On July 5, Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, the grandson of the late Cuban dictator, delivered a speech lasting over 26 minutes at the Semana Negra festival in Gijón, Spain. In his address, he defended the Cuban revolution using nuclear physics metaphors, only to be met with a torrent of ridicule and criticism online for discussing socialism from the comfort of Europe while Cubans endure power outages and shortages.
Organized by the Lázaro Cárdenas Association and the State Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, the event was part of the XVIII Encuentro Estatal de Solidaridad con Cuba. It also featured appearances by Elián González and Fernando González Llort, one of Cuba's so-called Five Heroes.
As a professor of Nuclear Physics in Havana with a doctorate in Biology and Physical Sciences, Castro Smirnov coined the phrase "Cuba represents the physics of dignity" during his speech. He argued that the U.S. embargo, rather than breaking the island, actually "densifies" it, much like certain materials under extreme pressure.
The most remarked-upon section of his speech was when he likened Cuban vaccines to nuclear weapons: "Our nuclear weapons are not meant to kill or destroy cities. They are designed to save lives, eradicate ignorance, and cure diseases. Our warheads are the vaccines developed by our scientists."
He also made statements against the United States: "While the terrorist and criminal empire plans surgical strikes, we plan vaccines. While they build walls, we form doctors."
Despite the video being shared by the pro-Castro media outlet Cubainformación TV, gaining over 11,000 views and 712 likes on Facebook, it also attracted hundreds of comments, many of which were sarcastic and scathing.
The primary criticism targeted the disparity between the revolutionary rhetoric delivered from Spain and the harsh reality faced by the Cuban people. "It's easy to fight from a fine dining table with imported tablecloths and aged wine. It's also easy to suffer from a big house and a fancy car," one user commented.
Another critic was more blunt: "I respect your opinion, sir, but live in Cuba for three months with a common job, without the Castro luxuries and perks. Live like my mother, father, and brother, and then give another speech."
The length and grandiose tone of his speech also drew mockery. "What a circus," one commentator summarized.
Others called it a "ridiculous spectacle," pointing out that members of the Castro elite "mock the people because they are protected." Someone simply remarked, "They all have the same little speech."
Castro's grandson is no stranger to controversy. He faced criticism for publicly funded parachute jumps in 2023 and 2024. In August 2025, after injuring himself in Chile, he was visited by a medical team sent specifically from Havana, in stark contrast to the healthcare collapse affecting the Cuban population.
This appearance in Gijón is part of an extensive international propaganda campaign. In February 2026, he spoke in London, asserting that Cuba would not bow to Trump, and in April, he participated in a Moscow forum thanking Russia for sending oil to the island.
The event in Gijón was interrupted when a young Cuban woman, Adelainys Castán, burst in during Elián González's speech, shouting "murderers" and "Homeland and Life." This moment highlighted the gap between the official narrative and the sentiments of those who have fled the dictatorship.
Understanding the Backlash Against Fidel Castro's Grandson
Why did Fidel Castro's grandson face criticism for his speech in Europe?
He was criticized for discussing the merits of socialism from Europe while Cubans suffer from power outages and shortages, highlighting a disconnect between his rhetoric and the reality faced by the Cuban people.
What metaphor did Castro Smirnov use in his speech?
He used nuclear physics metaphors, claiming that the U.S. embargo 'densifies' Cuba, similar to materials under extreme pressure, and compared Cuban vaccines to nuclear weapons.
What was the public reaction to his speech?
The speech was met with ridicule and criticism on social media, with many highlighting the contrast between his privileged position and the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans.