A video shared on TikTok by the profile Cuba.Live (@cuba.live2) showcases a scene that has become commonplace in Havana: the entrances of central streets transformed into informal markets where everything is sold, from broken appliances to items found in the trash.
These images reflect the crisis affecting the island, where daily survival forces many to trade anything that could generate an income. Vendors offer items that, for the most part, lack functional value for someone seeing them for the first time, but for some, they represent a solution.
There are those who buy old items to take advantage of spare parts or because they have no other choice given the unaffordable prices of new products in good condition.
Among the most common items are old cell phones, computer cables, appliance parts, and goods of all kinds, which were clearly salvaged from the trash or likely stolen from private homes.
The cell phones and appliances are sold without any documentation certifying their origin, but since they are old, most of the time the regime is not interested in knowing where these items come from.
The occupation of public spaces by street vendors was initially a controversial measure, but the authorities ignored the criticisms from urban planners and citizens.
Currently, this practice not only mars the streets of Cuba's capital, already damaged by debris and accumulated garbage, but also complicates pedestrian transit. The sidewalks, filled with dirt and disorganized goods, have become a reflection of the urban decay of Havana.
For many, these scenes represent the lack of real solutions from the government, which allows this activity as another band-aid in the face of the poverty and economic crisis that plague the country. Meanwhile, life on the streets of Havana continues to be a mix of misery, ingenuity, and survival.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Social Crisis in Cuba
Why are the streets of Havana full of informal vendors?
The economic crisis in Cuba has forced many people to turn to informal sales as a means of survival. In Havana, doorways and sidewalks have become makeshift markets where old and low-value items are sold, reflecting desperation and a lack of alternatives in the face of high prices for new products.
What items are commonly sold in these informal markets in Havana?
In the informal markets of Havana, old cell phones, computer cables, appliance parts, and other items salvaged from the trash are primarily sold. These items, although mostly lacking in value, are purchased by those who cannot afford new products or are in search of spare parts.
What is the Cuban government's response to the economic and social crisis?
The Cuban government has been strongly criticized for not providing effective solutions to the economic and social crisis. The leniency towards the occupation of public spaces by street vendors is seen as a temporary fix and reflects the lack of strong policies to tackle poverty and improve the living conditions of the population.
How does the economic crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba severely impacts daily life, causing food shortages, prolonged blackouts, and deterioration of urban infrastructure. The population is facing extreme difficulties in accessing basic products, which heightens social unrest and widespread despair.
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