Dozens of Cubans have openly criticized Miguel Díaz-Canel for hosting an international gastronomy festival while the country faces one of the worst food crises in its history. As many households struggle to put food on the table, the regime inaugurated the 14th Varadero Gourmet International Festival on Wednesday with much fanfare, featuring cooking, gastronomy, and cocktail competitions.
"With the hunger most Cubans are experiencing, seeing these things fills us with indignation. They do it on purpose; there's no respect for my people, most of whom are elderly and sick," commented one user on a CiberCuba post on Facebook.
"This disgusts me more every day; the people are starving while they live the sweet life!" remarked a mother.
"They have no shame. It's painful to see this when every day you have to juggle to ensure your child has a school snack," expressed a manicurist.
"And our children without sweets or treats, such disrespect for the people; while they showcase all this food, many don't even have anything to eat," denounced a resident from Sancti Spíritus.
Gourmet Event vs. Everyday Struggle
The Varadero Gourmet, held in the renowned Matanzas resort, focuses on topics far removed from the daily life of ordinary Cubans, such as haute cuisine, artistic cooking, and alternative culinary knowledge.
"And the monthly rations still haven't arrived at the bodegas, despite promises they were guaranteed. Maybe they'll discover in that event how to survive without food," quipped a housewife.
"Such disrespect, with the majority of the people hungry; it's expensive to buy a treat for our children, and look at the abundance and waste there," commented a father of two.
"With so much misery the people are going through, because they're starving us to death, no matter how hard you work in this country, you work yourself to the bone for nothing, and your salary isn't enough. Look at the date, and they still haven't brought the milk for the children," recalled a resident from Granma.
"The hypocrisy of this government trying to deceive international opinion while kids here sell sweet bread, tamales, etc., to help put food on their families' tables," said a Havana resident.
"It's nothing new; the people no longer have access to anything, but hotels have always shown abundance and a variety of gastronomic offerings," highlighted another internet user.
Recently, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights presented the VII Report on the State of Social Rights in Cuba 2024, revealing the harsh reality of the Cuban situation. The non-governmental organization disclosed that "89% of Cuban families suffer from extreme poverty," a one percent increase from last year and 13% more than in 2022. One of the most significant findings is that "seven out of ten Cubans have skipped breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food scarcity."
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the food crisis in Cuba and the recent criticisms of the government.
Why are Cubans criticizing Miguel Díaz-Canel?
Cubans are criticizing Díaz-Canel for hosting a lavish international gastronomy festival while the country is enduring a severe food crisis.
What is the Varadero Gourmet International Festival?
The Varadero Gourmet International Festival is an event featuring cooking, gastronomy, and cocktail competitions, held in the Matanzas resort.
What did the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights report reveal?
The report revealed that 89% of Cuban families suffer from extreme poverty, and seven out of ten Cubans have skipped meals due to lack of money or food scarcity.