As Cuban families struggle to celebrate Christmas due to the ongoing economic crisis, Miguel Díaz-Canel, the current leader of Cuba, took to social media this Tuesday to commemorate Fidel Castro's first Christmas Eve in the Zapata Swamp. The message, shared on the social platform X, praised Castro, the country’s most notorious dictator, who was responsible for suppressing and sidelining this holiday for decades, along with launching severe persecution against religious communities.
It wasn't until Pope John Paul II's visit in 1998 that December 25th was once again declared a public holiday, signaling a cautious official return of Christmas in Cuba. Ignoring this historical context, Díaz-Canel posted, "Thank you Soplillar, thank you swamp dwellers, for welcoming us and joining us on the 65th anniversary of Christmas Eve with Fidel in 1959. No matter how tough the times, that year permanently transformed the Swamp, which today is an emblematic and prosperous place."
The leader's post aimed to glorify Fidel Castro's legacy by commemorating the Carboneros' Christmas Eve Dinner of 1959 with the people of Soplillar. However, the claim that the Zapata Swamp is now a "prosperous and emblematic" location starkly contrasts with the reality of one of Cuba's poorest regions. It also highlights the regime's attempt to sugarcoat its historical narrative while the nation faces an unprecedented crisis.
The alleged prosperity has sparked outrage and a wave of criticism on social media, with many users fiercely challenging this statement. A profile named Libertad questioned, "Could you please justify the 'prosperity' of the Swamp where you supposedly saw it? No food, no hospitals, no transportation. If you visited another Swamp, please let us know. Not even the dinner that deceived Cuba's Destroyer exists."
Another user, 1947_freedom, retorted, "Emblematic and prosperous place? What galaxy are you talking about, Canel? There's no prosperity in Cuba; there's over 50 years of backwardness, and if this continues, people will soon live in caves. They've been cooking with coal and wood for a while now. How prosperous and advanced, indeed! And the best part is how much it pains us!"
Antonio Iglesias Pérez also expressed his outrage: "It's boundless cynicism to speak of Christmas Eve in Cuba, a dictatorship that has destroyed everything, even Cuban families. The regime keeps its people in the dark, with thousands imprisoned and unable to be with their loved ones, with a populace hungry and sad as they waste away in this misery."
Such messages, far from inspiring hope, only fuel the frustration and indignation of those who must face the harsh reality that the Revolution, praised in every speech, promised to change. In another post, Díaz-Canel wrote, "We are still processing the emotions of this 12/24 with Haydee, Chávez, Bonachea, Nemesia, other residents of Soplillar, and the immense Kcho, who rebuilt the huts of the museum dedicated to the memorable night Fidel spent Christmas Eve sharing the humble table of the swamp dwellers."
The mention of Kcho, known for his unwavering support of the regime, and the reconstruction of the huts as part of a museum, is especially cynical, given that the artist and National Assembly deputy was accused years ago of gender violence and alleged sexual abuse of minors.
Meanwhile, the true reality of the Cuban people is marked by celebrations overshadowed by scarcity and a critical power supply situation. This Tuesday, the Union Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) announced a generation deficit that left millions of Cubans in the dark on Christmas Eve, with a forecast of blackouts during peak hours of 1,314 MW.
Not even on Christmas Day will Cubans be able to stay in their homes with electricity, as the UNE announced a potential service disruption of up to 1,280 MW during peak hours, concentrated in the central-eastern region due to high energy transfers to that area.
Understanding the Current Situation in Cuba
Why is Christmas Eve significant in the Zapata Swamp?
Christmas Eve in the Zapata Swamp is significant as it marks Fidel Castro's first celebration there in 1959, an event that the regime often glorifies despite the ongoing struggles in the region.
How has the Cuban government historically treated Christmas?
Historically, the Cuban government, under Fidel Castro, suppressed and sidelined Christmas, with a notable change only occurring after Pope John Paul II's visit in 1998, which led to the reinstatement of December 25th as a public holiday.
What criticisms have been raised about Díaz-Canel's message?
Critics have pointed out the disconnect between Díaz-Canel's portrayal of the Zapata Swamp as prosperous and the harsh reality of poverty and lack of basic services in the region, labeling his message as cynical.