A Facebook user known as Cubano Gallo Rebelde sparked outrage among hundreds by sharing images of a pot atop a makeshift stove fueled by charcoal and wood, celebrating Cuban resilience.
"They won't break us... at least there's something to cook... We Will Always Triumph!" proclaimed Cubano Gallo Rebelde. His optimistic portrayal of extreme scarcity as a revolutionary virtue triggered a flood of criticism and mockery.
In a follow-up post, the same account shared an image of an old, battered Moka pot over glowing coals with the caption: "Had to make coffee with charcoal today, but it was made and enjoyed."
This message closely mirrors the rhetoric promoted by Miguel Díaz-Canel, who on March 25, 2026, publicly endorsed cooking with charcoal as an example of "creative resistance" amid a shortage of liquefied gas. Days later, he ordered the provision of cooking materials "from charcoal to firewood."
Energy Crisis and Public Frustration
The posts came in the wake of Cuba's fourth nationwide blackout of the year, leaving 9.6 million residents without power.
The energy collapse is just one aspect of the crisis. Since January 2026, the government indefinitely suspended liquefied gas distribution in eastern Cuba, leaving over 834,000 families without fuel for cooking.
On the black market, a gas cylinder can cost as much as 60,000 Cuban pesos, while the regime sells it for $29 on digital platforms.
A Provocative Stance
Presenting the charcoal stove as a symbol of revolutionary strength was seen as a provocation. Comments reflect the accumulated frustration of a population enduring worsening conditions.
"It's not about cooking... it's about living as human beings," one user wrote.
Others pointed out the double standard between leaders and citizens: "Go by the Castros’ house and see if they are cooking with charcoal," someone noted.
"If you visit El Cangrejo's place, you'll see a table full of food and drinks—that's creative resistance," added another, referring to figures in the regime's elite.
Irony also found its place: "Well... what's cooking? All I see is a closed pot... They must be stewing the Revolution's achievements, that's why nothing's visible," another user quipped.
Someone else warned sarcastically: "Enjoy it while you have charcoal, because even that will run out soon."
The Harsh Reality
The message that Cubano Gallo Rebelde tries to mask with slogans is stark. In 2026, 96.91% of Cubans lost access to food, 33.9% of households have members who go to bed hungry, and national agricultural production has plummeted 67% over the last five years.
Even Díaz-Canel himself admitted to the Communist Party Central Committee's Extraordinary Plenum that "resistance alone is not enough; today, it demands that we transform, produce more."
This admission starkly contrasts with the complacent narrative that users like Cubano Gallo Rebelde continue to spread on social media, while millions lack gas, electricity, and anything to put in the pot.
Exploring Cuba's Energy and Food Crisis
What caused the recent nationwide blackouts in Cuba?
The recent blackouts in Cuba are attributed to an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and insufficient resources to meet the population's power needs.
How has the suspension of liquefied gas affected Cuban households?
The suspension of liquefied gas distribution has left over 834,000 families in eastern Cuba without a reliable means to cook, forcing many to resort to alternative methods like charcoal stoves.
What is the current state of food access in Cuba?
As of 2026, 96.91% of Cubans have lost access to adequate food, with a significant portion of households having members who experience hunger regularly.