On Thursday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez suggested to the National Assembly of People's Power that 2026 be officially declared as the "Year of the Centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz." This proposal aims to honor the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.
As reported on the official Facebook page of the Cuban Presidency, Díaz-Canel emphasized that "every undertaking in 2026, from the most intricate economic reforms to the simplest acts of solidarity, should carry the Fidelista spirit of struggle, his deep love for the people, and unwavering commitment to social justice."
The National Assembly approved this proposal, which was reiterated by the state-run portal Cubadebate. The outlet highlighted that the designation seeks to "affirm the unity of his ideas within the Cuban Revolution."
Social Media Backlash: A Nation's Frustration
The announcement triggered a torrent of comments on the pages of the Cuban Presidency and Cubadebate. Many users expressed their discontent over the nation's ongoing crisis. One person remarked, "Now the year is really doomed; it'll be the year of the eternal blackout." Another added, "They should call it the 100th anniversary of birth and 67 years of Cuba's misfortune," while someone else sarcastically pointed out, "If in '53 they were inspired by the Apostle's centenary to overthrow a regime, maybe this centenary could inspire something similar."
Comments reflected widespread dissatisfaction, with phrases like "Now they've really spread the bad luck," "This will be the year of eating stone since we've already eaten the cable and the pole," and "The year of liberation, we name it 'long live free Cuba.'" Expressions of fatigue and distrust were also prevalent: "When you think you've seen it all, they come up with this," wrote one user, while another summarized, "With those names, the year is doomed before it even starts."
Some comments even referenced the law prohibiting the use of Fidel Castro's name in institutions or monuments: "A 2016 law regulates this desire of Fidel, but using his name for the year in Cuba is open to interpretation," noted one user. Criticism of the economic context was also abundant: "We'll celebrate with the dollar at three exchange rates, one of which is 410. A great achievement of our revolution and government, where the average worker doesn't even earn 10 dollars," wrote another participant.
Propaganda Prelude: Competitions and Tributes
The proclamation of the "Year of Fidel Castro's Centennial" is part of a series of recent initiatives to revive the cult of the late leader. In November, Cubadebate launched a décima contest in his honor, inviting people to "pay tribute to the man who understood and defended culture as the nation's soul throughout his life." This publication prompted a wave of criticism. "Cuba is in total decay, the culture of hunger, blackouts, lack of water, medicine... and you're messing around with Fidel," wrote one user. Another mocked the contest's tone: "I, teacher, have a poem... Oh commander, how could I not remember you, in every blackout night, in every waterless day, in every empty pot that echoes in the houses, in every child crying for a glass of milk."
Weeks later, the same state media promoted free downloads of books about Fidel Castro from the website Fidel Soldier of Ideas, which also sparked backlash. "If you're going to give something for free, give food because nobody wants those absurd ideas even if they're free," wrote one internet user, while another commented with sarcasm, "As soon as I get my three hours of electricity, I'll download them."
These episodes reveal a pattern: while Cuba experiences blackouts, inflation, shortages, and an unprecedented exodus, the official apparatus continues to present Fidel Castro as a source of inspiration. In contrast, social media has become the platform where the population voices their exhaustion with propaganda that no longer resonates with the country’s reality.
Fidel Castro would have turned 100 on August 13, 2026. The decision to dedicate the year to him coincides with a national scene marked by prolonged blackouts, rampant inflation, and social dismay. As one user put it: "What the people need is food, a decent salary, and medicine, not slogans or decrees." This decision further confirms the regime's disconnect from the daily lives of Cubans, marking another year of empty rhetoric while the nation remains mired in poverty, blackouts, and despair.
Understanding the Controversy Around Fidel Castro's Centennial Year
Why is 2026 being declared as the Year of Fidel Castro's Centennial?
The year 2026 is being declared as the Year of Fidel Castro's Centennial to honor the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
What has been the public reaction to this decision?
The public reaction has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration and criticizing the decision as disconnected from the current realities and hardships faced by the Cuban people.
How are social media users responding to the announcement?
Social media users have responded with sarcasm, irony, and criticism, pointing out the irony of celebrating Fidel Castro amid ongoing national crises like blackouts and economic hardship.