The Cuban YouTuber Michel Crónicas, who lives in Mexico but is currently visiting Cuba, has sparked intense debate on social media after sharing a video in which he compares life in both countries. In his post, which quickly went viral on TikTok, Michel highlights the challenges of everyday life on the island and what he values most about his life in the Aztec country.
“I am Cuban living in Mexico, but I am currently visiting Cuba, and I will tell you why I value my life in Mexico so much,” begins @michelcronicas in the video, before listing the shortages he faces during his stay on the island. “In Cuba, I don’t have cheese, coffee, fruits, yogurt, bread, or butter; I have nothing for breakfast, just the bread from the store, this small loaf they give, one per person each day,” he explains while showing the only food available on the table.
The youtuber continues to point out the difference in access to basic products. “In Cuba, I don't have an OXXO or a corner store to buy whatever I feel like, bread with hot dog, bread with ham, bread with croquettes, and bread with pasta, and well, soda,” he says, referring to how easily he can obtain food in Mexico, something that is a luxury on the island. “Here in Cuba, you don't buy what you want; you buy what is available, not what you crave, but what appears,” he adds.
Michel also highlights the difficulties he faces due to the country's energy crisis. "In Cuba, I don't have electricity, and the few foods I can find might spoil," he laments. Additionally, he mentions another daily obstacle: the lack of internet connectivity. "In Cuba, I don't have internet at home, so I live disconnected from the world," he says, emphasizing the contrast with his life in Mexico.
Michel's testimony has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with thousands of comments and debates about the Cuban reality. “It makes me sad; we are blessed here in Mexico,” commented one user upon seeing the precarious situation depicted in the video. “Mexico has it all, my beautiful Mexico,” wrote another, proud of the opportunities his country offers. “What a shame for the country; what is needed for the glory of that nation to return?” questioned a follower, echoing the concerns of many.
Some users drew comparisons between the situation in Cuba and the difficulties faced in Mexico as well. “I’m Mexican living in Mexico and I don’t have electricity either; they cut it off because I didn’t pay,” joked one viewer of the video. Others were shocked by the lack of basic products on the island. “Wait, they don’t have coffee?” asked one incredulous internet user. “So we won’t even mention Cuban sandwiches, right?” commented another with irony.
There were those who expressed their admiration for the way Michel talks about Mexico. “He loves and respects our country more than many Mexicans; to me, he is a Mexican brother,” wrote a follower. Some also questioned whether his safety could be at risk due to his posts. “Doesn’t Michel jeopardize his safety by making these videos exposing the harsh reality in Cuba?” commented a user, to which the YouTuber responded: “Cuba needs to change, and I believe every Cuban must contribute their bit.”
This is not the first time Michel Crónicas documents the crisis in Cuba. Recently, he shared a video showcasing his home and his neighborhood completely in darkness due to a blackout that occurred at seven-thirty in the evening. “This is Cuba, this is real Cuba. Blackout, 7:30 PM, some neighbors have their rechargeable lamps, but look at the patio, blackout, blackout, blackout,” he recounted as he walked through his home. He also expressed his frustration at being unable to continue with his daily activities. “This is daily, daily, daily. These damned blackouts prevent you from doing things at home,” he stated indignantly.
In another recent video, the YouTuber documented the reality of food prices on the island. During a trip to buy groceries with his father, he highlighted the difficulty of finding products and the high costs in the market. “Small green pineapples are sold for 200 CUP each, cucumbers for 150 CUP per pound, lemons for 600 CUP per pound, green peppers for 250 CUP, and small tomatoes, some of which are still green, also for 250 CUP per pound,” he detailed. Michel explained that the average salary of a professional in Cuba is 4,500 CUP per month, a figure that is insufficient to meet the basic needs of a family.
His testimony continues to make an impact on social media, where more and more people are reacting to and sharing his experience. While Michel Crónicas continues to document his visit to the island, the debate about the Cuban crisis and the differences between his life in Mexico and in Cuba is growing.
Frequently asked questions about the situation in Cuba and comparisons with Mexico
What difficulties does Michel Crónicas face during his visit to Cuba?
Michel Crónicas faces serious difficulties during his visit to Cuba due to the lack of basic products and essential services. He has no access to food such as cheese, coffee, and fruits, and he suffers from constant power outages, making it impossible for him to preserve the few food items he manages to obtain. Additionally, he has no internet connection at home, leaving him disconnected from the world.
Why does Michel Crónicas place such a high value on his life in Mexico?
Michel Crónicas values his life in Mexico because he can enjoy freedoms and conveniences that are unthinkable in Cuba. In Mexico, he has access to a wide variety of foods, services such as constant electricity and internet connection, and he can achieve his personal and professional goals thanks to the freedom he experiences there.
How has the community reacted on social media to Michel's testimony?
The testimony of Michel has generated significant impact on social media, sparking debates about the reality in Cuba. Many users have expressed sadness and concern about the situation in Cuba, while others have shown admiration for how Michel appreciates the opportunities he has in Mexico. There have also been comparisons to the difficulties in Mexico, showcasing a variety of opinions.
What message does Michel convey to Cubans residing in Mexico?
Michel Crónicas conveys a message of gratitude and hope to Cubans living in Mexico. He encourages them to value the opportunities that Mexico offers and to see the country as a new home, where it is possible to build a better life by working and respecting the laws. His message aims to motivate others to appreciate the freedoms and possibilities they have outside of Cuba.
Filed under:
