The Union of Young Communists in Cuba (UJC) released a 29-second video on their official Facebook page this past Sunday, encouraging Cubans to enjoy the summer and "recharge their energies." This comes as the country faces its most severe electrical crisis in history, with power outages lasting over 20 hours a day.
This youth organization, a key component of the Communist Party’s outreach, stressed, "Summer has arrived, the most anticipated season of the year! Sun, beach, music, friends, and the perfect time to enjoy and recharge your energies."
With the hashtag #VeranoConMiGente, the post gathered nearly 6,000 views and 248 comments within hours, most of which were filled with irony and disapproval.
Electricity Crisis and Public Outrage
The disconnect from reality couldn't be starker. On June 25th, the national electricity deficit hit an all-time high of 2,208 MW, with only 1,015 MW available against a demand of 3,150 MW.
The public reaction in the comments section was one of outrage. "There is no more cynical and cruel way to mock the Cuban people than this publication," a user commented.
Another user sarcastically remarked: "A summer completely in the dark and no transportation," while a third added, "Celebration and party!... and misery."
Irony as a Tool of Critique
Many comments used irony to highlight the gap between official rhetoric and everyday life. "They lie on social media. They speak of a Cuba with needs, no electricity, no fuel, not even for public transport... but looking at this UJC ad, all of the above must be anti-Cuban propaganda," an internet user wrote with evident sarcasm.
Another was more direct: "I have no doubt you all live in a parallel universe."
"It's all a choreographed lie for the world to see that life is normal," summarized one Cuban in the comments of the UJC's post.
A Pattern of Denial
The UJC's publication is not an isolated incident. It is part of a systematic pattern by the government to project normalcy and celebration while the population endures an unprecedented crisis.
State media announced on Saturday a summer "full of activities" in Guantánamo, a province plagued by numerous damaged transformers and power outages lasting up to 30 continuous hours.
At the end of May, the regime organized the Summer Kickoff 2K26 party in Varadero, featuring 72 hours of music, guaranteed electricity, and VIP tables costing $600, while the rest of the country suffered power cuts lasting up to 50 hours.
The Popular Camping sites are fully booked until August in Holguín and Matanzas, but neither province can offer transportation due to fuel shortages.
Just days ago, the official television channel Canal Caribe aired a video featuring the director of Content and Programming of Cuban Television, Coralia Aguilera Hernández, unveiling the "summer programming lineup for the enjoyment of the whole family." The response on social media was a flood of mockery, anger, and sarcasm.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What is the Union of Young Communists in Cuba?
The Union of Young Communists (UJC) is an organization in Cuba that serves as a platform for youth engagement and is closely aligned with the Communist Party of Cuba.
What is the current electricity crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a significant electricity deficit, with power outages lasting over 20 hours daily. This crisis has reached a historical peak, with demand far exceeding the available supply.
How are Cubans reacting to the UJC's summer campaign?
Many Cubans have responded with sarcasm and criticism, highlighting the disconnect between the UJC's campaign and the harsh realities they face, such as frequent power outages and a lack of basic resources.