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Amid the growing economic crisis in Cuba, a recent announcement in Santiago de Cuba has garnered attention: the sale of natural hair for the astonishing sum of 300,000 Cuban pesos.
The unique trade reflects the creativity of Cubans in generating income amidst inflation and shortages of essential products.
Lisnne Vargas, the author of the sales post, announced in the Facebook group "Bazar Santiago de Cuba" that those who were "truly" interested should contact her through the provided phone number.
In addition to specifying the price of the hair, Vargas emphasized that it involved three bundles of hair and that the sale had already been completed.
In the shared photos, it can be seen that the hair is natural, wavy, and has some coloring treatments.
The sale of hair is not new in Cuba, but the high prices reached in recent transactions highlight the impact of the economic crisis in the country, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to access sustainable sources of income.
A week ago, Marielys Pérez, originally from Pinar del Río, did not hesitate to cut her hair and sell it through social media, seeking to cover the high costs associated with her daughter's hospitalization, as she suffers from a severe form of epilepsy.
"To my friends interested in buying hair, here’s mine. I need to sell it; today I had to make that decision, which led me to cut my hair and sell it," Pérez wrote in his Facebook post.
In January, a Cuban woman decided to auction her hair and announced it on social media, sharing photos of the long locks that would go to the highest bidder.
“I’m selling my hair since I’m getting it cut on the 15th. I’m open to offers and will choose the one that pays me the best. I already turned down an offer of 40,000 pesos because it’s worth much more,” said the Facebook user identified as Yirian Domínguez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Sales in Cuba and Its Economic Context
Why are hair bows sold at such high prices in Cuba?
The sale of hair bows at high prices in Cuba can be attributed to the economic crisis the country is experiencing. Inflation and the shortage of essential products have led Cubans to find creative ways to generate income, such as selling natural hair. This situation reflects the desperation of the population to secure sources of income amid economic hardships.
What motivates people to sell their hair in Cuba?
People in Cuba sell their hair primarily out of economic necessity. In the case of Marielys Pérez, for example, she sold her hair to cover her sick daughter's medical expenses. The dire economic situation compels many individuals to make extreme decisions to meet basic needs such as health care or food.
How does the economic crisis affect the Cuban population in general?
The economic crisis in Cuba deeply affects the population, evident in the scarcity of food, medicine, and essential products. Many families are facing extreme poverty, and child labor and the sale of personal belongings have become common methods of survival. The situation has also led some to sell blood and other items on social media, reflecting the desperation of the citizens.
What other products are being sold due to the crisis in Cuba?
In addition to hair, other products such as blood and basic services like mobile phone charging are being sold in Cuba due to the economic crisis. These cases reflect the urgency with which people are seeking to generate income amid the shortages and inflation affecting all levels of Cuban society.
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