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Raúl Castro Makes Rare Appearance at Cuban Diplomatic Meeting Closure

Sunday, July 6, 2025 by Christopher Ramirez

Raúl Castro Makes Rare Appearance at Cuban Diplomatic Meeting Closure
Raúl Castro - Image © Facebook / Cuban Foreign Ministry

Army General Raúl Castro Ruz made a rare public appearance this Friday at the Universal Hall of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, attending the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of Cuba's diplomatic mission chiefs. He was accompanied by the current leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel. The event concluded with a theatrical performance titled "A Trapped Hive," presented by the children's theater company La Colmenita. This performance was strategically designed to bolster the regime's narrative that the United States' "blockade" keeps the Cuban people "trapped."

At 93, Castro's presence comes as his public appearances have notably increased. As the last living member of the so-called "historic generation" of the Revolution, his involvement in public events serves as a symbolic endorsement of the regime's continuity and Díaz-Canel's leadership, which lacks the direct authority of his predecessor. These appearances appear to be part of a regime strategy to leverage the general's symbolic weight amid political legitimacy challenges, weakened international standing, and rising social pressure.

Although officially retired, Raúl Castro remains a visible supporter of the Cuban power structure. Last year, he presided over parliamentary sessions and state ceremonies, such as awarding honors to Cuban personalities, in an attempt by the regime to project stability and control in the face of worsening economic and social crises on the island. In 2023, he also participated in the Baraguá military exercise, orchestrated by the Ministry of the Interior, where he donned military attire alongside Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero. This appearance was seen as an effort to reinforce the image of institutional strength against potential internal protests.

Castro has been utilized at key moments as a symbol of Communist Party unity. In April 2022, he ceremoniously tied a school scarf around Díaz-Canel's grandson during a school event, and a month later, he met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who remarked that the former ruler "is part of history."

Raúl Castro's Role in Cuba's Political Landscape

Why is Raúl Castro's presence significant at public events?

Raúl Castro's presence at public events is significant because it serves as a symbolic endorsement of the regime's continuity and supports the leadership of Miguel Díaz-Canel. His appearances are used to reinforce the image of political stability and legitimacy.

What was the purpose of the theatrical performance "A Trapped Hive"?

The theatrical performance "A Trapped Hive," presented by the children's company La Colmenita, was intended to support the Cuban regime's narrative that the United States' blockade is responsible for entrapping the Cuban people, thus justifying the country's economic hardships.

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