This past weekend, several radical leftist organizations from Italy arrived in Cuba to partake in the official events commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of dictator Fidel Castro, which falls on August 13.
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated their arrival with a social media post, highlighting the hashtags #100YearsWithFidel and #CubaIsNotAlone.
The delegation comprises members from the Rete dei Comunisti (Network of Communists), the political party Potere al Popolo (Power to the People), the student movements Cambiare Rotta and Alternativa Student Opposition, activists from the Let Cuba Breathe campaign, and representatives from other groups.
According to the MINREX, these groups are arriving in "various waves" from Italy, bringing along medicines and supplies gathered through months of mobilization efforts.
Potere al Popolo defended their journey with a message on social media: "Once again, we head to Cuba with the convoy organized for Fidel Castro's centenary, carrying the medicines collected over these months and our full support for the government, the people, and the Cuban revolutionary process."
One of the most prominent advocates of this initiative is academic Luciano Vasapollo, a leader of the Rete dei Comunisti. Before his departure, he told the newspaper Il Faro di Roma, "Remembering Fidel is not about nostalgia; it's about reaffirming the importance of national sovereignty, social justice, and internationalism."
The delegations will participate in the I International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future," held from August 10 to 13 at the Havana Convention Center, and in the main centennial event scheduled in Birán, Holguín, Castro's birthplace.
This visit coincides with one of Cuba's most severe energy crises of the year. On Saturday, the Electrical Union forecasted a deficit of 2,280 MW against a demand of 3,300 MW, with the country experiencing seven total collapses of the National Electrical System so far in 2026.
The highest deficit of the year was recorded on August 5, when it exceeded 2,400 MW.
The disparity between the foreign visitors' celebrations and the daily struggles of Cubans—who face power outages lasting over 20 hours a day in some areas—has sparked criticism on social media, where many describe these visits as "ideological tourism."
This is not the first such delegation in 2026. In March, the Our America Convoy arrived with up to 650 activists from 33 countries, who met with Miguel Díaz-Canel. In April, a second Italian convoy with 60 activists landed on the island bearing food, medicines, and medical equipment.
The official Cuban centennial program extends until December 4, 2026, marking a decade since Castro's interment at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba.
Understanding the Italian Delegation's Visit to Cuba
What is the purpose of the Italian delegation's visit to Cuba?
The Italian delegation is visiting Cuba to participate in the official celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth and to deliver medicines and supplies collected through mobilization efforts.
Who are the key groups involved in the Italian delegation?
The key groups include the Rete dei Comunisti, Potere al Popolo, Cambiare Rotta, Alternativa Student Opposition, Let Cuba Breathe campaign, and other representatives.
How has the visit been received by the Cuban public?
The visit has sparked criticism on social media, as many Cubans face severe power outages and see the event as "ideological tourism" amid their daily hardships.