Díaz-Canel's Contemplation at Fidel Castro's Resting Place

In a scene reminiscent of a pilgrimage, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel paid homage this Monday at the stone said to hold the ashes of dictator Fidel Castro, marking the conclusion of his visit to Santiago de Cuba. The Cuban Presidency's social media shared images of the moment when the "leader of continuity" stood solemnly with a bouquet of flowers at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, gazing intently at the massive rock, shrouded in darkness.

The communication team at the Palace described the event as a "tribute to Fidel, before the rock that treasures his ashes, at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery," in a post characterized by its peculiar language. The phrase, "the rock that treasures his ashes," was seemingly intended to bestow a mythical status upon the stone edifice constructed by the regime for the devoted followers of Castro.

Standing firm before the emblematic rock, Díaz-Canel appeared contemplative in the image released by the Palace. There, in front of "the rock that treasures his ashes," the regime's figurehead seemed to ponder the fundamental Leninist question: "What is to be done?"

Having sanctioned numerous "guidelines," "orders," and "projections," the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) now bears the weight of failure. The economic "situations" and "correction of distortions" have left him disoriented both physically and mentally.

"They called you 'the horse,' and they call me 'a fool.' What can I do, Fidel?" seemed to be Díaz-Canel's silent lament before the rock. "I've played the drums, danced salsa even in New York, issued 'combat orders,' delivered speeches, awarded distinctions; I've sacked ministers and promoted mediocrity, I maintain hundreds of political prisoners, follow Raúl's directives, and even listen to the Crab, yet nothing halts this backward march."

"Nearly two million Cubans have left, the monetary overhaul has triggered inflation, health and education no longer serve even as propaganda. The Asere team loses to anyone; the Russians are now our vampires—how did you manage to exploit them?" pondered Ana de Armas's father-in-law in silence.

"I performed a cleansing ceremony in La Güinera to rid myself of innocent blood spilled there, but I feel cursed wherever I go. I went to Guanabacoa but had to flee. Ultimately, I've had to admit that we're jinxed. I've been to the Vatican, Miraflores, and the Kremlin, but you've exhausted the revolution's miracles. Tell me, Fidel, what do I do?" implored Díaz-Canel, unblinking.

"You left behind a devastated and ruined country, and I've managed the impossible: to ruin and devastate it even further. Isn't that an achievement? I lament my fate like a petty bourgeois, yet I don't mention your grandson. Send a signal soon, because this ship is sinking. I'll leave you now, it's time to eat and Machi is waiting for me. She sends these flowers and says she loves you dearly… In the end, what a dream!"