Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, grandson of Fidel Castro, congratulated Raúl Castro on his 93rd birthday with a message on social media accompanied by a photo that has sparked reactions among Cubans.
"With you, my grandfather and father are still alive. In you, their work, legend, and our collective dream persist. Grateful for your human greatness, friendship, affection, constant support, for your teachings and your example, I send you with love many congratulations on your 93rd, dear Uncle Raúl," Fidel Antonio said.
The reactions from Cubans were swift because the photo chosen for the congratulatory message shows the Army General with his nephew fishing on a yacht, an activity that has been prohibited for Cubans for decades.
The rapper Marichal reacted to the post on social media platform X, highlighting key phrases from the message: "‘Our collective dream’ to live like kings at the expense of a nation. They will all be imprisoned, just like the Nazis. We will find them wherever they hide," the singer said.
User Antonio Finlay expressed: "Unfortunately, I don’t have the experience of sailing on a yacht with my uncle because in Cuba it was forbidden for Cubans. The laws that your grandfather and uncle created to muzzle the people, while your family lives in extreme wealth."
Others pointed out how the members of the Castro family now show off their luxurious lives without any shame on social media. User FreedomOfSpeech noted: "Are they rubbing in our faces how they enjoy what is denied to the people? Is the bubble so big now that they don't realize or don't care? No Cuban, without a special navigation permit, can board a boat, not even if they live abroad. HYPOCRITE!"
On May 1st, Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov made another notable appearance on social media. He performed a parachute jump in Ciego de Ávila, claiming it was in homage to his grandfather.
The eccentricity in extreme sports, yachting, and elitist activities are the favorites of this family, which, amid one of the greatest economic crises the country has faced in the past six decades, spends resources to stage these kinds of shows and proudly displays them on social media.
Cuban Reactions to Raúl Castro's Birthday Celebration
Here we address some common questions and concerns raised by Cubans in reaction to Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov's social media post celebrating Raúl Castro's 93rd birthday.
Why was the photo of Raúl Castro fishing on a yacht controversial?
The photo was controversial because fishing on yachts has been prohibited for Cubans for decades, highlighting the disparity between the Castro family's privileges and the restrictions imposed on ordinary Cubans.
What was the reaction of the Cuban public to the social media post?
Many Cubans expressed outrage and frustration, criticizing the Castro family for flaunting their luxurious lifestyle while the general population faces severe economic hardships.
How did the rapper Marichal respond to the post?
Marichal highlighted the phrase "our collective dream" and condemned the Castro family for living lavishly at the expense of the nation, likening their behavior to that of the Nazis and vowing they would face justice.
What other activities has Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov showcased on social media?
Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov has showcased activities such as parachute jumping, which he claimed was in homage to his grandfather, displaying a penchant for extreme sports and elitist activities.