During the official ceremony for the 130th anniversary of the combat death of José Martí in Dos Ríos, which was attended by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, some images spread on social media distracted from the tribute to the Apostle and sparked a wave of mockery.
In the photographs, Díaz-Canel is seen holding a black doll, referencing the story published by the Maestro in “La Edad de Oro,” which sparked a flood of ironic comments, memes, and reactions among Cuban users, many of whom sarcastically alluded to the figure of “La Cintumbare,” turning a patriotic act into a subject of digital satire.
The activist and communicator Magdiel Jorge Castro shared the photo on his Facebook profile with the phrase: "And now, what is this?", while in the comments section, the user Almakki Cubanosi Díaz wrote sarcastically: "Did La Cintumbare give birth?", alluding to the Cuban influencer who has faced criticism on social media for being a defender of the regime.
The internet user Ernesto Dovale commented in a sarcastic tone: “She is carrying Esteban Lazo's granddaughter,” referring to the president of the National Assembly of People's Power.
For his part, Efraín Abreu Sánchez reacted with disbelief: “What kind of sorcery is this now?”, reflecting the widespread bewilderment caused by the image.
Other internet users were sharper in their political criticism. Alejandro Perdomo García wrote: “Poor little doll being touched by Bijol, although well, thinking it over, the black doll in the hands of Sincasa (singa'o) represents just how black the situation is in Cuba,” using sarcasm to link the scene to the crisis the country is experiencing.
The user Aloima López Cotarelo combined humor and reproach in her comment: “It must be a version of José Martí's Muñeca Negra... Oh, no, it's laughable. Excuse me, Apostle, but the one being disrespectful is him.”
He then added, “Let’s see, what is that? A Santería doll? One of those gypsy ones that are usually found sitting in the living rooms of religious people, representing spiritual entities, or a tribute to Martí? Either way, it’s disrespectful. This man has no brain. That’s the truth.”
Also joining the criticism was the Facebook profile La Tijera, known for its satirical and oppositional tone, which described the scene as an act of symbolic manipulation: “Burundanga in Dos Ríos. The Dictatorial Puppet is desperately moving the hidden forces,” it wrote.
According to the publication, Díaz-Canel "did not let go at all" of the rag doll during the official event commemorating the fall of José Martí, suggesting that it was a witchcraft ritual disguised as a symbolic gesture.
"To make it seem like a gift and not part of a witchcraft ritual, they used the daughter of a PCC leader from Granma, who pretended she had given it to them. Can you believe it?" the post concluded.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared an ironic post on his Facebook profile: “The true face of the doll that Canel didn't want to display front and center.”
In the images, he placed the face of Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Santiago de Cuba, over the face of the black doll that Díaz-Canel was holding, symbolically representing the leader he has criticized so many times.
Also from the profile, Leo Derecho contributed a sarcastic interpretation of the scene: "In a moment of distress and nerves, Díaz-Canel, in desperation, resorted to witchcraft, as seen in the photo."
He also pointed out: "The lady who helped him told him to always carry a little doll with him so that the revolutionary achievements start coming. Could this be the charm that brings about change?” he wrote with irony, referring to the doll as a supposed talisman of the regime.
In recent months, various incidents involving figures from the Cuban government have triggered waves of mockery and memes on social media, highlighting the symbolic weariness of the institutional discourse.
Recently, the celebrations for International Workers' Day went viral when netizens compared the communist march to a flock of sheep.
Days later, another photograph from the government was the subject of mockery: the image of a sign announcing “tribune rental” by the hour, under the slogan “Socialism at an hourly rate,” went viral due to its absurd and contradictory nature.
The event that triggered this wave of mockery was the announcement made by the pro-government portal Cubadebate, which promoted the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune as a space for parties, meetings, fairs, and all types of events, available for rent for up to 28,000 pesos per day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the images of Díaz-Canel and the black doll
Why did images of Díaz-Canel holding a black doll provoke mockery on social media?
The images of Díaz-Canel holding a black doll triggered a wave of mockery because users interpreted them as an unfortunate and inappropriate symbolic act, diverting attention from the tribute to José Martí towards a subject of digital satire. The doll was seen as a representation of the crisis currently facing Cuba, and the scene was criticized for its lack of sensitivity.
What is "La Cintumbare" and why is it mentioned in the comments about the image of Díaz-Canel?
“La Cintumbare” is the nickname of the Cuban influencer Cinthya Medrano García, known for her pro-regime stance and her opulent lifestyle amid the Cuban crisis. The term was used ironically in the comments to emphasize the sarcastic and critical tone towards the figure of Díaz-Canel and the political situation of the country.
What symbolism does the black doll hold in the Cuban context?
In the Cuban context, a black doll can have multiple meanings. Historically, the black doll is associated with the story by José Martí in “La Edad de Oro”, which could indicate a symbolic gesture of connection to Cuban culture. However, in the official event context, it was interpreted by many as a symbol of the crisis and the difficulties facing the country, becoming the subject of criticism and ridicule.
How have Cuban users reacted to the image of Díaz-Canel with the doll?
Cuban users reacted with irony and sarcasm, using the image to criticize both Díaz-Canel and the Cuban regime. Comments on social media referred to the critical situation in the country, suggesting that the act with the doll was a failed attempt at symbolism that ended up highlighting the current shortages and problems in Cuba.
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