“Vampirach” and the New Face of Dissent in Cuba
A satirical Instagram persona linked to Fidel Castro’s grandson is sparking both laughter and outrage on the island nation, highlighting a growing disconnect between the ruling class and a population grappling with economic hardship.
Sandro Castro Nieto, 33, has become a ubiquitous figure in Cuba through his provocative videos, posted under the moniker “Vampirach.” Disguised in elaborate costumes – from monks and vampires to Barcelona FC jerseys – Castro delivers darkly humorous sketches that poke fun at the daily struggles of ordinary Cubans. With over 120,000 followers, his content resonates with a population facing severe shortages of food and medicine, frequent power outages, and a lack of fuel.
“I got up today with my favorite recipe, beer chicken… and there is no chicken,” Castro quips in one video, holding up a glass of national beer, which he playfully renames “Cristach.” Another clip shows him cooling off inside an old water tank on a rooftop, an American flag prominently displayed nearby, declaring, “What better pool than the ghetto tank.” He also satirizes the island’s chronic electricity cuts, joking, “If I treat you like the UNE [the electric company], I’ll give you power for four hours, then cut it off until Monday.”
While many celebrate Castro’s irreverence – some even dubbing him “Next President” online – elements within the Cuban government are reportedly seeking to silence him. Writer Ernesto Limia dismissed Castro as a “moron” on Facebook, acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding his family name but downplaying any genuine threat. “Sandro is not the ‘enemy’ of the Cuban revolution,” Limia stated, adding that the grandson of Fidel Castro (1926-2016) “does not feel affection for his grandfather, or respect his memory.”
Another pro-government influencer expressed discomfort with Castro’s publications, lamenting that authorities had not yet summoned him for questioning. This is a common tactic in Cuba, where activists and independent journalists are routinely interrogated by state security for expressing anti-government views online, and sometimes face criminal convictions related to their online activity.
The phenomenon of “Vampirach” reflects a broader generational shift, according to Manuel Cuesta Morúa, a dissident advocating for democratic transition in Cuba. “It reflects the distance of the generation of the grandchildren with the original project of the revolution” that triumphed in 1959. Cuesta Morúa argues that Castro’s online activity is the only distinguishing characteristic of his family, which otherwise “discreetly” enjoys privileges and embodies a new Cuban aristocracy.
For decades, the Castro family maintained a veil of secrecy around their personal lives. During Fidel Castro’s rule, little was known about his last wife, Dalia Soto del Valle, or his five children (of seven total). The family resided largely out of public view in “Zero Point,” a heavily guarded, wooded area west of Havana reserved for their exclusive use.
However, instances of ostentatious displays of wealth have recently drawn criticism. In 2021, Castro sparked outrage after posting a video of himself driving a luxurious Mercedes-Benz, casually remarking, “We are simple, but occasionally we have to get these toys that we have at home.” He later issued an apology on social media. More recently, at the end of 2024, Castro celebrated his birthday at the Efe bar – a business he owns – located on a bustling Havana avenue, just one day after the entire country experienced a massive blackout. The bar, illuminated with neon lights while the nation remained in darkness, became a symbol of the perceived disconnect between the elite and the general population. The establishment features a graphite wall and a large relief map of Cuba under the bar, catering to a predominantly young clientele.
Prior to Castro’s rise as an influencer, an unverified X (formerly Twitter) account purportedly belonging to his father, Alexis Castro Soto del Valle, 63, generated controversy with critical commentary on Cuba’s economic and social realities. The account was active for only 11 months. Unlike Castro’s cousins – the children of retired Raúl Castro, 94, who stepped down from power in 2021 – Alexis and his siblings have not held prominent political positions. Raúl Castro’s daughter, Mariela Castro Espín, serves as a deputy and directs the National Center for Sexual Education, while his son Alejandro led secret negotiations with the United States in 2014, and his grandson Raúl Guillermo acts as his bodyguard.
