Sandro Castro, known as the most rebellious of the Castro dynasty, finally hosted his much-debated birthday celebration this past Thursday evening at his EFE bar in El Vedado. Not shying away from sharing his birthday spirit, Sandro posted a picture on Instagram showcasing his attire—a white ensemble accented with a black jacket and his signature shades, contributing to his notorious "mafioso" appearance.
The young Castro expressed his gratitude in an Instagram video, saying, "Thanks to everyone for coming, beautiful people, simple, great my Cuba," while he sang along to a conga, capturing the moment with a quick video-selfie surrounded by attendees. Despite Sandro's promise of "the biggest party in years," the short clips he shared didn't quite convey that vibe. The venue appeared far from packed, possibly failing to capture the event's peak excitement or crowd.
Interestingly, the birthday celebration of his friend Carluchín (Carlos Rogelio Bolufé) in June seemed to outshine Sandro's, judging by the video released by the honoree. Scheduled for 10:00 pm on Thursday, Sandro's birthday had already sparked significant controversy on social media, where many Cubans criticized the lavish affair publicized with much fanfare days in advance.
Entry to the party was priced at a thousand pesos, although Carluchín had previously announced that all tickets were sold out. On the same day, the young man, a close friend of Sandro, lamented that critics "mix everything with politics." A warm birthday message from an American photographer close to "the family" was featured on the EFE bar's Instagram story on Friday, describing Sandro as "a special man."
In his heartfelt message, @saltvip (Scott Crowe) wrote, "Today is the day I, along with many others, celebrate the birth of a man special to us in some way. A child born on an island in a family with many branches in its family tree, with deep roots that will never be lost or forgotten. I have known this particular branch of the tree closely for many years, and today I celebrate a man, not for what he has done working over the years and some still don’t see him on the streets of Havana or elsewhere abroad," the American closely associated with the Castros remarked.
In the latter part of his message, Scott Crowe didn't hesitate to use the term "empire" to describe the environment surrounding Sandro Castro and his family. "Today I celebrate my friend who introduced me to his mother, seeing the resemblance of her smile I’ve known for years. I celebrate my friend who employed close friends, now seen thriving in Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, because at some point in their growth he offered them the capacity to grow like a well-fertilized tree with deep roots. To my great friend, my brother, and my family, I say happy birthday, continue to grow, continue to appreciate those who help grow your empire and, as your favorite brand says, Just Do It!" he concluded.
Key Questions about Sandro Castro's Birthday Celebration
Why was Sandro Castro's birthday party controversial?
The controversy stemmed from the lavish nature of the event in a country facing severe economic challenges, sparking criticism on social media about the disparity between the elite and ordinary Cubans.
How did Sandro Castro's attire contribute to his image?
Sandro's choice of a white outfit with a black jacket and his signature sunglasses bolstered his "mafioso" image, enhancing his reputation for extravagant style.
What role did social media play in the birthday event?
Social media was pivotal in both promoting the event and generating backlash, as Sandro shared moments from the party while also facing criticism from users questioning the opulence amid Cuba's struggles.