On Friday, the Union of Young Communists awarded the "Centennial Youth of Fidel" title to select members of youth movements in Holguín. This recognition was given for their dedication to preserving the ideas of the late dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016).
The awards were presented as part of the Cuba Viva community network and are among the activities leading up to the centennial celebration of Castro's birth, scheduled for August 13. This was reported by the official newspaper ¡Ahora!
The event took place during the so-called Year of the Centennial of the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, as declared by the National Assembly in December 2025. Castro was born in Birán, Holguín, where the main centennial event is set to occur.
The ceremony was led by Yiset González Borrego, the first secretary of the UJC in Holguín, who emphasized the honorees' dedication to maintaining the political project initiated in 1959.
Among those recognized was Professor Víctor Manuel Ayón, who described the honor as "an enormous honor and commitment," highlighting the responsibility of preserving Castro's ideology.
Yailen Almaguer, an art instructor and leader of the sociocultural project Mágica de los Sueños, also received recognition. She acknowledged the difficulties of working in the cultural field during times of scarcity but felt the award justified the effort.
The third notable honoree was Lázaro Doimeadios, a student and member of the Martiano Youth Movement, who expressed pride in following martian and fidelist ideas as a guide for his daily actions.
The activities were carried out through Cuba Viva, the seventh project of the Community Youth Network initiated by the regime in April. According to official figures, this structure is active in 1,263 of the country's 1,410 popular councils.
During the same event, the José Martí Brigade of Art Instructors awarded children recognized in the provincial Plastic Arts and Literature contest "Fidel Eternal Leader."
These tributes occur while the country's economic and social conditions continue to worsen, with frequent collapses of the National Electric System (SEN), power outages exceeding 24 continuous hours, rising prices of basic food items, medicine and medical supply shortages, and deteriorating sanitation due to waste collection issues, among other problems.
In July, there were 1,415 protests, the highest number in the island's recent history according to the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts. This figure contrasts with the official ceremony aimed at glorifying Castro's political legacy and recognizing young people for their commitment to that project.
The UJC itself is experiencing a significant loss of members. Between 2007 and 2024, the number of affiliates dropped from 609,000 to 415,000, a 32% decrease attributed to mass emigration and ideological disillusionment.
Independent surveys from 2026 indicate that 97.61% of Cubans aged 18 to 30 disapprove of the government's performance, and 93% would emigrate if given the chance. Even Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged that youth participation in the Community Youth Network remains insufficient.
As tributes to Castro multiply across the island, the main event for his centennial is scheduled for next Wednesday in Birán, the Holguín municipality where he was born a century ago.
Key Insights on Youth Participation and Economic Challenges in Cuba
What is the significance of the "Centennial Youth of Fidel" award?
The "Centennial Youth of Fidel" award is a recognition given to young individuals who actively work to preserve and promote the ideologies of Fidel Castro. It symbolizes a commitment to maintaining the political principles established by Castro in 1959.
How is the economic situation affecting daily life in Cuba?
Cuba is facing severe economic challenges, including frequent power outages, rising food prices, and shortages of medicine and medical supplies. These issues, coupled with inadequate waste management, contribute to a declining quality of life for many Cubans.
What trends are seen in the membership of the Union of Young Communists?
The Union of Young Communists has seen a significant decline in membership, with a 32% reduction from 2007 to 2024. This decrease is largely attributed to mass emigration and growing ideological disillusionment among the youth.