The page Las Cosas de Fernanda, an official profile, described the graffiti that appeared in various locations in Cienfuegos, particularly on the Malecón and the facades of the historic center of the city, as “visual aggression” and “vandalism.”
Under the title “The Art of Graffiti or Vandalism Shielded by Art,” the publication from Facebook stated that it is not opposed to this form of expression, but criticized the “low quality” of the interventions and the fact that some have been carried out by tourists who “leave and leave us with their unpleasant proposal.”
“Our city woke up infected with these unfortunate drawings that, rather than bringing joy, compete with the grotesque nature of the ego and the signature of the one who created them,” the text notes, also holding tourists, allegedly connected to an “urban tribe” of skaters, responsible for the graffiti.
The official profile argued that graffiti, in certain contexts, can be seen as “a form of visual pollution and even vandalism,” especially when done without authorization in sensitive spaces like schools or hospitals, or when it affects urban heritage.
According to the ally profile of MININT, this situation is reportedly being replicated in Cienfuegos, where recent graffiti has altered the aesthetics of the city and caused discontent among some residents.
Furthermore, its publication includes a quote from José Martí to question the “ignorance” of those who make these interventions.
The text also expressed regret that Cienfuegos “does not showcase its best appearance today” and that, despite efforts to restore its image, the proliferation of graffiti only serves to “pollute the city’s visual image.”
In this regard, the publication questions why it is allowed to “uglify our home” and suggests that these artistic expressions should be regulated to prevent the deterioration of the urban environment.
In recent months, acts of vandalism and crime have been on the rise in Cuba, impacting both small businesses and public and railway transportation.
This Saturday, a manicure business in Havana was completely looted. The owner, who had invested time and resources into her venture, arrived in the morning to find her shop empty. The report, which was made public on social media, sparked outrage and solidarity among the entrepreneurial community, who highlighted the increasing vulnerability of private workers due to the lack of security.
Vandalism has also affected transportation in Cuba. In the early hours of May 27, 2024, the national train covering the Havana-Holguín route was attacked with stones while passing through Santa Clara, causing damage to one of the passenger car windows. Railway authorities reported that such acts of aggression endanger travelers and hinder efforts to maintain the few train routes available on the island.
Moreover, on May 7, 2024, another similar incident occurred in Havana, when a bus from the Provincial Transport Company was stoned, breaking its windshield and forcing it out of service. This was at least the fifth attack of this kind in the capital in a single month. The transportation crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by fuel shortages and a declining fleet of vehicles, has led these acts to generate even more discontent among the population.
These events reflect a deterioration in security and quality of life in Cuba, where the economic crisis has led to an increase in crime, affecting both citizens and the few public services that are still operational.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Grafitis in Cienfuegos and the Official Stance
Why does the profile Las Cosas de Fernanda classify the graffiti in Cienfuegos as “visual aggression”?
The profile Las Cosas de Fernanda, close to MININT, describes the graffiti as “visual aggression” and “vandalism” due to the “low quality” of the interventions and because some were created by tourists, which disrupts the urban aesthetic of Cienfuegos. The publication argues that these graffiti affect urban heritage and should be regulated.
What impact do graffiti have on the city of Cienfuegos according to the article?
According to the article, the graffiti has altered the aesthetics of Cienfuegos and caused discomfort among some residents, who believe that these artistic expressions contaminate the visual image of the city. The publication suggests that these expressions should be regulated to prevent the deterioration of the urban environment.
How is the topic of graffiti related to the social and political situation in Cuba?
The issue of graffiti in Cienfuegos is set against a backdrop of growing social discontent in Cuba, where restrictions on freedom of expression and censorship are commonplace. Criticism of graffiti reflects governmental control over artistic expressions, while the population faces significant economic and social challenges.
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