In the early hours of Saturday, December 6, 2025, a large group of people from Santiago de Cuba gathered around the Hotel Santiago. This turnout was fueled by a widespread rumor on social media promising $1,100 in aid from a Spanish internet user. However, this information was later officially debunked by Cuba's Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that locals and passersby began arriving "discreetly" from different neighborhoods, many unsure of the rumor's legitimacy but hopeful for financial assistance.
As the number of people increased, many sat on sidewalks, benches, and nearby areas, drawing the attention of local authorities. In response, police patrols were dispatched to the area to "control" the gathering, although this did not deter more people from arriving.
In light of the growing commotion, both in Santiago and Havana, the MINTUR issued a statement categorically denying the alleged cash distribution. The ministry attributed the false rumor to Spanish national Ignacio Giménez, whom the report accused of spreading the $1,100 promise.
In a stark rebuke of Giménez's misleading messages, Mayeta described the episode as a reflection of the desperation and vulnerability of the Cuban population amid a crisis. He highlighted how a mere rumor can mobilize hundreds seeking immediate economic relief.
"Ignacio Giménez has openly admitted to deceit, consciously manipulating collective emotions, and toying with the Cuban people's desperation as if it were a political experiment. His own words condemn him more than any critique," Mayeta wrote.
The incident also underscores the social climate exacerbated by a lack of transparency and the rapid spread of misinformation in a country where daily needs turn any announcement into a beacon of hope, even without official confirmation.
Mayeta further accused Giménez of manipulating the public and playing with their emotions. "Ignacio openly acknowledges that he stirred expectations he knew would end in monumental disappointment, solely to 'stir' the people. That's not leadership; that's experimenting with people's needs," he warned.
A similar situation unfolded that same Saturday in Havana, where "hundreds" gathered outside the Hotel Habana Libre, driven by the same rumor of a $1,100 payout and the supposed arrival of "teams in yellow shirts," which never materialized.
Videos from the scene showed individuals waiting in confusion as the crowd swelled and traffic slowed until the MINTUR refuted the claim.
Who is Ignacio Giménez?
Ignacio Giménez is a Spanish YouTuber and content creator known for his social media posts about Cuba, often featuring "explosive" announcements (plans to "liberate" the island, alleged operations, or revelations) that quickly go viral.
He has been criticized for spreading unverifiable claims and making grand promises that remain unfulfilled. The independent outlet elTOQUE published a critical profile questioning his credibility and pattern of unkept promises.
Recently, he admitted to fabricating a rumor about Raúl Castro, describing it as a "test" to gauge the reactions of media outlets and pages.
Understanding the Rumor and its Impact on Cuba
What was the rumor about Ignacio Giménez's aid promise?
The rumor claimed that Ignacio Giménez, a Spanish internet personality, was offering $1,100 to Cubans, prompting large crowds to gather in hopes of receiving the money. This rumor was later proven false by the Ministry of Tourism.
How did the authorities respond to the gathering?
Authorities, noticing the increasing number of people, sent police patrols to the scene in an attempt to manage the situation. However, their presence did not prevent more individuals from arriving.
What does this incident reveal about Cuban society?
The incident highlights the desperation and vulnerability of the Cuban people amid an ongoing crisis. It also reveals how quickly misinformation can spread and influence behaviors in a society where official transparency is lacking.
What is Ignacio Giménez known for?
Ignacio Giménez is known for his social media presence, where he frequently posts about Cuba, often making sensational claims that lack evidence. His pattern of unfulfilled promises has been a subject of criticism.