The recent Torch March held on January 27 in Havana, celebrated by Miguel Díaz-Canel as a tribute to both "the Centenary of Martí and the Centenary of Fidel," has triggered a storm of critical and mocking reactions on social media. While the Cuban leader praised the march as embodying “warmth and light in the battle to achieve complete justice,” countless users pointed out the stark contrast between this official rhetoric and the ongoing long-term blackouts crippling the nation.
Many reactions to the post, which garnered thousands of interactions, highlighted the disparity between the march's symbolism and the everyday struggles of Cubans. One user quipped that “the torches are due to Cuba's lack of electricity,” while another sarcastically noted, “This is the first time the lights have lasted so long in Cuba.” Skepticism about voluntary participation was also prevalent: “I can't believe all these people came out of their own free will; Cubans are more fearful than they are hungry,” remarked one commenter.
The overall sentiment was one of ridicule, anger, and exhaustion. “At least they had light when they got home,” someone joked, as another questioned the allocation of resources amidst the energy crisis: “What oil or gasoline did they use to light those torches?”
Many individuals claimed that attendees were coerced into joining. “They go because if they don't, they'll lose their jobs or get suspended from university,” one user claimed. Another added, “They took attendance, and anyone who didn't show up would be expelled.” Some of the harshest comments included, “This is a complete farce,” “A flock of sheep is easy to herd,” and “They have no food, no electricity, no water... and still march alongside their oppressors.”
A small faction expressed support for the government leader, echoing hashtags like #MartíLives, #CubaWillPrevail, and #AlwaysAntiImperialist, defending the event as “an act of continuity.” However, the overwhelming majority conveyed frustration and fatigue with the country's situation.
The criticism extended beyond Díaz-Canel's page. On CiberCuba Noticias, where images and videos of the parade were shared under the title “Torch March in a Country in Darkness: A Sad Metaphor for Today's Cuba,” the debate persisted with hundreds of sarcastic and frustrated comments.
“And with that torch, they lit up their homes when they got back,” a reader remarked. Another observed, “These marches show how scared the people are of repression.” Allegations of forced participation were reiterated: “They're there because they have to be,” “If you don't go, you lose your degree or job.”
Some used humor as a coping mechanism. “Grab a few torches while you're at it; we'll need them,” joked one user, while another commented, “The perfect festival for the occasion... at least the streets are lit.” References to scarcity and blackouts mingled with messages of resignation: “The people have no food, no electricity, no water... but seeing this, I can say we have no shame or dignity anymore,” “That's why we're in this state,” “It's shameful,” “Speechless.”
Among the most severe criticisms were phrases like “Every nation gets what it deserves,” “Bread and circuses, but without the bread,” and “If Martí were alive, he'd die again seeing this.” Only a few comments defended the march as a revolutionary tradition and a patriotic homage, but these were vastly outnumbered by expressions of discontent.
The gap between official propaganda and public reaction has inadvertently turned the Torch March into a symbol of the current state of the island: a nation walking with fire, yet still engulfed in darkness, scarcity, and weariness.
Understanding the Social Media Backlash Over Cuba's Torch March
Why did the Torch March in Cuba anger so many citizens?
The Torch March in Cuba provoked anger because it starkly contrasted with the ongoing hardships citizens face, such as frequent blackouts and resource shortages. Many viewed the march as an example of propaganda disconnected from their daily struggles.
What were the main criticisms of the Torch March shared on social media?
Social media criticisms primarily focused on the coercive nature of participation, the misuse of resources for the event amidst an energy crisis, and the march's symbolism as a misguided attempt to mask the government's failures.
How did the Cuban government promote the Torch March?
The Cuban government promoted the Torch March as a tribute to historical figures José Martí and Fidel Castro, presenting it as a symbol of justice and continuity in the face of adversity.