In recent years, Lis Cuesta, wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, has played a pivotal role in organizing and promoting exclusive tourist and gastronomic events, despite the ongoing food crisis characterizing his administration. Lis aims to place Cuba on the luxury tourism map, but this mission has only drawn criticism and increased national budget expenditures. Each year, fewer tourists visit the island, and many who do share on social media the stark reality of a nation where families sometimes lack even basic bread.
From the Paradiso Cultural Tourism Agency under the Ministry of Culture, Lis coordinates events that have become platforms to showcase a gastronomic wealth that Cuba no longer truly possesses. The strategy involves not only organizing festivals in locations inaccessible to the general populace, such as the Varadero Convention Center, but also leveraging the presence of celebrities to promote Cuban cuisine, inviting international chefs, and global personalities to act as ambassadors.
10 Gourmet Tourism Events Amidst Cuba's Hunger Crisis
Here is a list of 10 gourmet tourism events happening in Cuba amid widespread hunger:
1. Varadero Gourmet Festival: This event has had several editions. This year, it brought together international chefs, entrepreneurs, and food critics for a high-end culinary experience. While attendees enjoyed artisanal rum cocktails and gourmet dishes, most Cuban families struggle to access basic foodstuffs.
2. International Tourism Fair in Varadero: This fair is a showcase of opulence in a country mired in scarcity. It often features an extravagant buffet filled with seafood, meats, cheeses, and desserts that are unseen in local markets.
3. Cuba Sabe: Organized to celebrate Cuban cuisine, this event usually gathers renowned chefs, entrepreneurs, and food critics to taste and explore the flavors of national products and promote potential services to foreign companies.
4. "Bread Crisis Festival": In 2019, amid a severe flour shortage in Cuba that persists today, Lis Cuesta organized the first edition of Gastrocult at the Iberostar Grand Packard Hotel in Havana. It generated millions of criticisms on social media, turning the culinary show into a reminder of how the government elite prioritizes external image over addressing the country's growing internal needs.
5. Habanos Festival: One of the most elitist events in Cuba, synonymous with luxury, featuring exclusive dinners, cocktails prepared by top bartenders, and presentations of premium cigars. The irony is not lost as attendees indulge in opulence while the average Cuban struggles to afford a decent daily meal.
6. Le Dîner en Blanc: Havana has hosted these luxury outdoor dinners twice since Díaz-Canel took power. In 2023, leaked images from the event sparked public outrage. Such banquets highlight the chasm between tourism events and the harsh reality of the country.
7. Frequent Congratulations to Cuban Chefs: Lis Cuesta often sends congratulations to chefs every October 18th, Cuban Cuisine Day. This gesture seems ironic to many, as most chefs lack the resources to provide proper services due to the country's shortages.
8. Gordon Ramsay's Visit to Havana: The famous British chef visited Cuba searching for authentic flavors to promote it as a tourist destination on his TV show. He explored local cuisine and traditional ingredients. Many Cubans on social media wondered which market he bought the food from, joking when they saw him in a video jumping into the sea to fish for the main course.
9. British Royalty Visit to Cuba (2019): At that time, it was Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla. The delicacy that supposedly delighted them? Humble "black bean croquettes." The government attempted to impress the world with local cuisine, making the royalty get their hands greasy.
10. Cuban Cuisine as Cultural Heritage: Since 2019, the government has proposed declaring Cuban cuisine a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its traditional dishes. However, most Cubans cannot access the ingredients to prepare those same dishes due to shortages.
While Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta promote Cuban cuisine to the world, the reality is that the island's population lives with daily food restrictions, lacking even a glass of milk or a piece of bread.
Understanding the Contradictions of Gourmet Tourism in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions to help understand the contradictions and realities surrounding gourmet tourism events in Cuba.
Why are these gourmet events controversial in Cuba?
These events are controversial because they showcase opulence and luxury amidst a severe food shortage affecting the majority of the Cuban population. Many criticize the government for prioritizing external image over addressing domestic needs.
What is the purpose of hosting international chefs and celebrities?
The government aims to use the presence of international chefs and celebrities to promote Cuban cuisine and attract luxury tourism. This strategy is intended to position Cuba as a high-end tourist destination, despite the internal economic struggles.
How do locals perceive these events?
Many locals view these events with frustration and skepticism. They see them as a stark contrast to their daily reality, where basic food items are scarce and unaffordable. Social media often reflects public outrage and criticism.