The state-run website Cubadebate unveiled a contest on Tuesday, whimsically titled "Fidel's Values"—and no, it's not a joke or meme. It encourages both Cubans and foreigners to articulate the "human values that distinguished the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution." Participants are invited to submit their responses via email, either in written form or as a video, in anticipation of Fidel Castro's 100th birthday on August 13.
This initiative is part of the propaganda campaign "Fidel's Century," which the regime has been planning since 2025. However, it quickly backfired, transforming into a comic mishap. Instead of praise, Cubadebate's Facebook comments section became flooded with irony, complaints, and criticisms, reflecting the desperation of a population weary from an ongoing crisis.
The Harsh Reality vs. Propaganda
The contrast was stark. While the state media urged people to celebrate the "values" of the dictator, Cubans responded with the harsh truths of their daily lives.
Yailis Mon questioned, "Who survives on the value of one hour of electricity a day? Who can afford a bag of milk over 5,000 pesos? A liter of oil over 4,000? The value of non-existent water? What values are they talking about? Ideology doesn't fill the stomach."
Others chose biting sarcasm. Odelin Rodriguez noted, "Fidel's values are sky-high. In fact, Forbes estimated his wealth at 900 million dollars, and I think they were being conservative."
In a similar vein, Alejandro Armada listed what he considered the true "values" of the dictator: "Private estate La Deseada; private island; multiple houses across Cuba; eldest son's fortune; middle son's fortune; youngest son's fortune; grandson's wealth; assets in Europe and Latin America. All in all, great economic values."
Empty Promises and Real Struggles
Juan Carlos Borrego brought up a promise that now seems laughable: On January 17, 2006, during the launch of the so-called "Energy Revolution" in Pinar del Río, Castro declared, "I will simply say that Pinar del Río will never experience blackouts again."
Two decades later, Cuba faces one of its worst electrical crises ever, with blackouts in some provinces lasting over 24 continuous hours.
Comments also served as a real-time complaint board. Joan Junior Lopez Rivera reported, "Circuit A1202 in La Lisa is going on 72 hours of blackout." Another user mentioned outages since Thursday in Block 4 of Cárdenas.
Nicolet Moya bluntly summed up the situation: "I wish I could participate in the contest, but between blackouts, the price of oil, my inability to concentrate at work, lack of water for days, and sleepless nights due to heat and mosquitoes, my neurons just aren't functioning."
Gerardo Mora was even more straightforward: "The country is in total chaos and collapse, and look at these so-called journalists."
Ruly Romero Tellez echoed what many think: "The one who managed to place a political party above a country's Constitution... Unbelievable. I'll leave it at that."
Propaganda vs. Truth
According to the state media's announcement, the "best" responses will be published on August 13 on their website and broadcasted in a special Mesa Redonda program. However, judging by Tuesday's avalanche of comments, the selection will likely bear little resemblance to what Cubans truly believe.
Surprisingly, this isn't Cubadebate's first time promoting such a contest. Despite claiming to be aligned with the people's needs, the media outlet has a history of organizing initiatives to bolster the cult of Castro's personality.
In November, they launched a poetry contest in Castro's honor with similar results, and in December, they invited people to download books by the dictator, receiving equally critical feedback.
The absurdity is systemic. Just this past Monday, the Communist Party posted "Fidel is eternal" on social media, and Cubans responded with a wave of sarcasm that echoes the current contest's reception.
Understanding the Cuban Public's Reaction
Why did Cubadebate's contest face backlash?
The contest faced backlash because many Cubans are frustrated with the ongoing crisis in the country and feel that the focus on celebrating Fidel Castro's values is out of touch with their daily struggles and hardships.
How did Cubans express their discontent with the contest?
Cubans expressed their discontent through sarcastic and critical comments on social media, highlighting the contrast between the regime's propaganda and the harsh realities they face, such as blackouts and economic difficulties.
What previous initiatives has Cubadebate launched related to Castro?
Cubadebate has previously organized a poetry contest in honor of Castro and promoted the download of books by the dictator, both of which were met with similar criticism from the public.