On Saturday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel extended birthday wishes to the renowned, government-aligned troubadour, Silvio Rodríguez.
"Only love creates miracles and poets of your caliber, Silvio. Happy birthday; it has been a blessing for the people of the continent to have you. A warm embrace from us," Díaz-Canel wrote in a post on X.
Despite Rodríguez's unwavering support for the Havana regime, some of his remarks have at times irked the upper echelons of the government.
Last March, Rodríguez voiced criticism regarding what he sees as a "gradual erosion of national dignity" following the display of extravagant lifestyles enjoyed by Cuban leaders at the Havana Cigar Festival.
In a piece titled "Another Perhaps," published on March 2, 2025, Rodríguez articulated his concerns about the direction of Cuba's government and society, expressing dismay over the diminishing sense of "national dignity."
"Various signs suggest a gradual erosion of national dignity is taking place," remarked the troubadour, lamenting the country's "regression" and highlighting examples such as the trivialization of historical memory and the disrespect towards traditional Cuban values represented by landmarks like the Capitol, the Statue of the Republic, and the Tomb of the Unknown Mambí.
The piece prompted a response from Leticia Martínez Hernández, head of communications for the Cuban leader, who defended the "national dignity" she felt was under scrutiny by Rodríguez. She also defended the presence of wealthy individuals at the Cigar Festival with rhetoric typical of the regime's propaganda.
Among her arguments, she emphasized achievements such as the development of supposedly innovative medicines, Cuba's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication of Cuban athletes, and medical assistance in rural areas. Martínez Hernández's text was shared with her friends on Facebook.
"We have much to fix, a sea of issues, but national dignity is another matter," Martínez Hernández wrote, also quoting lyrics from one of Silvio's songs (El Necio) to bolster her argument: "If today we are as we are, with the noose around our necks yet still breathing, it's because one day we believed in the 'foolishness of confronting the enemy, the foolishness of living without a price tag.'"
In September, Díaz-Canel and his wife, Lis Cuesta, were spotted on the steps of the University of Havana just before Rodríguez's concert, which he dedicated to students protesting against the tariffs imposed by ETECSA.
Insights into Silvio Rodríguez's Impact and Criticism
Why did Silvio Rodríguez criticize the Cuban government?
Silvio Rodríguez criticized the Cuban government for what he perceives as a "gradual erosion of national dignity," particularly after witnessing the luxurious lifestyles of leaders during the Havana Cigar Festival.
How did Díaz-Canel respond to Silvio Rodríguez's criticism?
While Díaz-Canel himself did not directly respond, Leticia Martínez Hernández, head of his communications, defended the national dignity and justified the presence of wealthy individuals at the festival using typical regime rhetoric.