Lis Cuesta, the wife of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, shared photos on her X account this past Saturday depicting a day of "food production" alongside colleagues and students from the Institute of Higher Art (ISA). The images were accompanied by the slogan, "Homeland or Death. We Will Overcome!"
In the pictures, Cuesta is seen smiling, sporting a camouflage cap, dark sunglasses, a watch on her left wrist, and an olive-green shirt over a turquoise top. She holds plants in a neatly organized garden where lettuce and herbs are grown, surrounded by a group of about 12 to 15 individuals.
The post quickly sparked a wave of mockery and outrage among Cubans, who highlighted the tell-tale signs of a staged propaganda event.
What stood out most to viewers was what wasn't visible: not a speck of dirt on her shoes, nor any trace of soil on her hands, indicating a lack of genuine labor.
"Not a single grain of soil on the shoes," commented a user named CubanoLibre. "Food production with shiny, clean shoes," quipped another user, Tazmania.
Critics also pointed out the stark contrast between Cuesta's "revolutionary outfit" and the harsh reality facing millions of Cubans. "What Cuban woman today can afford caps, watches, nice shoes, and an overshirt?" questioned user Never.
"Those pristine hands in the dirty soil where the poor have to toil," added Freedom. Carlos León was more blunt: "You'll ruin your nails! Who are you trying to fool?"
Several comments went straight to the heart of the issue. "You produce nothing. The Cuban people are still starving. It's just a photo op for your communist propaganda," wrote user Libertad.
Claire summed up the general sentiment: "What a clown you are, even you don't believe it. No one believes you anymore; it's just posing for photos and ending the so-called volunteer work."
This scene is not an isolated incident. In November 2025, Díaz-Canel participated in a similar volunteer workday in Artemisa, posing with a hoe and Adidas clothing, with Lis Cuesta also present, which led to similar widespread ridicule.
In December, Cuesta self-identified as a "cultural worker" while congratulating ISA colleagues with the message, "Culture is the Homeland, and working to defend it is to make Revolution."
In March 2026, she described the Cuban health crisis as very sad and very outrageous, noting that 96,387 patients were on the waiting list for surgeries, including 11,193 children, without offering any solutions.
Her public image has also been questioned for her lavish appearance at official events, while the Cuban population struggles with shortages of food, medicine, and electricity.
The backdrop of this staged event is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Cuba has been grappling with over three months of insufficient fuel, leading to blackouts lasting more than 20 hours a day.
About 36% of the population experiences food insecurity, with the country importing between 70% and 80% of its food, and 80% of Cubans believe the current situation is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
The United Nations has initiated a plan to assist two million people in 63 municipalities across eight provinces. However, 170 containers of humanitarian aid worth $6.3 million remain stranded due to a lack of fuel.
While Lis Cuesta posed among the lettuce rows with gleaming shoes, the UN's resident coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichón, recently warned about the "systemic and increasingly severe" impact of the crisis on health, water, food, and transportation.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What sparked the criticism of Lis Cuesta's recent public appearance?
Lis Cuesta faced criticism after sharing photos of a staged "food production" event, where her clean appearance and the event's propagandistic nature were starkly contrasted with the real struggles of ordinary Cubans.
How severe is the current crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is enduring an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of fuel, food, and electricity. Blackouts last over 20 hours daily, and 36% of the population faces food insecurity.
What actions has the United Nations taken to assist Cuba?
The United Nations has launched a plan to aid two million people across 63 municipalities in eight provinces. However, logistical challenges, such as fuel shortages, have hampered the delivery of humanitarian aid.