Sandro Castro Parties During National Mourning for Holguín Tragedy

In a blatant display of insensitivity and disregard for national grief, Sandro Castro, the grandson of dictator Fidel Castro, was seen partying last Sunday, a day when Cuba was observing a period of Official Mourning in memory of the 13 military personnel who died in Holguín. Ignoring the directives of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government, published in Granma—the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC)—this "simple revolutionary young man" once again demonstrated his contempt for Cubans and his perceived superiority over the "continuity" leaders.

Journalist Mario Pentón highlighted this behavior on social media, noting, "Santiago Rivero Morales, also known as Santy Ogbetua, a suspected fugitive from U.S. justice currently sheltered in Cuba, is seen posing with Sandro Castro, Fidel Castro's grandson, even promoting his bar. This occurs while the country is in official mourning for the death of 13 military personnel, nine of whom were young recruits serving mandatory military service."

Through a social media broadcast, Sandro, alongside Santiago Rivero Morales, promoted his establishment, Bar EFE, encouraging celebration with statements like: "It's Sunday, and we deserve a drink, folks" (sic). This conduct starkly contrasts with the mourning declared by the Cuban government, which mandated that during this period, the national flag should fly at half-mast to honor the three military officers and nine young recruits declared deceased, whose bodies could not be recovered.

Castro's actions not only show a lack of empathy towards the families of the deceased but also reflect a troubling level of impunity and shamelessness from those who enjoy privileges on the island. While the nation paid tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives in the tragic January 7th incident, the dictator's grandson chose to promote his business and celebrate, disregarding the collective sorrow and the decrees of the leader appointed "by hand" by his great-uncle.

"It hurts deeply," said Díaz-Canel when announcing the military deaths, yet Sandro suggested having a drink because it was Sunday.

This is not an isolated incident in Sandro Castro's behavior. Last December, he held an extravagant birthday party at his bar, despite the blackouts affecting the Cuban populace. Additionally, he was seen being detained by police on Havana's Fifth Avenue, highlighting a pattern of behavior that ignores the hardships and sentiments of the Cuban people.

The audacity of Sandro Castro and his close circle is a direct affront to the memory of the young military personnel who perished and to their families, who still await clear answers about the circumstances of the tragic accident in Holguín. It is not the first time Sandro has been seen partying with Rivero Morales, a Cuban santero allegedly involved in a shooting reported in Miami in August 2023.

In October of that year, Rivero Morales celebrated his birthday in Cuba with the dictator's grandson, whom he considered "a good friend," as they embraced in a photo shared on social media. The promotion of parties and businesses amid national mourning is yet another example of the disconnection between the privileged elite and the reality faced by the majority of Cubans.