The May Day parade in Pinar del Río presented one of the most striking and indefensible images, as healthcare workers marched with a massive prescription featuring dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) as the "doctor" and President Donald Trump as the "patient" diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Meanwhile, a neonatal incubator was displayed publicly as part of the spectacle.
This image, shared by the provincial TV station Tele Pinar on Facebook, quickly went viral, provoking a wave of ridicule and criticism of the regime.
Public Outrage Over Medical Display
Cuqui Cuban, a social media user, expressed her disdain, saying, "We'll talk about the prescription later, but I hope that incubator is a toy. Bringing something like that out into the germ-filled streets is highly unethical."
Several commentators highlighted the irony that actual medical prescriptions are nowhere to be found in Cuban hospitals, yet nurses used this format for propaganda purposes.
"There haven't been real prescriptions in Cuba for years. They should have written that on a piece of paper to make it more believable," remarked Emely A. González.
A Stark Reality Behind the Spectacle
Other users focused on the stark contrast between the parade spectacle and the grim daily life on the island.
"When they return home, without electricity, gas, food, medicine, money, or a life of their own, that's the reality," wrote Juan Antonio Castellano Camue.
Sisiliany Sánchez was more direct: "After 38 hours without power, without sleeping all night, I see this and only think they deserve extra hours of blackout."
Misinterpretations and Historical Reflections
Some interpreted the poster differently, questioning whether the message implied Trump was the cure.
"So, is Trump the medicine for Alzheimer's? Everyone interprets it to their convenience, like everything here," commented Caridad Pérez.
George Asencio offered a more historical perspective. "The only prescription Fidel Castro ever applied was betraying the Cuban people. He rallied us to overthrow Batista and then handed us over to the USSR. The perfect recipe of a bandit."
Militaristic Tone of the May Day Parade
This year's parade was dedicated to the centennial of Fidel Castro's birth, the 65th anniversary of the Victory at Playa Girón, and the XXII Congress of the Central Workers' Union of Cuba, with a distinctly militaristic and anti-imperialist tone.
The main event was moved from the Plaza de la Revolución to the Anti-Imperialist Tribunal in front of the U.S. Embassy, officially justified by "austerity" and the "harsh energy blockade."
Continuing a Tradition of Unusual Displays
Pinar del Río has a history of peculiar parade images. In 2022, workers from Guane created a polystyrene replica of Fidel Castro's tomb, and in 2023, participants paraded dressed as newlyweds.
Nationally, the medical prescription format had already been used in 2023, with a poster signed by "Dr. Díaz-Canel" in Havana, setting a direct precedent for the May Day events.
The irony of the poster is magnified by the real healthcare crisis. By 2026, Cuba faces a chronic shortage of medications, empty pharmacies, and hospitals lacking basic supplies, a situation NBC documented for the first time in a decade.
"What a farce. At this point, with the dreadful misery in Cuba, to partake in such foolishness," summarized Yosvy Díaz.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Crisis
What was the controversial image from the May Day parade in Pinar del Río?
The image showed healthcare workers carrying a large prescription with Fidel Castro as the "doctor" and Donald Trump as the "patient," along with a neonatal incubator in the street.
How did social media react to the image?
Social media users quickly ridiculed and criticized the image, highlighting its irony and the unethical display of medical equipment.
What is the current state of the healthcare system in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe healthcare crisis with a chronic shortage of medications, empty pharmacies, and hospitals lacking basic supplies.