While the city of Sancti Spíritus, like the rest of Cuba, remains shrouded in darkness, the local publishing house Luminaria introduced a new book on Saturday, titled "The Lantern That Guides Us," chronicling Fidel Castro's visits to the province. The unintended irony of the title sharply captures Cuba's state during the centenary year: the "lantern" of the Commander shines through the pages of this tribute, while Cubans desperately seek candles to endure the night.
The state-run agency ACN reported that the book launch occurred during the 34th Book Fair held in Sancti Spíritus from August 28 to 30. The book was hailed with the fervor of fulfilling a patriotic duty: "With his towering figure clad in olive green, striding confidently, and his piercing gaze, the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz returned to the province's stages."
Compiled by Juan Antonio Borrego—who led the Escambray newspaper for nearly 25 years—the volume assembles stories, testimonies, chronicles, and interviews from the provincial paper about the dictator's visits to the region. These range from the arrival of the caravan on January 6, 1959, to notable episodes—according to official narratives—like his visit to Jatibonico in December of that year to inspect a record-producing oil well.
The book was initially published in 2019 under the Verde Olivo imprint and now returns in digital format, a particularly ironic choice in a country where reading on a screen first requires the electricity to power devices.
Luis Mateo, Luminaria's director, lavished praise: "This is a text of extraordinary value, well worth consulting, and a gift from Luminaria in the year of Fidel's centenary, specially dedicated to this grand celebration of printed literature."
The Sancti Spíritus publisher also showcased "With Giant Lights, Resilience Amidst Darkness" by journalist Antonio Marín Oliva, a narrative focusing on a mother who wrote to Castro "on brown paper" seeking help for her son suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. The regime, predictably, touts it as evidence of Castro's "humanism" and the virtues of Cuban medicine.
Power Outages Cast Shadow Over Literary Celebration
The context of this literary fair speaks volumes. In August 2026, Cuba recorded a peak deficit of 2,411 MW in its National Electric System, with seven total system collapses this year and blackouts lasting over 80 consecutive hours in some areas of Matanzas.
This book presentation is merely one component of the expansive centenary homage operation the regime orchestrated throughout the year: an international colloquium with over 1,500 delegates from 63 countries, a National Ballet gala dedicated to the dictator, the opening of a daycare named "August 13" in Nuevitas costing more than two million pesos, and renovations of Fidel's birthplace in Birán while schools across the nation fall into disrepair.
The official agenda of glorification will stretch until December 4, 2026, marking the tenth anniversary of Castro's burial at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. Meanwhile, the "lantern" that supposedly guides the Cuban people fails to address the most basic issue: bringing light to their homes.
The State of Electricity and Book Launches in Cuba
What is the significance of the book "The Lantern That Guides Us"?
The book "The Lantern That Guides Us" is a tribute to Fidel Castro's visits to the province of Sancti Spíritus, capturing his influence and legacy in Cuba's history, despite the ongoing power struggles faced by its citizens.
How does the electricity crisis impact daily life in Cuba?
The electricity crisis severely impacts daily life in Cuba, leading to prolonged blackouts, disrupting essential services, and making it difficult for citizens to carry out everyday tasks such as reading digital books, which require power.
What other events are part of the centenary celebrations for Fidel Castro?
The centenary celebrations for Fidel Castro include an international colloquium, a National Ballet gala, the opening of a daycare, and renovations of his birthplace, all aimed at glorifying his legacy despite the country's ongoing challenges.