University of Oriente sparks backlash over new wood-fired kitchen

The University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba has faced significant backlash following the inauguration of a wood-fired kitchen on campus. During the institution's 79th anniversary celebrations, officials presented the wood-burning stove as an innovative achievement driven by “creativity, ingenuity, and commitment” in response to economic limitations and the U.S. embargo.

Critics and social media users have characterized the event as a “celebration of regression,” arguing that the university is glorifying scarcity rather than scientific or academic progress. The move comes amid severe resource shortages in Cuba, specifically following the decision by the state-run company CUPET to halt the distribution of liquefied gas in Santiago de Cuba and the eastern provinces.

Observers noted the contradiction between the university's official narrative of progress and the reality of returning to traditional, primitive cooking methods due to frequent power outages and fuel shortages.