The Bolivian YouTuber known on social media as Kapléx, currently visiting Cuba, "discovered" a trade that caught his attention: street repairmen for lighters, known locally as “fosforeras.”
In a video posted on TikTok, Kapléx expressed his astonishment at witnessing how these workers restore and refill matchboxes right in the street.
"Here in Cuba, people smoke a lot, so much so that there are street repairmen for lighters," the influencer commented while showing a repairman in action.
According to the description, the service includes gas refilling, stone placement, and general adjustments, all for an extremely low price of 20 Cuban pesos, which amounts to just a few cents.
Kapléx highlighted the uniqueness of the craft, mentioning that he had never seen anything like it in other countries: “This is impressive; I've never seen a street stall like this. It’s very striking to me,” he said while filming.
The young man also mentioned the protective measures used by the repair workers, such as masks to prevent inhaling gases during the recharging process.
However, the influencer exercised caution while recording in the area, which he described as "a little dangerous."
"I was advised to take care of the camera and the phone, so it's better if we head back to the central area," he commented before finishing the video, highlighting the insecurity felt in some streets of Havana.
This type of content highlights not only the peculiarities of Cuban daily life but also the harsh reality of a country where citizens' 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 clever, reflects the degree of improvisation to which Cubans are forced to resort in order to meet basic needs in a system that does not guarantee sustainable or efficient solutions.
Recently, a young Cuban currently residing in the United States reminisced on 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.
Christian Arbolaez, in a nostalgic and admiring account shared on Facebook, highlighted how this entrepreneur transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary through two crafts he passionately undertakes: driving his rickshaw and repairing lighters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Street Lighter Repairers in Cuba
What are the 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 involves refilling gas, replacing flints, and making general adjustments for a very low price.
Why is this profession 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 to meet basic needs in a system that does not guarantee 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 the Cuban people.
What does the existence of these trades in Cuba reflect?
The existence of professions such as lighter repair technicians reflects the level of improvisation and ingenuity to which Cubans are compelled. This is a response to the lack of effective solutions provided by the Cuban economic system.
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