Amidst relentless power outages, shortages of food and medicine, an ongoing healthcare crisis, and mounting public dissatisfaction, the Cuban regime has introduced a new photography contest. This competition aims to showcase the alleged effects of the “U.S. embargo” and pay tribute to Ana Belén Montes, the former Puerto Rican spy convicted in the United States for aiding Havana’s intelligence.
The Fourth Photography Contest "Loving and Defending My Homeland," organized by Casa Editora Abril (CEA), the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and the Puerto Rico Mission in Cuba (MPRC), offers a Samsung Galaxy A16 5G phone as the grand prize, with a bicycle and photography equipment awarded to second and third place winners.
According to the state-run media outlet Cubadebate, participants are required to submit images that “demonstrate how the U.S. embargo hinders life in Cuba” or express “gratitude and love” towards Montes. In this second category, entrants must include their name alongside a red heart in the photo, a requirement that has sparked criticism and mockery on social media.
The contest details were shared on Facebook by Izet Morales, who posted the competition guidelines and promotional images. The submission deadline is January 30, 2026, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February in Havana.
Propaganda Amidst Energy Outages
The contest emerges during an unprecedented energy crisis, with power outages lasting over 20 hours a day becoming routine, prompting the public to demand genuine explanations. Meanwhile, the regime continues its familiar narrative, blaming all national woes on the U.S. “financial blockade.”
Recently, the Electric Union (UNE) reiterated this argument on social media, claiming that “without lifting the embargo, there will be no permanent energy stability.” This statement prompted a wave of public backlash, as documented by CiberCuba in their article “The Embargo No Longer Convincing Anyone,” where dozens of Cubans responded with indignation and sarcasm: “The strongest blockade is internal,” “If the embargo existed when there was light, why not now?” and “The problem isn’t the embargo, it’s the shamelessness.”
Another article, “Eternal Blackout: Cuban Regime Confirms Energy Crisis Will Persist as Long as the Embargo Exists,” explained how the government continues to rely on its most worn-out propaganda excuse to justify the lack of maintenance, resource diversion, and the collapse of the national electrical system.
A Nation in Darkness, A Recycled Narrative
The "Loving and Defending My Homeland" contest is part of a long list of propaganda initiatives promoted by regime institutions. In November, Cubadebate faced criticism after launching a poetic contest honoring Fidel Castro amid blackouts, water shortages, and rampant inflation. “With the country in such a state and holding contests about Fidel,” hundreds of users remarked, reflecting growing public fatigue with officialist propaganda.
Now, with the nation engulfed in darkness, the new photography contest is seen as an attempt to keep the rhetoric of political victimhood alive, rather than a genuine cultural promotion. “We don't need photos of the blockade, we need light and food,” commented one user sharing the contest details.
Between the Camera and Reality
As the regime multiplies contests and slogans about the “embargo,” Cubans are surviving amidst darkness, hunger, and despair. The contrast between the official discourse and daily reality is increasingly evident: the propaganda blames Washington, while the people point to Havana.
Far from being an artistic showcase, the contest appears to be another attempt to reinforce the Castro narrative at a time when Cubans, from the streets and online, are no longer interested in empty slogans and explanations, but seek real answers and solutions.
The best photograph of the “embargo” might not be captured by participants’ cameras but rather resides in every darkened Cuban household: a living portrait of a failed system that continues to demand faith while extinguishing hope.
Understanding the Cuban Photography Contest
What is the main objective of the Cuban photography contest?
The contest aims to depict the alleged effects of the U.S. embargo on Cuba and to honor Ana Belén Montes, a former spy convicted for aiding Cuba’s intelligence.
What prizes are offered in the contest?
The grand prize is a Samsung Galaxy A16 5G phone, with a bicycle and photography equipment for second and third place winners.
How has the public responded to the contest?
The contest has been met with criticism and mockery, particularly on social media, due to its perceived focus on propaganda amidst the country’s ongoing crises.