The José Martí Memorial in Havana was the venue this past Sunday for the unveiling of the photo exhibit "All the Glory of the World," curated by Alex Castro Soto del Valle, son of the late dictator Fidel Castro. Featuring 50 photographs, the exhibit serves as a tribute to Fidel Castro's 99th birth anniversary. This effort is part of a broader propaganda campaign that the government has escalated, leveraging anniversaries and cultural events to glorify the tyrant's legacy.
Alex Castro claims the exhibition provides a more personal glimpse into his father's life, moving away from public personas to reveal "the human behind the icon." Born in 1963, Alex Castro is the son of Fidel Castro and Dalia Soto del Valle. He graduated in Moscow with a degree in Electrochemical Industry Technology but has worked as a cameraman for the Cuban state media since 1998, dedicating much of his career to photographing his father.
Regarding the exhibit, Elier Ramírez Cañedo, deputy director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, stated that the images reveal the "collective glory" of this historical figure. He proudly described them as "an intimate portrait of the leader who shaped Cuba's destiny."
The exhibit will remain open until October, officially kicking off a series of activities the regime plans to roll out in the coming months leading up to Fidel Castro's centennial. The campaign began on social media several days ago with monotonous posts repeating excerpts from Fidel Castro's speeches and recycling old photos, some featuring Miguel Díaz-Canel.
State-run agencies have amplified this narrative, causing backlash among Cubans who view these actions as political manipulation and an attempt to reinforce a cult of personality. As the nation grapples with severe economic and energy crises, the regime allocates resources and media space to perpetuate Fidel Castro's image, which remains a central pillar of its propaganda efforts.
Understanding Cuba's Propaganda Campaign
What is the aim of Alex Castro's photo exhibit?
The exhibit aims to provide a more personal view of Fidel Castro, showing the human side behind the public icon, as part of a broader government propaganda campaign.
How are social media platforms being used in this campaign?
Social media platforms have been used to circulate repetitive messages featuring excerpts from Fidel Castro's speeches and old photos, aiming to reinforce his legacy.
What is the public reaction to this propaganda initiative?
Many Cubans have reacted negatively, viewing it as a political manipulation and an attempt to bolster a cult of personality around Fidel Castro.