Pánfilo's nightmare with the thermoelectric plants... and something more

Luis Silva, as Pánfilo, satirizes power outages in Cuba in a sketch, comparing the Cuban reality to "Squid Game." The video highlights the energy crisis and has garnered thousands of reactions on social media.

PánfiloPhoto © Facebook Capture / Luis Silva Pánfilo

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The popular Cuban comedian Luis Silva, in his character Pánfilo, once again elicited laughter and reflection by poking fun at power outages and the energy crisis in Cuba in a sketch that went viral on social media.

In the material entitled “Dreaming of a Thermoelectric Plant. An Unexpected Call,” Pánfilo recreates a nightmare in which his daily life is dominated by constant interruptions of the electricity service.

"Yeah, it synchronized. Yes, how nice, it went out of the system again because of the limit in the boiler, yes, but it better not go out again," Pánfilo says amid the nightmare.

His dream was interrupted by an unexpected call at seven in the morning from Voltímetro (played by Luis Carrete).

It was then that the episode went from alluding to the issue of blackouts to discussing something more.

When asked by Voltímetro about the series Squid Game, Pánfilo draws a parallel between the harsh reality of Cubans and the extreme challenges faced by the characters of the popular South Korean show.

What starts off as confusion due to not understanding what the other person is saying is used to highlight the difficult situation in Cuba.

"Is it good (The Squid Game), what's it about?" Pánfilo asks Voltímetro about the series.

"They are a lot of people struggling because they are clueless. And in the end, they remain broke," he replies.

While Pánfilo continues to interrogate: "And in which province was that recorded, or was it recorded everywhere?" "No, no, no, Panfi, that's over in Korea," confirms Voltímetro.

The sketch, which has surpassed 400 thousand views and accumulated over 24 thousand reactions on digital platforms, ironically reflects how blackouts have become part of daily life for Cubans, forcing them to adapt their family and work routines.

Luis Silva, recognized for his ability to bring to light the social issues of the country through Pánfilo, has established himself as one of the most prominent critical voices through humor, tackling sensitive topics such as shortages, prices, and, this time, the energy crisis.

The reactions on social media have mostly been supportive and sympathetic. Many users agree that the sketch represents "the real life of the average Cuban" and thank the comedian for channeling through humor a situation that, in practice, generates frustration and discomfort.

FAQ about the Energy Crisis and Humor in Cuba

How does Pánfilo reflect the energy crisis in Cuba?

The character Pánfilo, portrayed by Luis Silva, uses humor to highlight the harsh reality of blackouts in Cuba, demonstrating how they impact the daily routines of Cubans. In his recent sketch, Pánfilo compares the energy crisis to the extreme challenges of the series "Squid Game", reflecting the frustration and discomfort of the population.

Why has the Pánfilo sketch gone viral on social media?

The sketch featuring Pánfilo has surpassed 400,000 views as it ironically reflects the daily life of Cubans affected by blackouts, evoking empathy and laughter among viewers. The use of humor as a critical tool allows the audience to connect with the social reality of Cuba in an accessible way.

What is the current situation of Luis Silva, the creator of Pánfilo?

Luis Silva is currently in the United States following the cancellation of his program "Vivir del Cuento" in Cuba due to the regime's censorship. Despite the distance, Silva remains connected with the Cuban people through his social media, using his character to continue criticizing the current situation in the country.

How has the Cuban population reacted to the energy crisis?

The Cuban population has expressed frustration and exasperation over the prolonged energy crisis affecting the country. Power outages, which in some cases last more than 20 hours a day, have deteriorated the quality of life and generated criticism towards the government's inefficiency in addressing the issue.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.