In a TikTok video, a Cuban mother demonstrated how she copes with the frequent blackouts on the island while trying to prepare food for her young son. The video, which has already garnered thousands of interactions, highlights the everyday challenges faced by Cuban families amid the energy crisis affecting the country.
"My love, stay tuned for this little video where I'm going to show you how I cook while living in Cuba after several hours without power," begins the user identified as @anita.cubanita64 in her post. She recounts that on that day, electricity was interrupted since 6 in the morning and only returned for one hour before another prolonged outage.
Due to the lack of electricity, the young woman had to resort to a charcoal stove to cook basic foods like rice and chicken. In the video, she demonstrates step by step how she marinated the chicken with garlic and onion, ingredients she has to ration due to high prices in Cuban markets. “This onion has to last me at least six or seven meals because it’s incredibly expensive,” she explains.
Furthermore, the mother mentions how the puree she had prepared for her son the previous day spoiled due to the heat and lack of refrigeration, forcing her to repeat the process manually without the help of a blender. “I had to make the puree again and mash it because there was no power,” she recounts with resignation.
The video has generated an avalanche of supportive comments from users around the world. Many highlight the resilience and strength of Cuban mothers. “Cuban mothers deserve a medal,” remarked one user, while another stated, “You are a warrior; I admire your bravery.” Some also lamented the situation in Cuba, describing it as “a journey to the past” and sending blessings to the young woman and her child.
"It's not easy living like this, but the important thing is that the baby ate his little food," commented another user, highlighting the importance these mothers place on ensuring their children's well-being, even in the worst conditions.
Prolonged blackouts, a constant in Cuba
Power outages in Cuba have become a routine for thousands of families, who must find ways to cook, preserve food, and carry out basic tasks. Although authorities have promised improvements in electricity supply, the reality remains critical. These disruptions severely impact the quality of life for the population and have generated growing discontent across various sectors of society.
This video, more than just a simple testimony, has become a symbol of the daily struggle of Cubans to cope with an energy crisis that seems never-ending. Meanwhile, the resilience and ingenuity of mothers like @anita.cubanita64 stand as an example of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba severely impact daily life, forcing families to seek alternatives for cooking and refrigerating food. The lack of electricity disrupts essential tasks such as meal preparation, food preservation, and communication. These prolonged interruptions have led to increasing discontent among the population, which faces daily challenges in ensuring the well-being of their families.
What makeshift solutions do Cubans use to cook during blackouts?
During power outages, Cubans turn to traditional and improvised methods for cooking, such as using charcoal stoves or wood for fuel. In some cases, they even use candles and other items to prepare basic foods like coffee. This creativity reflects the ingenuity and resilience of the Cuban people in the face of the energy crisis.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised improvements in the electricity supply, but the reality remains critical and the solutions have not been effective. The promises to improve the situation have not materialized, leading to distrust and discontent among the population. The failure to deliver by the authorities has caused many Cubans to express their frustration and seek solutions on their own.
How do power outages affect Cubans abroad with family on the island?
Cuban nationals abroad experience anxiety and despair due to their inability to communicate with family members on the island because of power outages. The lack of electricity hampers communications and raises concerns about the well-being of their loved ones. This situation has prompted many Cubans outside the island to express their frustration and seek ways to send aid to their family members in Cuba.
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