This past Friday, the Cuban Communist Youth Union (UJC) shared a brief promotional video on their Facebook page, capturing moments from the May Day parade with the slogan "Defend the Homeland." However, what followed was a torrent of sarcastic remarks from social media users, highlighting the stark contrast between the regime's propaganda and the everyday realities faced by young Cubans.
In the short clip, Hamlet Álvarez Aguiar, the video's creator, proudly declares, "Here we are, May Day in Cuba, with the youth marching, despite claims of low turnout." Despite his enthusiasm, the video quickly garnered over 1,300 comments, most of which were harshly critical.
What Álvarez Aguiar seemed to miss was the expressionless faces of the marchers, telling a tale contrary to the video's title: "Cuban Youth Keep Going." Observers online made sure to point this out without holding back.
Comments poured in, such as, "The joy in their faces is palpable, they look like zombies," and "The joy stayed home... the sleepwalkers of obligation... attend the proletarian circus." Another user succinctly put it: "Those faces show a parade by inertia, out of 'commitment,' but we all know the weight of the word commitment in Cuba."
In Cuba, "commitment" is a loaded term. Not participating can lead to repercussions at work or school, a fact openly acknowledged by Cubans themselves. One user wrote, "You and I are young, and I lived in Cuba; you know well what happened if you didn't attend." Another added, "Many go because there is no freedom of choice."
Dark humor also found its way into the discussion. "Did they have power last night to sleep well, have they had breakfast?" one person quipped, alluding to the island's frequent power outages lasting between 10 and 25 hours daily. Another pushed further: "When they get home, they can enjoy a hearty meal of banners, flags, and slogans, while the elites enjoy rice, beans, meat, and cold beer." One comment perfectly encapsulated the sarcasm: "What incredible energy and passion they all have... their joy is so contagious!"
There was even a geographical jab: "I bet they’d rather parade down Calle Ocho," referencing the famous street in Miami, a dream destination for many young Cubans. This is not an unfounded joke—93% of Cubans aged 18 to 30 would leave the country if they could, and 97.61% are dissatisfied with the government's performance.
This isn't the first time the UJC's efforts have been met with mockery rather than acclaim. Their increased propaganda efforts on social media, including campaigns like "We Offer Our Lives" and the "#MySignatureForTheHomeland" initiative, have been met with similar disdain.
The parade took place during the "Year of Preparation for Defense," with Raúl Castro overseeing the political ceremony and Miguel Díaz-Canel leading the march from the Plaza de la Revolución. The day before, children were taken from their schools in San Miguel del Padrón and Santiago de Cuba for preliminary marches, while independent journalist Ángel Cuza was detained in front of his daughter.
The expressionless faces reflect a nation where monthly salaries hover around $16, an economic contraction of 7.2% is projected by 2026, and an unprecedented exodus has seen over a million Cubans leave between 2021 and 2025. This is the real "tremendous energy" of Cuban youth, not captured in an 11-second propaganda clip, but evident in the over 1,300 comments that refute it.
Understanding Cuban Youth's Reaction to Propaganda
Why did the UJC's video receive so much backlash?
The video was criticized because it depicted a narrative that clashed with the actual experiences and sentiments of Cuban youth, who face economic hardships and limited freedoms.
What does the term 'commitment' imply in Cuba?
In Cuba, 'commitment' often implies an obligation to participate in state-sanctioned events to avoid negative consequences at work or school.
How do the economic conditions in Cuba affect its youth?
With low wages and a projected economic downturn, many young Cubans face a bleak future, leading to a desire to leave the country.