While millions of Cubans face daily blackouts, food shortages, and basic necessities, the Cuban regime focuses its efforts on decorating empty stores as part of the symbolic acts for May Day, International Workers' Day.
The Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, published on her X account: “Units of #ComercioCuba continue to be adorned in celebration of International Workers' Day.”
The contrast between the reality of understocked markets and the propaganda facade has not gone unnoticed by the public. Social media has been flooded with sarcastic and outraged reactions.
A neighbor from the Peralta neighborhood in the city of Holguín, shared that the rationed coffee has arrived at her store after five months of waiting. “...But May first is coming, and we have to be happy, so the coffee has arrived, which hadn't been here since December of last year.”
Marches without food or light
The call to march from the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel has reignited criticism of the “resist” policy as the sole official narrative in the face of an unprecedented crisis. In a message published on the Presidency's website, Díaz-Canel urged the people to gather in the squares to defend the "achievements of socialism," asserting: “We are alive, standing, resisting, and creating, by the will of Cuban men and women.”
He also used his account on X to reinforce the ideological tone: “Let us march against the blockade and the returning fascism. Against the genocide in #Gaza and the silent genocides caused by the sea of injustices that threatens our species.”
However, his call comes amid power outages lasting more than 12 hours, collapsed transportation, extreme shortages, and an unprecedented migratory exodus—factors that the leader barely mentions, insisting on blaming solely the U.S. embargo.
Forced assistance and adorned warehouses
Despite widespread discontent, the parades usually attract massive attendance, not out of enthusiasm, but due to labor and institutional pressures. In many workplaces and schools, participation is presented as an obligation disguised as "revolutionary commitment."
The practice of decorating empty units for national holidays is not new, but this year it has sparked particular outrage due to the grotesqueness of the scene: warehouses without products, adorned with colorful papers, banners, and artificial flowers, as if hunger could be disguised with posters.
The First of May in Cuba no longer celebrates labor achievements, but rather the resilience imposed on a people surviving amid scarcity, while their government decorates the facade of failure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba and the May Day Marches
Why does the Cuban government spend resources on decorating empty warehouses for May Day?
The Cuban government adorns empty warehouses as part of a symbolic act for May Day to maintain a facade of celebration and popular support, despite the severe shortage of food and basic resources faced by the population. This practice has been criticized for being a propaganda strategy that does not address the real needs of the Cuban people.
How does the economic crisis affect the celebration of May Day in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba, characterized by prolonged power outages, food shortages, and a collapse of transportation, has generated dissatisfaction towards the May Day marches, which are seen as propaganda events rather than genuine celebrations of labor rights. The population faces pressure to attend, often under the threat of job loss, despite daily hardships.
What is the response of Cubans to the call to march for May Day?
The response of many Cubans to the call to march is one of rejection and discontent, considering that the marches are an imposition by the government and do not reflect genuine popular support. On social media, there is a plethora of criticism directed at the regime for prioritizing these mobilizations over the basic needs of the population, such as food and electricity.
What role do social media play in the criticism of the Cuban government?
Social media has been a key space for Cubans to express their discontent towards the government, sharing their criticisms and organizing around demands for real change. Citizens use these platforms to question the usefulness of events like the May Day marches and to highlight the shortages and difficulties they face daily.
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