The Cuban youtuber Michel Crónicas, residing in Mexico, has shared a video from the island where he shows his house and neighborhood completely in the dark due to a blackout that occurred at 7:30 PM. In the scene filmed during his stay on the island, where he traveled to accompany his mother and stepfather back, he expressed his frustration about the situation and denounced the frequency with which these power outages occur in Cuba.
"This is Cuba, this is real Cuba. Blackout at 7:30 PM, some neighbors have their rechargeable lamps, but look at the yard, blackout, blackout, blackout," recounts @michelcronicas while walking through his home. During the video, he mentions that just before the power outage, he was preparing some hamburgers and expresses his frustration over the lack of electricity. "This happens every day, every day, every day, these damn blackouts prevent you from getting things done at home," he adds.
The video has sparked a flood of comments on social media. Many users expressed empathy and surprise at the energy crisis affecting the island. "Come to Mexico and bring your parents and Don Manolo," commented one follower, referring to her stepfather. Others compared the situation to that in their own countries: "In Mexico, blackouts only happen during severe storms," wrote another user.
Some people suggested temporary solutions like the use of rechargeable lamps or generators, while others emphasized the seriousness of the problem. "Where will that be, because Cuba is in a crisis worse than before," noted one user. "This is what everyone needs to see and know," added another follower.
The lack of electricity is a recurring problem in Cuba and has been the cause of numerous protests in recent years. The energy crisis on the island has affected not only the electrical supply but also other aspects of citizens' daily lives. Outrage on social media continues to grow, while Michel Crónicas continues to document his experience on the island.
In addition to the issue of power outages, Michel Crónicas has shared other videos from his time on the island, including one that documents the reality of food prices there. During a trip to buy groceries with his father, he highlighted the difficulties faced by Cubans in accessing basic products and revealed the high costs of food in the market.
During his journey, Michel explained to his followers that 1 dollar is equivalent to 330 Cuban pesos and that the average salary of a professional in Cuba is 4,500 CUP per month, an amount insufficient to cover basic needs. In the video, he showcased some of the products he managed to find and their respective prices:
Small green pineapples are sold for 200 CUP each, while cucumbers cost 150 CUP per pound. Lemons, essential in cooking, are traded at 600 CUP per pound, a shocking figure for most Cubans. Green peppers are priced at 250 CUP per pound, and small tomatoes, some still green, are sold at 250 CUP per pound.
Michel highlighted the difficulty of obtaining food in good condition and at affordable prices, sparking yet another intense debate on social media. His followers reacted with surprise and concern over the economic crisis on the island, comparing prices with those in other countries and expressing their solidarity with Cubans who must confront this reality on a daily basis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Economic Crisis in Cuba
Why are blackouts so frequent in Cuba?
Frequent blackouts in Cuba are due to the obsolete infrastructure of power plants and a lack of investment in their modernization. This has led to ongoing failures in the electricity supply, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
How does the energy crisis impact the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba affects daily life by making basic activities such as cooking, storing food, and communicating more difficult. Cubans have had to resort to rudimentary methods, such as cooking with charcoal, to adapt to the prolonged blackouts.
What other economic difficulties do Cubans face in addition to power outages?
In addition to power outages, Cubans are facing a shortage of food and basic products, extremely high prices, and a salary that does not meet daily needs. These conditions have created an atmosphere of frustration and hopelessness among the population.
How is the situation in Cuba reflected on social media?
On social media, many Cubans use platforms like TikTok to share their reality, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity needed to cope with difficulties. Viral videos criticize the government and allow the crisis to be seen from a personal and direct perspective.
What reactions has Michel Crónicas' testimony about the crisis in Cuba generated?
The testimony of Michel Crónicas has sparked an intense debate on social media, with many users expressing solidarity and surprise at the crisis in Cuba. His content has brought to light the harsh living conditions on the island and has led to criticism of the Cuban regime.
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