Can you imagine wearing the same garment that someone in your family wore repeatedly over a decade ago? That's exactly what happens in Cuba, where shortages have turned clothing into a commodity that is stretched and reused to the maximum. This is what a Cuban shared from Spain in a video that is generating a lot of discussion.
The influencer Clau Tropiezos (@clau_tropiezos on TikTok) recently shared an exchange with her mother about how clothing in the island is passed down from generation to generation, adapting to the needs of each family. "When I say that in Cuba I didn't buy clothes and that everything I wore was donated... whether from cousins, my aunt who came from the United States, or relatives on the island, I'm not exaggerating," she explained.
The story she told left everyone speechless: her mother sent her a recent photo of her sister wearing a blouse that she herself had worn a lot when she was 16. "How could I not remember that blouse when I wore it so much 13 years ago! Clothes don't get destroyed, they keep being worn until they can't be used anymore," she remarked with a touch of nostalgia.
While her story reflects the ingenuity and creativity with which Cubans cope with shortages, it also reveals the deep precarities that define daily life on the island. "The consumerism we have in capitalist countries is incredible, but in Cuba, clothes are stretched to the limit," Claudia added, showing a photo of herself in the garment when she was a teenager.
The video quickly sparked reactions on TikTok, where some users related to the situation, commenting: “From generation to generation, just like that”; “The same thing happened here, from siblings to siblings, and even today we make the most of everything”; while others took it with humor: “Imperialism strips us bare, destroying our clothes,” wrote one amidst laughter.
The post by @clau_tropiezos has made many reflect on the contrast between the reality in other countries and the extreme need for resourcefulness in places like Cuba, where nothing, not even a simple blouse, goes to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clothing Recycling in Cuba
How is clothing reused in Cuba?
In Cuba, due to economic shortages, clothing is reused to the greatest extent. Garments are passed down from generation to generation, adapting to the family's needs. When an item can no longer be used as such, it is transformed into rags or cloths for the home, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of Cubans in extending the lifespan of their possessions.
Why is it common for clothing in Cuba to be used for such a long time?
The scarcity of resources and the difficulty of acquiring new clothing mean that in Cuba, clothes are worn for a long time. Garments are handed down and repaired until they can no longer be used, reflecting the need to maximize the resources available on the island.
What do Cubans think about consumerism in other countries?
Many Cubans, when comparing their reality to that of capitalist countries, emphasize extreme consumerism as a significant difference. In Cuba, resources are stretched to their limits, while in other places people tend to discard clothing and other items more easily, contrasting with the culture of complete utilization on the island.
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