaves no one indifferent.
The video concludes with footage of the crowded nighttime party, the highlight of the event “Start of Summer 2K26”, held over 72 continuous hours on May 29, 30, and 31 at the Resonance Musique Hotel in Varadero, featuring artists such as Yomil, Charly & Johayron, and Ja Rulay.
Sandro Castro's post has garnered dozens of critical comments. While he celebrated in Varadero, 2.7 million Cubans suffered from a shortage of drinking water and power outages exceeded 20 hours across all provinces in the country.
The responses to the post came quickly. "You say that 'What is raised here is for the people.' The people say: 'I am hungry, I have no electricity, I have no freedom, this country is a... Freedom!'" wrote a user.
Another comment bluntly stated: "Everything that is collected goes to the Castros and Caneles, that's the people the sign is referring to."
This episode adds to a long list of controversies involving Fidel's grandson on Instagram. In a recent video, he encouraged drug use in Cuba, and now he boasts about celebrating in Varadero while the rest of the Cubans survive on minimal resources.
In March 2026, Sandro Castro stirred controversy in an interview with CNN by stating that he has "no privilege or immunity" because of his last name, and just a few days later he confirmed that his bar in Havana cost him 50,000 dollars. He asserted that this money is "the result of his hard work."
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