"The Reality of Many Cuban Mothers": Viral TikTok Video Exposes Daily Struggles on the Island

"You wake up really early, and whether there’s power or not, you have to start preparing lunch."


A new video shared on TikTok by user @anita.cubanita64 once again highlighted the challenges faced by a Cuban mother in feeding her child amid the economic crisis and ongoing blackouts on the island.

In the video, which has gone viral on the platform, the young woman shares her daily routine, emphasizing the challenges of cooking without electricity and the difficulty of obtaining food at exorbitant prices. "Each ear of corn cost us 70 pesos, you can imagine," she says as she prepares a stew for lunch.

Additionally, it shows how she had to cook on a charcoal stove during the night, holding her son in her arms, due to the lack of electricity.

"Mothers will know, they will understand what I am saying," she says in the video, where she also narrates how her little one was restless, possibly due to discomfort related to growth. Despite the precariousness of the situation, the mother concludes her testimony with a resilient attitude: "That's what matters, that he eats it."

The video has generated a wave of comments on TikTok, with users expressing their admiration for the strength of Cuban mothers. "They are true warriors," wrote one user. Others were shocked by the high prices of food: "70 pesos for an ear of corn?" asked a surprised follower.

Some comments also expressed concern for the safety of the content creator, fearing that the Cuban government might retaliate for exposing the reality of the island.

This is not the first time that @anita.cubanita64 has highlighted the difficult situation faced by Cuban mothers. In previous posts, she has addressed issues such as food shortages, the high costs of basic products, and prolonged blackouts. In an earlier video, she reported that a food puree prepared for her child spoiled due to the lack of refrigeration from a blackout lasting over 12 hours.

Additionally, on another occasion, she responded to those who criticized her for not emigrating, explaining that leaving Cuba is not as easy as many believe and that her economic situation does not allow her to seek options outside the country. "If I were to wait for Cuba to improve before having a baby, I would never have a family," she stated in a previous video.

The case of this Cuban mother highlights the harsh reality that many families on the island face, where economic problems and a lack of basic services directly impact daily life. Meanwhile, her testimony continues to gain support and visibility on social media, becoming a reflection of the daily struggle of thousands of Cubans.

Frequently asked questions about the daily struggles in Cuba as expressed by Cuban mothers

What is the daily routine of Cuban mothers in the face of the economic crisis and power outages?

Cuban mothers face a grueling daily routine due to the economic crisis and constant blackouts. Cooking without electricity and acquiring food at exorbitant prices are some of the challenges they face every day. Many times, they must resort to traditional methods, such as cooking with coal, to be able to feed their children. The lack of electricity also impacts daily tasks such as washing clothes and sleeping, due to the heat and mosquitoes.

How do prolonged blackouts affect the lives of Cuban families?

The prolonged power outages in Cuba have a significant impact on the daily lives of families. The lack of electricity hinders food preservation, leading to spoilage, and forces families to seek alternatives for cooking. Furthermore, the power cuts affect the ability to carry out basic household tasks and generate widespread discomfort among the population, who must constantly face these difficulties.

What measures do Cuban mothers take to cope with the lack of basic resources?

To cope with the lack of basic resources, Cuban mothers rely on their ingenuity and resilience. They use traditional methods such as cooking with charcoal or firewood and ration food due to its high prices. Despite the adversities, these mothers prioritize the well-being of their children, making sure they have at least something to eat, even if it means putting in extra effort on their part.

What is the emotional impact of the crisis on Cuban families?

The economic and energy crisis in Cuba has a profound emotional impact on families. The lack of basic resources and uncertainty about the future create anxiety and frustration. The situation also affects Cubans abroad, who feel powerless to help their loved ones on the island. This desperation is reflected on social media, where many share their experiences and seek support.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.