Sandro Castro has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism after sharing a video on his social media showcasing his stroll through a market in the Havana neighborhood of San Agustín.
In the footage, Castro appears restless, with a mocking demeanor, seemingly disconnected from the harsh realities faced by everyday Cubans. With a sarcastic tone, he remarks, “There’s plenty inside and outside La Cuevita 2.”
To many Cubans, this statement came across as a heartless taunt amidst the crippling shortages plaguing the nation.
As Sandro roams the market stalls, he greets a few vendors and even joins a line to buy bread, only to leave without making a purchase.
During his visit, he pauses at a stall selling produce and mistakenly identifies a malanga as a sweet potato, drawing laughter for his apparent ignorance.
An irate user commented, “He can’t tell a malanga from a sweet potato.” Others urged him to show some compassion: “Buy something and help the people,” “Help your fellow citizens, kid, please buy something.”
However, Sandro’s intention seemed to be to demonstrate his fearlessness in walking the streets of Havana, making some failed attempts to appear humorous and relatable.
One of his supporters remarked, “In San Agustín without security, tell Díaz-Canel to do that.”
Despite some fans, the majority of users agree that his immature behavior highlights the disdain Fidel and Raúl Castro's descendants have for the Cuban populace, who endure power outages, endless lines, and food scarcity.
Sandro's remarks coincided with a statement from Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, who on the same Sunday, addressed the Cuban people.
“There are reserves to tackle the challenges of 2026. The Government Program is the roadmap. Now it’s time to turn every effort into results,” Marrero stated on his official X account.
Both the prime minister’s words and Sandro’s attitude were seen as a dual provocation since, as many users reminded, “In Cuba, reserves only exist in the Castro’s homes and among the leaders.”
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Sandro Castro's Market Visit
Why did Sandro Castro's video spark criticism?
Sandro Castro's video was criticized because he appeared to mock the severe shortages affecting Cuba, displaying a lack of awareness and empathy for the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
How did Sandro Castro's actions highlight his disconnection from reality?
His sarcastic remarks about the availability of goods and his inability to distinguish between common vegetables demonstrated his ignorance of the daily hardships faced by Cubans.
What was the public's reaction to Sandro Castro's behavior?
The public reaction was largely negative, with many accusing him of mocking the population and urging him to show more empathy by purchasing goods and supporting local vendors.