“This is the true face of Cuba”, said the Cuban creator @sheyreyes032 in a video that has gone viral on social media, showcasing scenes of daily life marked by poverty, blackouts, and despair.
“This is Cuba, here children work because not everyone is lucky enough to have parents who provide everything for them, some have to start fighting for survival in the streets from a very young age. Cooking with charcoal in the living room because gas is no longer an option, and the electric stove even less so because there is never any power. To find all the streets like this, the little food we struggle so hard to bring out into the streets goes bad, due to so many hours of blackouts,” said the young woman in her recording.
The testimony continues with a stark description: “People are selling anything they can from their homes just to scrape together a few pesos to survive. You find homeless individuals on the streets who have no idea where they're going because they lack shelter and food. People have become accustomed to spending more time outside their homes than inside, as the power outages and increasing heat make it unbearable to live that way. Parents can’t even afford to buy their children a fan. Elderly individuals work under the sun, houses are collapsing just like faith, and long lines form just to obtain some food. On any corner, you come across a young person selling cigarettes or a bottle of oil.”
The images and words of the creator sparked an intense debate on social media, with some users supporting her for "showing reality without filters" and others criticizing her. "I never thought I would see children in my country working at such a young age; in Cuba, childhood was always respected, but given how things are, even if parents don't want to, it has to happen," commented one user, while another stated, "The salary isn't enough even if you sacrifice an entire month."
The young woman's message adds to other recent testimonies highlighting the decline of life in Cuba. Just a few days ago, the user @darlingmores stated that “you have to cook almost for the entire week” during the few hours when there is electricity, due to the prolonged blackouts affecting the country.
Another creator, @yaneisycanta_98, summarized the drama with a phrase that has gone viral: “People go out to scratch for a plate of food”, denouncing that “the salary is not enough even if you sacrifice an entire month”. You can read her complete reflection here.
The data confirms these realities: according to a survey by the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC), at least 30,000 pesos per month are needed to cover basic food expenses, while the minimum wage is only 2,100 CUP.
Blackouts and despair
The energy crisis further exacerbates the situation. This Tuesday, the Electric Union confirmed scheduled blackouts across the island, with a maximum impact of 1,952 MW on Monday night and forecasts exceeding 1,800 MW for today. Havana experienced power outages for 24 continuous hours, leaving entire neighborhoods without electricity or water.
In the midst of this crisis, stories of resilience also emerge. Like that of Yuniel, a teenager who cleans windshields to support his family and who received a bicycle as a gift after his story became known. Acts of solidarity that stand in contrast to an increasingly harsh reality for millions of Cubans.
“This is the true face of Cuba”, insists the young Sheyla from Matanzas in a new viral testimony, and thousands agree that her account reflects the anguish of a country where survival has become the norm.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Reality in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding blackouts in Cuba?
The situation of power outages in Cuba is critical. Power outages can last more than 30 hours in some provinces, severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans. The energy crisis has worsened due to a lack of generation and breakdowns in power plants.
How does the economic crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba affects all aspects of daily life. The minimum wage is insufficient to cover basic needs, and many families must turn to informal work to survive. The scarcity of food and high prices prevent most Cubans from having adequate nutrition.
How are Cubans reacting to the current difficulties?
Despite the difficult situation, Cubans demonstrate great resilience and adaptability. Many resort to ingenuity to cope with the power outages and scarcity of resources, while others share their experiences on social media to highlight the reality of the country and seek international solidarity.
What is the impact of the crisis on Cuban families?
Cuban families are severely affected by the crisis, having to confront the lack of basic resources. Many parents must prioritize their children's nutrition over other needs, and the inability to access essential products like diapers or toys becomes a constant issue. This situation generates significant stress and frustration in their daily lives.
Filed under:
