The marriage of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta Peraza reached its 18th year this Monday. The "non-first lady" marked the occasion with a social media message that, as usual, irked Cubans with its sentimentality and detachment from the real issues affecting citizens.
"Congratulations, my treasure, on our quartz anniversary. Thank you for so much LOVE between KISSES and BATTLES," said the event promoter and official from the Ministry of Culture, accompanying her words with a black-and-white photograph of the couple absorbed in a kiss before the camera.
The couple's absurdity is well-known among Cubans, who have had to endure previous romantic outbursts from Cuesta Peraza. These displays occur on wedding anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or whenever the popularly dubbed "Empellatriz" feels enchanted by her "mango" or "dictator of her heart."
The Quartz Anniversary
The 18th wedding anniversary is traditionally called the Quartz Anniversary, named after the very hard and erosion-resistant stone. Ignoring the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans, the palace couple flaunts the strength of their marital bonds as if it were a state matter, or as if such displays of "humanity" would make Cubans feel they are governed by normal people rather than marionettes in a puppet show.
"It's been 18 years since you managed to win over the first secretary of the PCC in your province. The greatest desire of Holguín's 'climbers,' but you were the chosen one. Today, we lack sugar, oil, or coffee in our basic basket, but we have quartz. Thanks," responded a user identified as Taoro on Twitter.
"A 'first lady' who isn't a first lady, a 'president' who isn't a president, a 'marriage' that isn't a marriage. 'In politics, the real is what is unseen.' José Martí," replied another user named Nicanor O'Donnell.
"Happy anniversary, never before has the union between filth and the pit been celebrated! Nonetheless, I love you both, for without you, I couldn't evacuate my stomach! Happy anniversary, dear Macha with Juan Primito the cabestrillero!" commented Rolando Rosales.
"The ideal couple... Two inept subnormals... Congratuleichon and senquiu beri moch..." mocked José Luis de la Maza Martínez.
"Beautiful!", responded the head of communication of the Cuban Presidency, Leticia Martínez Hernández.
"One more year, one more, and I still love you. For as many years as life has, there will always be one more year between you and me. Happy anniversary, my LOVE," wrote Lis on her Twitter account in September 2022.
"For many more years, love," Díaz-Canel replied, sharing his spouse's post.
The couple's wedding presumably took place in 2009, according to several photos of the celebration that were leaked on Facebook in 2020 by a user named Carlos Ferrera. These included images of the notary signing and celebrations with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta's Marriage
Here are some frequently asked questions about the marriage of Miguel Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta, which often draws public attention due to their public displays and the political context in Cuba.
What is a Quartz Anniversary?
A Quartz Anniversary marks the 18th year of marriage, named after the durable and erosion-resistant stone, quartz.
Why do Lis Cuesta and Díaz-Canel's public displays of affection irritate Cubans?
Many Cubans find their displays of affection irritating because they feel detached from the real issues and hardships that ordinary citizens face daily.
When did Díaz-Canel and Lis Cuesta get married?
Although the exact date is not publicly confirmed, it is presumed that they got married in 2009 based on leaked photos from the wedding.