Cuban Citizens Outraged by Staged Market in Ciego de Ávila for Marrero and Canel Visit

A visit by Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero to an agricultural market in Ciego de Ávila has sparked widespread anger among Cubans both on the island and abroad. They claim that the abundant supplies and low prices were nothing more than a carefully orchestrated facade for the occasion. Instead of impressing the public, the event drew ridicule, criticism, and a sense of weariness over what many describe as "another theatrical setup for the leaders."

During the visit, which was enthusiastically covered by state media, the authorities toured a market that was surprisingly clean, with stalls overflowing with fruits, tubers, and vegetables, accompanied by a price list that seemed like a cruel joke. Items such as sweet potatoes, bananas, and malanga were labeled with prices that are virtually impossible for the average Cuban to find on a daily basis. Yet, the picturesque scene was fleeting.

For most, the event was a familiar sight: a typical cover-up operation in Cuba whenever an official inspection is announced. Comments on CiberCuba's Facebook page were filled with sarcasm, anger, and frustration. "It's always been like this," one user remarked. "They announce a visit, and suddenly everything appears. Everything looks great... until they leave, and the magic is gone." Another summed it up: "Visits and inspections are just plays."

Many highlighted the glaring contradiction between the market's appearance and the reality of the country, which suffers from severe and chronic shortages. Markets are often empty or sell at prices unattainable for those earning in Cuban pesos due to rampant inflation. Yet, that day in Ciego de Ávila, everything seemed perfect—too perfect.

The Illusion of Prosperity

Criticism focused on what is perceived as a charade orchestrated by the state apparatus. Users claimed that those pretending to be vendors were actually government agents and that the crowds surrounding the event were brought in from other areas. "It's all a facade, except for the people's hunger," wrote one emigrant. "Let's not be fooled anymore; none of those there are real vendors. They brought in buses filled with people to create the circus because no one follows them anymore."

The price board—clean, orderly, almost a display piece—became a symbol of deceit. One online commenter said they photographed it "to keep as a memory." Another quipped, "How lovely the lie looks dressed as truth, what a prosperous country Cuba is! I can't understand how three million people have emigrated from a country that's doing so well."

A Staged Performance Amidst Crisis

For many Cubans, this episode was just more evidence of how the government manipulates the country's image for the cameras, without any genuine intention to address the deep economic crisis. "They live in their world, in mansions, with luxury cars, children traveling the world. The ordinary Cuban must continue on their knees," lamented another emigrant. Another recalled that this kind of political theater has been a tactic since the days of Fidel Castro, and despite the passing decades, the strategy remains unchanged: a facade to impress while the people sink into poverty.

The context of this visit cannot be overlooked. Cuba is experiencing one of the most critical periods in its recent history: plummeting agricultural production, uncontrolled inflation, prolonged blackouts, deteriorating basic services, and mass migration. The people, increasingly skeptical and exhausted, are not swayed by temporary displays or empty rhetoric. "What a huge disrespect to this people," wrote a resident of Camagüey. And in that simple, direct phrase lies the widespread sentiment toward a charade that fails to hide the failure.