Video Shows Cuban Children Dancing for Food
A video that has been making the rounds on social media, shared by a leading Latin American journalist, seems to depict members of an international leftist group—thought to be associated with the pro-government organization Nuestra América—coercing Cuban children to dance in exchange for food.
This footage was first posted by the anti-communist Twitter account @JaviXCubaLibre and later amplified by Venezuelan journalist Emmanuel Rincon, along with a Cuban-American journalist. While Breitbart News could not verify the video’s authenticity, it emerged during the Nuestra América group’s recent visit to Havana.
The group includes many prominent figures from the far-left, such as former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, Spanish-Iranian TV presenter Pablo Iglesias, and left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.
They are ostensibly in Cuba to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s anti-communist stances, which they erroneously link to decades of poverty, lack of healthcare, and systemic abuses under the Castro regime. Though they claim to be delivering “vital humanitarian aid,” many posts from the members focus more on enjoying concerts by the Irish leftist rap group Kneecap and partying in the streets of Havana.
A commentary accompanying the video features a man with a Cuban accent, who critiques the situation, arguing it demonstrates a “lack of respect” towards the Cuban people.
“It’s a lack of respect. Look at that guy with a cookie in his hand, dancing around giving cookies to kids. It’s taking advantage of Cuba’s misery,” he expresses.
At the time this article was being prepared, no journalists had confirmed when the video was filmed or who the children involved in the cookie dance were. Interestingly, tents near the event were marked with symbols indicating ties to the Nuestra América convoy.
The visit by the wealthy leftist delegation has stirred significant anger among Cubans, who have endured the harsh realities imposed by Fidel Castro and his followers for over fifty years. Cuban dissidents have accused the group of “racism” and of treating the island like a “theme park,” as they attempt to engage with socialism while enjoying luxury accommodations. Reports suggest that the VIPs were housed in one of Havana’s most upscale hotels, owned by a Spanish company, which seemed to retain power amid a nationwide blackout.
For years, Cubans have been protesting against communism and advocating for freedom and democracy. This discontent peaked on July 11, 2021, when about 187,000 people demonstrated nationwide against the Castro regime. The protests, which have continued since, intensified after the United States issued a warrant against former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, halting Cuba’s access to discounted oil from Venezuela.
The Nuestra América tour group contends that U.S. policies against Maduro and restrictions on major American corporations dealing with the Castro government are the real causes of the island’s struggles. Estimates have shown that Fidel Castro personally amassed a fortune of about $900 million.
Aside from backing the regime, the group’s social media activities have drawn ire from Cubans. For instance, Christian Smalls, a leftist labor activist, posted an image of himself flaunting expensive jewelry while interacting with impoverished children in Cuba.
On another note, Hasan Piker, in a live video, claimed that despite the government’s oppressive actions, Cubans seem to be in good spirits.
“There are rolling blackouts… people are partying in the streets. I’m not sure if that’s just the island mentality, but they’re relaxed,” he remarked, adding, “Cubans are just feeling the vibe.” He also provided updates on the group’s activities, echoing, “We’re Just Living,” a line from a popular song by Ricky Martin.
Members of the radical left group Code Pink shared yet another video claiming to record their mural-painting efforts in Havana. This occurs against the backdrop of the Cuban government’s neglect of infrastructure, resulting in collapsed buildings and dangerous living conditions.
The Irish group Kneecap performed in Havana, yet the widespread electricity shortages left many puzzled about how the event could take place. The Cuban power grid suffers regular failures due to the Communist Party’s mismanagement over the years, exacerbating existing problems.
In an interview with Channel 4 in the UK, members of Kneecap blamed the United States for Cuba’s ongoing food and medicine shortages, suggesting they are a recent issue caused by Trump. In truth, Cubans have grappled with these shortages since the 1960s.
Lines for food have become commonplace in Cuba, particularly since Castro’s communist rationing was introduced decades ago. “It’s not that the Cuban people are incapable of running their own country,” one member noted.
