Sandro Castro, *grandson* of the late dictator Fidel Castro, has once again sparked controversy on social media following a reaction that many perceive as a subtle jab at Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. In a video shared last week on his Instagram account, Sandro takes on his character "Vampirach," enjoying a dip in a river while sipping on beer. A user commented, "When are you going to make a video about the 'Sin Gach puesto a dedach'?"—a clear mockery aimed at the Cuban president. Notably, Vampirach gave this comment a "like," which is uncommon for him as he typically refrains from engaging with political or provocative comments.
The same user later added, "He's more of a worm than we are," igniting further reactions. This simple "like" has been interpreted by many followers as a sign of disapproval towards the president or as an indication of support for the criticisms against Díaz-Canel.
Sandro Castro's Growing Popularity
Some took the opportunity to openly express their wish to see Sandro as Cuba's president, a sentiment that frequently appears in his posts. Comments such as "We want Sandro as the president of Cuba," "I'm sure if he were our president, we'd get Cristach on the ration book," and "Sandro for president, to keep that light and the pot full," highlight this recurring theme.
Social Critique Through Humor
Sandro Castro has begun subtly incorporating social criticism into his videos. In a video released last Friday, he addresses the issue of power outages. The media-savvy grandson is shown in a vampiric, beer-fueled ritual, wearing an empty pot on his head, and using lit candles to try to illuminate the souls of children. The short video concludes with a playful scene on a Cuban home's porch, where a mother chases the kids with a broom in the dark amid laughter.
Recently, he dedicated one of his videos to criticizing ETECSA, suggesting that getting it drunk might make it "crazy and start giving away data," because it's "not drinking the correct beverage." These were his remarks regarding the pricing surge.
The Public's Mixed Reactions
Sandro Castro oscillates between *absurd humor* and performance art. While some Cubans view him as a "clown" and question the media coverage he receives, arguing that he doesn't represent the people's interests, the ongoing joke about him potentially becoming "the president" reflects the deep-seated apathy Cubans feel towards the official leadership. Online users warn the regime: Fidel's grandson, with his eccentric videos, now "has more people behind him than Díaz-Canel."
Understanding Sandro Castro's Influence
Why is Sandro Castro's "like" significant?
Sandro Castro's "like" on a comment mocking Díaz-Canel is significant because it is rare for him to engage with political remarks, and it has been interpreted by many as a subtle critique of the Cuban leader.
What themes does Sandro Castro explore in his videos?
Sandro Castro's videos explore themes of social criticism, often using humor and performance art to address issues like power outages and telecommunications in Cuba.
How do Cubans view Sandro Castro?
Opinions about Sandro Castro vary; some view him as a "clown," while others see him as a figure whose unconventional videos resonate more with the public than current leaders.