The renowned American newspaper, The New York Times, has published a detailed profile on Sandro Castro, the 33-year-old grandson of the late dictator Fidel Castro. He has become a widely discussed figure on Cuban social media, thanks to his blend of ostentation, satire, and veiled criticisms of his family's own government.
The article, titled "Fidel Castro's Grandson Sandro Becomes Instagram Influencer," delves into how Sandro has amassed over 150,000 followers on Instagram. His provocative videos highlight the stark contrast between his privileged lifestyle and the hardships faced by most Cubans.
The Satirical Side of Sandro Castro
Among his most talked-about content is a video where he caresses a gas canister, mocking the island's fuel shortages. Another clip features him rejecting a call from a Trump-like figure attempting to "buy Cuba."
In January, he posted a photo mocking Díaz-Canel with a Cristal beer and the caption: "When I'm with you, I forget Díaz-Canel is president," a direct critique that went without repercussions.
Sandro's Business Ventures in Havana
Sandro, the son of Alexis Castro—identified by the Times as a photographer and Fidel's son—was born in 1991 and owns Bar EFE, located at 23rd and F streets in Vedado. The venue charges entrance fees of 1,000 Cuban pesos per month, with tables requiring a minimum consumption of 15,000 pesos, a sum equivalent to a couple of months' average salary in Cuba, where the median income is about 6,500 pesos.
In March, he shared an AI-generated image alongside Barron Trump, the son of the U.S. president.
Controversial Moments and Public Reaction
His first major viral scandal dates back to February 2021, when a video surfaced showing him driving a Mercedes-Benz at high speed on a Havana highway, saying, "We are simple people, but sometimes you have to take the toys out of the house." Public outrage was so intense that Sandro later apologized, explaining the car was borrowed and the video had been leaked from his WhatsApp without his consent. Israel Rojas, a singer from Buena Fe, labeled him "irresponsible" and "immature."
Since then, his profile has become more satirical and politically charged. In October 2025, when asked if he was a communist, he stated, "Revolutionary yes. Communist no. I respect my country and government."
Official Reactions and Criticisms
The Times article also captures the official reaction. Pedro Jorge Velázquez, known as "El Necio" and the regime's main digital propagandist, accused him of being an "ideological enemy" undermining national security. Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a former spy among the "Five Heroes" and current National Coordinator of the CDRs, supported these criticisms with an "amen" on Facebook.
However, historian Ernesto Limia Díaz, vice president of UNEAC, clarified that "Sandro is not a political enemy, nor has he committed crimes," though he called him a "fool" for the damage his surname causes.
The Times profile highlights the regime's structural hypocrisy: while activists and dissidents are jailed for expressing critical opinions, Fidel Castro's grandson openly mocks the president, flaunts opulent luxury amidst the worst economic crisis in decades, and runs an exclusive bar in Havana—all without fines or arrests.
This double standard, more than any viral video, paints the most accurate picture of Castroism in 2026.
Insights into Sandro Castro's Influence and Controversy
Who is Sandro Castro?
Sandro Castro is the 33-year-old grandson of the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, known for his provocative social media presence and satirical critiques of the Cuban government.
What is Bar EFE, and why is it controversial?
Bar EFE is a Havana-based bar owned by Sandro Castro. It charges high entry fees and minimum consumption, making it exclusive and controversial given Cuba's economic struggles.
How has Sandro Castro responded to criticism?
Sandro Castro has maintained a satirical approach, often using humor and indirect criticisms of the regime, while expressing respect for Cuba and its government.