In yet another one of his controversial social media appearances, Sandro Castro, the grandson of the late dictator Fidel Castro, resurfaced this Saturday with a message directed at Cuban mothers. Perched on a pallet being hauled by a forklift, cruising through the deserted streets of the exclusive neighborhood where he likely resides (possibly Siboney), dressed in sportswear and clutching two Cristal beers, Sandro delivered an impromptu toast.
"The god of Cristal. And if I say 'live', you say 'tortilla'. I want to let you know that this week I'll be posting some reels and also a little dance with a corridor of a theme I created. And I already want to start congratulating all the mothers of Cuba today. May you all drink plenty of Cristal," he declared, oblivious to the reality faced by many.
This act is neither spontaneous nor isolated. It is part of a string of previous "greetings" aimed at various sectors of Cuban society, all characterized by the same eccentric, self-indulgent, and disconnected tone.
On March 8, International Women's Day, he released a video claiming, "I'm under the moonlight with three mutants that fell from Earth, giving me connectivity to specially, internationally, give my congratulations to the women." He added bizarrely, "Those damn little animals, tarantulas, snakes, owls, squirrels, toxic happy and sadistic," referring to a trio of young women accompanying him in the video, appearing compliant and eager to please the "vampire" of Bar EFE and "king of Havana's nightlife."
On April 4, for Student Day, he posted another "congratulation" to young Cubans, shouting, "We are equality!... United and prepared, we overcome difficulties… Happy Student Day." Once again, beer and alcohol were the centerpieces of his content, with the phrase "we are equality" ringing hollow.
On May 1, during the International Workers' Day parade in Havana, Sandro recorded himself with a bottle of Cristal in hand, amid shouts and noise, saying, "Radio Vampire broadcasts! Long live May 1st! Here comes the vampire with the Cristal!"—mocking those who, tired of his antics and regime propaganda, expressed on social media that Sandro Castro should attend the parade.
The Privileges of Heritage
Sandro is the son of Alexis Castro Soto del Valle—the eldest of the five children Castro had with Dalia Soto del Valle—and Rebeca Arteaga Moras. Born on December 5, 1991, he spent part of his childhood in Punto Cero, the residential enclave reserved for the Castro elite. His mother later moved to the exclusive Nautico neighborhood in Playa. Unlike her, Sandro has turned his private life into a public spectacle, with sports cars, yacht parties, and videos bordering on the caricature.
Reality Check: Can All Afford Cristal?
By urging Cuban mothers to "drink plenty of Cristal," Sandro turns a blind eye to the harsh economic reality faced by millions of women on the island. A can of Cristal beer ranges from 0.92 to 1.05 USD in online stores selling to Cuba, a luxury beyond reach for mothers who often can barely afford breakfast.
A recent report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights revealed that 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty. Seven out of ten people have had to skip a meal due to lack of resources. For many mothers, the daily struggle involves finding food, medicine, or ways to send their children to school.
Stories collected by CiberCuba highlight this situation: mothers sleeping with their children in deteriorated hospitals, selling belongings to buy milk, or denouncing the lack of state support. The chasm between these testimonies and Sandro Castro's universe is as profound as it is painful.
A Toast in Poor Taste
Far from being an encouraging message, Sandro Castro's "congratulation" is a new provocation. More than a tribute, it is a frivolous and empty gesture, disconnected from the real needs of Cuban mothers. His figure, marked by ostentation and inherited impunity, is the antithesis of a motherhood sacrificed and battered by crisis.
In a country plagued by shortages, where being a mother is an act of resistance, the grandson of the dictator who imposed a totalitarian regime inviting a toast with Cristal beer sounds more like a mockery from a mind consumed by alcohol and drugs than a sincere expression of admiration and gratitude.
Understanding Sandro Castro's Provocations
Who is Sandro Castro?
Sandro Castro is the grandson of the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Known for his controversial social media appearances, he often shares content that appears disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Cuban citizens.
Why are Sandro Castro's messages considered controversial?
His messages are often seen as tone-deaf and disconnected from the economic struggles of everyday Cubans. They are marked by a sense of privilege and often include extravagant or eccentric elements that do not resonate with the general populace's hardships.
What is the significance of Cristal beer in Sandro Castro's videos?
Cristal beer is frequently featured in his videos, symbolizing a lifestyle of luxury and detachment from the economic realities faced by many Cubans. It underscores the disparity between Sandro's public persona and the struggles of the average citizen.