The pro-government site Cubadebate attempted to mark Havana's 506th anniversary with a social media campaign that quickly turned into a barrage of criticism over the city's declining state.
On Thursday, the site posted an invitation on Facebook for users to share their images of the city under the theme, “Send us your vision of the city.” The post, intended to evoke an emotional response, stated, “Every November 16th, Havana wakes up celebrating its history. It has been 506 years of streets narrating the passage of time.”
However, the comments painted a starkly different picture: a city plagued by garbage, collapsing buildings, outbreaks, government neglect, power outages, and abandonment, according to Havana residents themselves.
“A sad vision, caused by the tyrants crushing it,” commented Darlon Bermúdez, one of the first to respond.
Jorge Bacallao Guerra joked, “Whoever has to Photoshop the garbage out of the photos that will arrive isn't getting much sleep tonight.”
Karen Cano urged, “Allow us to share the real photos of Havana,” while Frank Pérez Pérez lamented, “Havana, once the envy of the Americas, is now a city in ruins, with sorrow and without glory.”
Some comments were more blunt. “What energy? What people? What Havana? You are a meme,” wrote Tuangel Blanco, referencing the post's propagandistic tone.
Sandra García Espinosa sarcastically added, “What a birthday for Havana, with its gleaming streets and perfectly maintained buildings... surely they painted it to look nice.”
Realities of Havana's Decline
The majority of comments highlighted issues like filth, leaks, and urban decay. “Havana turns 506 years old, filled with garbage dumps, broken streets, and propped-up buildings,” wrote Edy Meza.
Others were more graphic: “I'll send a picture of the garbage dump on the corner of my house,” commented Yerena Cordero.
Rafael Dueñas reminisced about the pre-regime days, saying, “The last 65 years have been the worst for a city that once shined. Today, communism has destroyed it.”
Though there were a few brief messages of congratulations or nostalgia, the Cubadebate post was overwhelmingly overrun by criticisms exposing the disconnect between official rhetoric and the everyday experiences of Havanans.
“The biggest garbage dump is in the Council of Ministers,” wrote Jesús Ángel Pérez Gutiérrez, one of the harshest comments, echoed by Yusmel R. Padron who noted, “The revolutionary ‘Gaza Strip’,” drawing a metaphor to the level of destruction in what some consider a once-marvelous city.
The state media’s attempt to highlight “the energy of the people of Havana” instead showcased the frustration of a population living in a crumbling city while the regime continues to invest in hotels and propaganda.
Havana's Struggles and Public Sentiment
What was the purpose of Cubadebate's post about Havana?
Cubadebate's post aimed to celebrate Havana's 506th anniversary by inviting users to share images of the city, hoping to evoke pride and emotional responses.
How did the public react to Cubadebate's post?
The public overwhelmingly criticized the post, highlighting issues like garbage, collapsing infrastructure, and government neglect in Havana.
What are some of the main issues facing Havana according to its residents?
Residents pointed out issues like excessive garbage, structural collapses, disease outbreaks, power outages, and general neglect by the government.