The Bolivian YouTuber known on social media as Kapléx, during his visit to Cuba, "discovered" a trade that caught his attention: the street repairers of lighters, locally known as "fosforeras."
In a video posted on TikTok, Kapléx expressed his amazement at seeing workers restoring and reloading matchboxes in the middle of the street.
"Here in Cuba, people smoke a lot, so much that there are street repairmen for lighters," commented the influencer while showing a repairman at work.
According to the description, the service includes gas refills, placement of stones, and general adjustments, all for an incredibly low price: 20 Cuban pesos, which is equivalent to just a few cents.
Kapléx highlighted the uniqueness of the craft, mentioning that he had not seen anything like it in other countries: “This is impressive; I've never seen a street vendor like this. It's very striking to me,” he expressed while filming.
The young man also highlighted the protective measures used by the technicians, such as masks to prevent the inhalation of gases during the refilling process.
However, the influencer expressed caution while filming in the area, which he described as "a little dangerous."
"I was told to take care of the camera and the phone, so it's better if we head back to the central area," he commented before ending the video, highlighting the insecurity that permeates some streets in Havana.
This type of content highlights not only the peculiarities of everyday life in Cuba but also the harsh reality of a country where citizen ingenuity is the only response to a precarious economic context and the lack of formal alternatives.
The existence of trades such as street lighter repairers, while ingenious, reflects the level of improvisation that Cubans are compelled to adopt in order to compensate for basic shortages in a system that does not guarantee sustainable or efficient solutions.
Recently, a young Cuban currently residing in the United States reminisced on his social media about one of the most unique figures from his hometown of Cárdenas, Matanzas: Bárbaro, a man whose ingenuity and perseverance make him a symbol of the spirit of that locality.
In a nostalgic and admiring post shared on Facebook, Christian Arbolaez highlighted how this entrepreneur transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary through two trades he pursues with passion: driving his bicycle taxi and repairing lighters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Street Lighter Repairers in Cuba
What are street repairers of lighters in Cuba?
Street repairers of lighters, known as "fosforeras," are individuals who provide repair and refill services for lighters on the streets of Cuba. This trade includes refilling gas, replacing flints, and making general adjustments for a very low price.
Why is this trade common in Cuba?
The profession of lighter repairman is a response to the lack of formal alternatives in a precarious economic context. Citizen ingenuity is essential for addressing basic shortcomings in a system that does not ensure sustainable solutions.
What safety measures do lighter repair technicians take?
In Cuba, lighter repair technicians often wear masks as a protective measure to avoid inhaling gases during the refilling process. This reflects the necessary caution in a job that involves handling flammable products.
How do tourists perceive this profession in Cuba?
Tourists, like the Bolivian YouTuber Kapléx, express their surprise at the existence of this trade, as it is not common in other countries. Kapléx described the profession as impressive and striking, highlighting the creativity and resilience of Cubans.
What does the existence of these trades in Cuba reflect?
The existence of trades such as lighter repairers reflects the level of improvisation and ingenuity that Cubans are compelled to demonstrate. This is a response to the lack of efficient solutions provided by the Cuban economic system.
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