Daisy Ortega, the sister of Juan Carlos González Marcos—who became an icon of hunger in Cuba with his cry of “¡jamaaaa!”—shared an emotionally charged message to express thanks to those who supported her family during these trying times.
“A thousand thanks to everyone,” she wrote at the end of a public farewell to her brother, urging people to remember him beyond his decline in recent years.
Ortega depicted a different side of Pánfilo, beyond the viral persona: a beloved community member who was always willing to lend a hand despite his own struggles.
She recounted a poignant moment shortly before his passing, where he encouraged her to comfort a young woman crying alone beside her mother's body in a hospital. To her, this gesture epitomized his true nature.
“That addict, that drunk, or whatever you want to call him... he was the kindest,” she asserted, emphasizing his humanity over the labels that followed him for years.
Ortega also highlighted that despite everything, he never abandoned his loved ones when they needed him most. “He never missed being at a hospital, always there,” she noted.
According to Ortega, the wake and funeral proceeded unhurriedly, surrounded by neighbors, friends, and community members—young and old, as well as those who shared his marginal life—who refused to let him go without a proper farewell.
The message concluded with a blend of gratitude and farewell: appreciation for the outpouring of affection both online and offline, and a final intimate goodbye: “Rest in peace, ‘Pa’.”
The death of Pánfilo, confirmed by his family, has sparked numerous reactions among Cubans who saw him as more than just a viral sensation for years.
His life—marked by poverty, alcohol, and the harsh reality of life on the island—ultimately became an unsettling reflection of the reality faced by many.
The man who, in 2009, interrupted a recording to shout “what we need is food” not only gained fame but also voiced a stark truth that still resonates.
Now, after his death, his sister strives to preserve the memory of the man, rather than the symbol.
Understanding Pánfilo's Legacy and Impact
Who was Pánfilo?
Pánfilo was the nickname of Juan Carlos González Marcos, a Cuban man who became known for his viral outcry "¡jamaaaa!" which highlighted the hunger and economic struggles in Cuba.
What legacy did Pánfilo leave behind?
Pánfilo's legacy is both a symbol of the harsh realities in Cuba and a reminder of the kindness and humanity he showed in his community, as remembered by his sister and those who knew him.
How did Pánfilo become famous?
He gained fame in 2009 when he interrupted a recording to demand "jama" (food), a statement that resonated deeply with many Cubans living under difficult conditions.