A Cuban resident on the island, identified on TikTok as Izzy (@izzys33), shared a video showcasing the difficulties she faces in cooking during a power outage, which has generated various reactions on social media regarding the energy crisis and the shortage of food in the country.
"I'm going to show you how my sunset in Cuba has been while cooking my meal during a blackout," says Izzy in the video as he demonstrates how he lit a kerosene lamp with alcohol to cook a three-egg tortilla. "Here in Cuba, eggs are 300 pesos each, so I ate 900 pesos," he comments, highlighting the high food costs on the island.
In the video, he also shows the condition of his cooking utensils, blackened by smoke and ash: "I don't know if this is funny to tourists, but for me, it's a disgrace that my pots look this way. It's not my fault; it's the power outages here in Cuba that are forcing me to cook with firewood and charcoal." He then demonstrates how he heats water in a makeshift stove made of sawdust and finishes his dinner with beans that were given to him.
Reactions on TikTok came swiftly. "What is happening in Cuba is very intense. My greatest wish is for all Cubans to have a dignified life as we deserve," commented one user. Another person advised, "Don't struggle with the pots; the most important thing is being able to feed yourself." Some also highlighted her strength: "You are a warrior; I admire you. It’s clear that you are a homemaker," while another user reflected, "It sounds sad, but the important thing is that you were able to eat your little meal."
Other comments pointed to solutions such as the use of solar panels or electric generators, although many responded that these resources are inaccessible to most Cubans due to their high costs.
In other instances, Izzy has shared aspects of her daily life in Cuba online, which reflect the scarcity of food and the high prices of basic products, such as cheese and beef.
Last December, he expressed his frustration over the lack of access to basic necessities and stated that he should have been born in Italy, as the foods he enjoys are practically unattainable in Cuba. He has also been the subject of debates on social media after showing a plate of food donated by a neighbor, which sparked discussions about the perception of poverty on the island.
This video by Izzy, which joins others that depict the harsh reality faced by many families on the island, not only in terms of obtaining food but also in preparing it amidst prolonged blackouts, reignites the conversation about the energy and food crisis in Cuba, where power outages and shortages of essential products continue to impact the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Food Crisis in Cuba
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to prolonged blackouts that force families to resort to rudimentary cooking methods, such as using firewood or charcoal. These blackouts also impact food preservation, worsening the shortages and increasing the prices of basic goods.
What are the difficulties in obtaining food in Cuba?
Food scarcity and high prices are ongoing issues in Cuba. Basic products such as eggs, meat, and cheese have very high prices, making them inaccessible for many Cubans. The lack of electricity also causes food to spoil, increasing daily hardships.
What solutions are proposed to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
Some people suggest the use of solar panels or electric generators as alternative solutions, but these resources are generally inaccessible due to their high costs. Most families resort to traditional methods such as charcoal stoves or firewood for cooking.
What is the perception of Cubans abroad regarding the situation in the island?
Cubans abroad often express frustration and pain upon learning about the difficulties their relatives face on the island. The lack of electricity and food causes great distress among those with loved ones in Cuba, and many feel powerless in not being able to help more.
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