This week, the state-run portal Cubadebate launched a social media contest titled "What Values Distinguish Fidel?" inviting both Cubans and foreigners to list the virtues of the late dictator. The response was swift, overwhelming, and starkly contrary to what the regime had anticipated.
Within a mere 24 hours, the post garnered over a thousand comments. Instead of receiving praise, the responses were filled with sarcasm, dark humor, and outrage, turning the official call into a reflection of the pent-up anger against Castro's legacy.
Centennial Campaign Backfires
The initiative is part of the official campaign for the "Year of the Centennial of the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz," declared by the National Assembly at the end of 2025, aiming towards August 13, 2026, which marks 100 years since Castro's birth in Birán, Holguín.
While the best responses were intended to be featured on Cubadebate and discussed in a special Mesa Redonda program on that date, most comments are unlikely to be aired on national television.
"The great swindler. Believe it or not, that's quite a significant value, as having the power to deceive the world like he did is a special talent for lying," penned one user.
Another user succinctly remarked: "The reverse King Midas."
Reflecting on a Troubled Legacy
Numerous comments directly linked Castro's legacy to the ongoing crisis in Cuba in 2026, citing daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours, collapsed buildings, food shortages, and the lack of freedoms.
"We must highlight his values through his great legacy, which is now present in every truncated Cuban life, every collapsed building, every non-existent or malfunctioning institution or service, and the vast lack of freedom and hope he left behind," summarized one netizen.
Irony was also prevalent in the contest. "What's the prize? More blackouts?" one user queried. Another quipped, "Will the prize be a bottle of oil?"
Criticism Wrapped in Sarcasm
Some comments were more elaborate in their critique: "A man who cared deeply for his family, ensuring they had enough money never to work again." Another added, "For his family, the best; for the Cuban people, a tragedy."
The portrayal of Castro as a destructive force manifested in various forms. "Fidel was the category 59 hurricane that obliterated an entire nation on the path to prosperity," wrote one participant.
One person highlighted another angle: "The massive destructive power he wielded, which continues to wreak havoc even after his death."
This incident is not unique; whenever official media posts content praising Fidel Castro on social networks, the comments section becomes a collective outlet for venting.
Understanding the Backlash Against Fidel Castro's Legacy
Why did Cubadebate's contest receive negative responses?
The contest received negative responses because many Cubans harbor deep-seated anger and discontent towards Fidel Castro's legacy, associating it with the current hardships and lack of freedoms in Cuba.
What is the significance of the "reverse King Midas" comment?
The "reverse King Midas" comment implies that instead of turning things to gold, Fidel Castro turned everything he touched into disaster, reflecting the negative perception of his impact on the country.
How are current conditions in Cuba linked to Castro's rule?
Current conditions in Cuba, such as power outages, food shortages, and lack of freedoms, are seen by many as a direct result of policies and actions taken during Fidel Castro's rule.