A banner proclaiming "100 Years with Fidel Castro," displayed on the front of the "Los Claveles–Rincón Cubano" booth of the Communist Party of Spain at the Málaga Fair, was found with graffiti stating "CASTRO MURDERER," "67 years of dictatorship."
The images circulated on social media, shared by Cuban activist Avana De La Torre, who praised the act and urged Cubans to resist any attempts to glorify the dictator in public spaces.
Situated in the Cortijo de Torres fairgrounds, the booth showcased the banner during the event—held from August 15 to 22—as part of a political commemoration of Castro's centenary, marking his birth on August 13, 1926.
The PCE Málaga posted on their social media: "We don't pay homage. He lives within us. The commander celebrates his 100th anniversary."
Following the graffiti incident, the banner was removed from the booth's facade. The specific individuals responsible for the intervention have not been officially identified or confirmed by any independent authority.
Historical Context and Public Reaction
The phrase "67 years" painted over the mural references the duration since Castro's regime took control in Cuba in 1959, a dictatorship that has driven millions of Cubans into exile, including a significant community now residing in Spain.
Avana De La Torre delivered a strong response to the event: "This is the response we must give as dignified Cubans! The police can be called a thousand times, but wherever they attempt to sanitize the dictator's image, there will be opposition to denounce it and demand the removal of his tributes."
The activist emphasized that "streets and fairs are not showcases to promote the Castro dictatorship."
Recurring Controversy at Málaga Fair
This isn't the first time this booth has stirred controversy at the Málaga fair. Back in 2025, the Málaga City Council had already warned the PCE of potential sanctions over a mural with the slogan "No to War. No to NATO," deeming it a violation of the municipal ordinance prohibiting unauthorized advertising and propaganda on the facades of fair booths.
The incident coincides with Castro's birth centenary, which the Cuban regime officially marked on August 13 with events at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana, attended by Raúl Castro, amid a severe economic crisis in the island characterized by prolonged power outages and widespread shortages.
In Cuba, resistance has also been visible on the streets: just days before the intervention in Málaga, an official billboard featuring Fidel Castro's image was defaced with red paint on the island, a similar gesture rejecting the official cult of the dictator.
The Cuban community in Spain has led various protest actions throughout 2026, including demonstrations outside the Cuban consulate in Barcelona to denounce the repression on the island.
Understanding Cuban Political Protests in Spain
Why was the mural in Málaga controversial?
The mural was controversial because it displayed a message honoring Fidel Castro, a figure associated with a long-standing dictatorship in Cuba, which many oppose. The intervention with graffiti reflected resistance to glorifying Castro in public spaces.
What significance does the phrase "67 years" hold?
The phrase "67 years" refers to the length of time since Fidel Castro's regime came to power in Cuba in 1959, marking decades of dictatorial governance that has led many Cubans to flee the country.
How has the Cuban community in Spain responded?
The Cuban community in Spain has actively protested against the Cuban regime, organizing various demonstrations, including those in front of the Cuban consulate in Barcelona, to oppose the repression in Cuba.