As Cubans endure one of the toughest summers in recent memory, characterized by power outages, food shortages, a collapsed transportation system, and rampant inflation, the government and Bucanero Brewery S.A. are turning to entertainment with the so-called "Fiestas Cristal." Collaborating with MB Productions and under the artistic direction of Edith Massola, this event is set to take place in Holguín on the 12th and in Havana on the 19th, featuring performances by Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, Elito Revé, Juan Guillermo (JG), and Wildey.
Questionable Priorities?
The official pro-government newspaper Ahora reports that in Holguín, the celebration will include 16 promotional tents for Cristal beer, food stalls, and an infrastructure designed to maintain "joy" from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM. The concerts, held at the grounds of the Major General Calixto García Stadium, will be free of charge. This happens while residents of the El Llano neighborhood in Holguín report entire days without electricity, and neighborhoods in Havana like Centro Habana and San Miguel del Padrón experience daily power cuts exceeding 10 to 12 hours.
Bucanero Brewery claims these festivities are "a gift to the Cuban family," framing the events as a "reward" for the public. However, the expenditure on logistics, production, stages, security, transportation, and promotion starkly contrasts with the dire situation faced by the majority of the country.
Repetitive Narrative, Year After Year
Since 2023, Cuba has been hosting the "Fiestas Cristal," with events in Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Havana. According to spokespeople from Bucanero Brewery S.A., the goal is to "bring good Cuban music to every resident of the island." Yet, this rationale seems increasingly hollow in light of the lack of medications, the deteriorating electrical grid, and the daily struggles of millions who cannot refrigerate food or sleep due to the heat.
Summer Campaign: Propaganda Amidst Hardship
These festivals are part of the official summer campaign launched by the regime under the slogan "Always Young," with the declared intention of offering "modest but aesthetic" activities in neighborhoods. However, this narrative collides with the costly execution of massive concerts featuring high-profile artists and technical setups requiring electricity, transportation, and human resources that are evidently unavailable for more pressing needs.
While the government calls for "productive use of free time" and "creative use of modest resources," it allocates state funds and institutional logistics to late-night parties amidst a national energy crisis.
A Celebration Few Can Attend
Although the concerts are free, not everyone will be able to attend: urban transportation is in collapse, gasoline is scarce, and thousands live without knowing if they'll be able to cook the next day. In this scenario, many question whether these celebrations are merely a smoke screen or a desperate attempt to mask the severity of the crisis with music and lights.
Everyday Cubans struggle to comprehend how significant resources are allocated to entertainment while basic goods are missing from store shelves, hospitals face severe shortages, and children and the elderly suffer the consequences of the energy and economic collapse. Instead of using its limited resources to alleviate the suffering of its people, the government chooses to invest in spectacle—with enthusiasm—even as fewer and fewer Cubans applaud.
Understanding Cuba's Summer Celebrations Amid Crisis
What are "Fiestas Cristal" in Cuba?
"Fiestas Cristal" are entertainment events organized by the Cuban government and Bucanero Brewery S.A., featuring live music performances intended to bring joy to the island's residents.
How do these events contrast with Cuba's current crisis?
The lavish spending on these events contrasts with the severe shortages of basic necessities, power outages, and economic hardships faced by Cubans, raising questions about the government's priorities.