While millions of Cubans are surviving without electricity, water, and food, Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed the delegates of the IV Continental Assembly of ALBA Movements this Saturday at the Palace of the Revolution, in what the regime presented as a demonstration of international "solidarity" with the Revolution.
The meeting is part of an assembly that brings together 188 delegates from 27 countries from August 6 to August 9, under the slogan "For socialism, a hundred years walking with Fidel," just before the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth, which is set for August 13.
Díaz-Canel took advantage of the occasion to unleash his usual rhetoric before the audience of foreign leftists. "When so many in the world submit to the mandates of Washington, to its criminal order to disconnect us from the world, you have chosen to be in Cuba during the most difficult hour," he proclaimed, without mentioning that this "most difficult hour" is being endured by the Cuban people, not him.
The leader also used the metaphor of oxygen: "when the empire tries to suffocate us by all means, you oxygenate us with that superior strength." What he didn't explain is that the oxygen most needed by Cubans does not come in the form of delegates with raised fists, but rather in the form of electricity, medicine, and food.
The event concluded with a statement that the regime considers inspiring: "And above all things, know that, even in the worst circumstances, Cuba will continue to fight, will continue to resist, and will continue to prevail. It is our commitment to the enduring legacy of Fidel." A promise of resistance that, when translated into everyday reality, means more blackouts, more shortages, and more exodus.
The event is not an isolated occurrence, but rather part of a systematic pattern of ideological tourism that the regime maintains with striking consistency. Just on Friday, Díaz-Canel inaugurated the 24th International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties at the Palace of Conventions, with over 100 delegates from 48 organizations. From August 10 to 13, the International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future" is scheduled. In May, an International Solidarity Meeting with Cuba was held with 766 delegates from 152 organizations across 36 countries. The 2026 official calendar includes more than 280 institutional activities.
This parade of ideological visitors stands in stark contrast to the collapse of real tourism: the island received 112,000 fewer visitors in 2026 compared to the previous year, marking the worst decline in the sector since 2002.
While the regime organizes ideological party after party, the Cuban economy has experienced a decline of 15% since 2020, including a 5% drop just in 2025. The electrical system records historic deficits, with blackouts averaging between 15 and 24 hours daily in Havana, reaching up to 87 consecutive hours in Matanzas.
Cubans responded with indignation on social media. "There is fuel for this," wrote a user under the official post from the Presidency. Another was more blunt: "Hypocrites all, why don't they stay and live in Cuba like ordinary Cubans?" A third pointed out: "Let them walk through the neighborhoods... and they will see the reality and the real support."
The most concise, and perhaps the most eloquent, response was offered by another citizen: "And on this side... Cuba is dying."
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