This past Friday, the Cuban government held a political event at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform, situated across from the U.S. Embassy on Havana's Malecón. The gathering, intended partly as an early celebration for Raúl Castro's upcoming 95th birthday, was marked by his conspicuous absence, igniting a wave of sarcastic remarks and jokes among Cubans online.
The Event's Dual Purpose
Organized by the Union of Young Communists along with other mass, student, and youth organizations, the event was officially a response to "new accusations from the United States against Cuba." It also doubled as a preemptive tribute to the former leader, who will turn 95 on June 3.
Social Media Reacts
Castro's no-show became the focal point of online discussions. "And the guest of honor didn't attend his own event?" one social media user questioned. "Where's the birthday boy? Is he afraid?" another added. One commentator was blunt: "Raúl is hiding!"
Criticism of Attendees
Some users noted the audience's makeup, "More military uniforms than civilians, no one supports this," a Cuban remarked, alluding to the heavy military and police presence, as also observed in reports about the forced attendance at the event.
Humor and Irony
One person summed up the sentiment with: "Raúl's in hiding, while the clowns perform in their circus. They never tire." Humor also found its place, with one reader sarcastically noting, "Today, Cándido Fabré sang 'Let Raúl Surrender' at the event, and we all cried from emotion." Another quipped, "They're saying their goodbyes."
Another user shared widely circulated phrases: "Raúl is Raúl… but even he doesn't believe in the parade," "Raúl is Raúl… 60 years draining the life out of the people," and "Raúl is Raúl… the last survivor of the Soviet museum."
Not an Isolated Incident
Castro's absence is not an isolated occurrence. In March 2026, he also missed the 9th Congress of the Communist Party, where Miguel Díaz-Canel was reaffirmed as the first secretary. In April, Díaz-Canel admitted in a Telesur interview that Castro is "alive but has stepped back due to health reasons" and "frail due to his advanced age."
Castro's last public appearance was on May 1 at the same Anti-Imperialist Platform, where he was visibly weakened. This marked his first public event since December 2025. Merely three weeks later, he was again absent from an event meant to honor him.
Raúl Castro's Absence and Its Implications
Why was Raúl Castro absent from the event?
Raúl Castro did not attend the event due to health reasons, as he has been described as "frail due to his advanced age" by current leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
How did social media users react to Raúl Castro's absence?
Social media users reacted with sarcasm and humor, questioning his absence and making jokes about the situation and the event itself.
What was the official purpose of the event?
The event was officially organized as a response to new accusations from the United States against Cuba and as a preemptive celebration of Raúl Castro's 95th birthday.