A commercial and agricultural fair organized by the Camagüey government on Thursday to celebrate the centenary of dictator Fidel Castro's birth (1926-2016) sparked a wave of criticism on social media. This backlash came after an attendee described the price of 600 pesos per pound of beef sold at the event as "quite affordable."
The fair took place unusually on a weekday in Camagüey, spanning three locations in the city: the parking area of the Cándido González Stadium, the Trocha del INRA, and the Avenida de la Libertad stretching to the Copacabana.
State entities from all 13 municipalities of the province participated, utilizing approximately 90 transportation means. Additionally, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and new economic actors joined in, as reported by Radio Cadena Agramonte's Facebook page.
The available offerings included more than 50-60 cattle, smaller livestock, pigs, 41 tons of sausages, 10 tons of cut meat, 11 tons of sea fish, root vegetables, rice, and over 4,000 bags of charcoal, regulated at 70 pesos per kilogram.
"Anyone can pay via transfer without any limits, which is the best part. And the beef is pretty affordable at 600 pesos, whereas elsewhere it's 900," remarked an attendee interviewed by the press.
However, the public response in the video's comments was mostly skeptical. "The price is sky-high, like astronauts," one user commented. Another criticized the "poor meat product offering," though there were isolated voices that praised the deals.
The skepticism is backed by numbers. The official average salary in Cuba between January and April 2026 was 7,074 pesos monthly, equivalent to 13 to 17 dollars at the informal exchange rate, while the minimum wage was set at 3,210 pesos since July.
A pound of beef at 600 pesos represents nearly 8.5% of the average monthly income of a state worker. Independent economists estimate that a person needs over 70,000 pesos a month just to meet their basic food needs.
Comparisons with other markets also put the so-called discount into perspective. Days earlier, at a fair in Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, pork was sold at 850 pesos per pound, and in Havana, the same meat fluctuated between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos during 2026.
This fair follows a recurring pattern in 2026; events of relative abundance tied to political anniversaries. In May, a fair in Camagüey for Mother's Day generated the viral phrase "only root vegetables for the people, the meat is for the bosses."
In July, the Cienfuegos government held a fair for July 26th, where the provincial coordinator admitted the goal was to "make the population feel happy on a day like today."
Understanding the Economic Challenges in Cuba
Why are beef prices considered "affordable" at 600 pesos per pound?
Despite the high cost relative to income, the price of 600 pesos per pound was deemed "affordable" by some because beef prices elsewhere have reached up to 900 pesos per pound, making this seem like a discount in comparison.
How does the average salary in Cuba compare to the cost of living?
The average salary in Cuba is around 7,074 pesos monthly, which is roughly 13 to 17 USD. Independent economists suggest that over 70,000 pesos are needed monthly to meet basic food needs, highlighting a significant disparity between income and cost of living.
What is the significance of fairs tied to political anniversaries in Cuba?
Such fairs, often associated with political anniversaries, are characterized by temporary abundance of goods. They serve as a means for the government to create a sense of satisfaction among the population, albeit temporarily.