A recent Facebook post by Cubadebate, encouraging participation in a poetry contest dedicated to Fidel Castro, has sparked a wave of criticism and negative comments. This response highlights the growing public fatigue with the government's propaganda and the continued glorification of the deceased leader.
The official media outlet invited readers to honor the "man who understood and defended culture as the soul of the nation" through décimas, described as "the people's stanza," as part of the events leading up to his centenary in 2026.
However, the post was largely met with sarcasm, irony, and frustration. One user commented, "Cuba is in total decline, with a culture of hunger, blackouts, and a lack of water and medicine, yet they refuse to acknowledge the reality of Cuba." Another added, "Watch the TV, friend, I won't miss 'Palmas y Cañas'.
Some participants used the contest format to express their grievances. One individual penned a poem saying, "Oh commander, how can we not remember you with every power outage, every day without water, every empty pot echoing in homes, every child crying for a glass of milk," signing it as "the Cuban people."
More direct comments labeled Castro as a "malicious figure who deceived a nation," and criticized him with phrases like, "The SOB who robbed and destroyed Cuba" and "The only prayer for that criminal is one to the Devil to keep him forever." A poignant social critique stated, "More than 70% of Cubans are sick with arbovirosis, over 80% without electricity, food, or medicine… And you're busy idolizing Fidel!"
Many contrasted the heroic tone of the contest with harsh daily realities: “In 66 years, they haven't managed to provide Cuban children with a simple breakfast of bread with eggs and coffee with milk for school,” noted a reader. Another user remarked, “With so much hunger around…”
The overall sentiment was one of anger and ridicule. An internet user wrote, “#DownWithFidel, let his stone remain forever,” while another quipped, “Now we must pay tribute to Satan.” A woman succinctly captured the sentiment: “What a disgrace.” Amidst the critical responses, only a few supportive messages like “#FidelForever” were visible.
These reactions contribute to the widespread discontent with state propaganda. Recent posts by the regime have drawn similar responses, such as when Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed "principles cannot be eaten," leading to hundreds of comments about his disconnect from reality.
The pattern of distrust also emerged when Dr. Francisco Durán was accused of lying about dengue fumigation, and when the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces stated "we only brought back our dead" in reference to the Angola intervention.
In Bayamo, the veneration of Castro has been controversial. During the Fiesta de la Cubanía, soldiers paraded a Fidel Castro cap in a glass case, and days later, locals held a spiritual ritual invoking "Father Fidel" on National Culture Day.
The stark contrast between official propaganda and the harsh realities of life in Cuba—marked by power outages, shortages, and disillusionment—is vividly reflected in digital commentary. On social media, where censorship is less stringent, the official poetry is met with a different voice: that of a people no longer writing odes, but demands for change.
Cuban Discontent and Government Propaganda
Why are Cubans criticizing the poetry contest?
Cubans are criticizing the poetry contest because it is seen as another attempt to glorify Fidel Castro amidst ongoing national hardships such as power outages, food shortages, and lack of basic necessities.
What kind of comments did the Cubadebate post receive?
The Cubadebate post received numerous sarcastic and ironic comments, with users expressing frustration over the disconnect between the government's propaganda and the daily struggles of ordinary Cubans.
How is the public sentiment towards government propaganda?
Public sentiment towards government propaganda is largely negative, with many Cubans feeling disillusioned and critical of the state's persistent glorification of Fidel Castro despite the country's ongoing crises.