In a striking display of reverence, a personal olive-green cap once worn by Fidel Castro (1926-2016) took center stage at the opening ceremony of the XXXI Fiesta de la Cubanía in Bayamo, Granma province. The Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Minfar) showcased it as a "heritage object" in commemoration of the late dictator's 100th anniversary. Minfar released an image on X of two young cadets holding the cap, enclosed in a glass case, surrounded by uniformed soldiers as they solemnly carried it through Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Park and Bayamo's Plaza de la Revolución.
According to the official newspaper Granma, this cap accompanied Castro on his tours across Latin America during the 1960s and was chosen to lead this year's tributes. After the ceremony, the cap will be placed in the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes birthplace museum, alongside other items used by Castro and other revolutionary figures.
The scene, however, sparked criticism and mockery on social media. Activist Félix Llerena remarked, "The personality cult falls short with you all." Another user recalled how, at one point during the revolutionary process, such personality cults were criticized and condemned. Other comments described the act as a "political sickness" and a "parody of civil religion."
The Law on the Use of the Name and Figure of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, passed by the National Assembly of People's Power in December 2016, aimed to honor Castro's desire to avoid personality cults. The law bans using his name for public places and his figure for monuments, busts, or similar tributes, except for institutions dedicated to studying his work and ideology. It also prohibits using his name or image for commercial or advertising purposes.
Despite this clear legislation, the island's common practices show that the law is theoretically upheld but not enforced. This contradiction became evident when propaganda organs began creating new symbols. A notable example occurred in 2019 when Susely Morfa, then the first secretary of the UJC and now the Communist Party's first secretary in Villa Clara, presented a replica of Fidel and Raúl Castro's cradle as a "symbol of continuity."
In August, the Superior Institute of Design (ISDI) stirred controversy with a postcard about Fidel Castro and an anecdote about his supposed culinary talents. Instead of admiration, it prompted ridicule and fierce criticism on social media, being labeled as "a display of servility, sycophancy, and disrespect towards Cubans."
The exhibition of the cap is part of the cultural and patriotic activities organized by the regime leading up to Castro's centenary in 2026. Weeks ago, the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba inaugurated the 2025-2026 academic year with a program aimed at linking Castro's ideology with current challenges and making it "useful" in students' academic and civic education.
Similarly, universities in Holguín recently launched the political campaign "Here I Become Fidelista," a new "initiative" of worship designed to prepare the propaganda machinery for Castro's centenary in 2026. As part of the propaganda offensive towards the centenary of the Cuban dictator, the regime has cemented an ideological apparatus with nationwide reach, aimed at glorifying his figure in every aspect of public life.
The program "Fidel Among Us" was conceived to penetrate educational institutions, media outlets, state organizations, and workplaces through a network of activities, including contests, tributes, seminars, and indoctrination. As part of this strategy, a national campaign was launched, encouraging all Cubans to "know, defend, and love Fidel," according to official spokespeople.
Understanding the Cult of Fidel Castro
Why was Fidel Castro's cap chosen for the ceremony?
Fidel Castro's cap was selected because it had accompanied him during his tours in Latin America in the 1960s, making it a significant symbol for this year's tributes.
What does the Law on the Use of Fidel Castro's Name entail?
The law prohibits using Castro's name for public places and monuments, except for institutions dedicated to studying his work, and bans the commercial use of his image.
How is the regime preparing for Fidel Castro's centenary in 2026?
The regime is organizing cultural and educational activities, campaigns, and propaganda efforts to glorify Castro's figure and legacy leading up to his 100th anniversary.