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The Periódico Girón has published a photo report titled "Improvised Fire and a Cold Plate of Food", which highlights the challenges faced by Cubans in cooking amid the energy crisis affecting the country.
The text, accompanied by images taken by photographer Raúl Navarro, describes situations where citizens are forced to light fires with firewood or turn to charcoal in order to cook their meals due to the lack of electricity and the scarcity of liquefied gas. "Without energy to operate pressure cookers and induction stoves, one has to resort to gas; however, not everyone has a contract for this," the report acknowledges.
The photo report from the official media showcases striking images of people cooking outdoors, in precarious conditions, illuminated by makeshift lights or surrounded by rudimentary utensils, with their hands covered in soot from using charcoal and firewood. "It doesn’t matter the solution; what cannot happen is that the child goes to bed that night without something warm in their stomach," concludes the report.
The article also highlights how the lack of electricity has changed family dynamics, forcing many to cook at unusual times: "You will put the rice on late at night when it's your turn for two hours of electricity, or you will prepare the main dish for three consecutive days, or you will pray that it doesn't go bad in a refrigerator that, without power, is just a tin showcase."
"If Prometheus had not stolen fire from the gods, we would have invented it," states the text, in an attempt to highlight the creativity of the Cuban people in facing adversities. "You will look for an old stove and set up a bonfire with a couple of bricks, or you will take that old grill out of the storage room from the times when a pig was slaughtered to celebrate births and welcome parties," the report adds.
The publication has sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Many Cubans accused the outlet of attempting to beautify a desperate situation instead of holding the government accountable for the crisis that has forced citizens to live in medieval conditions.
Among the comments are expressions like: "It says the smell of charcoal-grilled meat, what a lack of respect." Another message reported: "The crisis is so severe that instead of normal human beings, we are living like crazy people in this country."
Others expressed their dismay: "Cuba brings tears to my eyes; it constricts one's chest to think about this harsh reality we have to endure." Meanwhile, another reaction highlighted the impact on the health of the population: "We are living in times of terror. The unease, the despair, the stress that raises our blood sugar levels for those of us who suffer from it, and without medication."
The photo report from Periódico Girón arrives shortly after the same outlet attempted to romanticize blackouts in another article, where they claimed that these "bring us back a piece of what we miss", referring to children's games in the streets due to the lack of electricity.
The energy crisis, for its part, has driven up coal prices on the island, making it a luxury for many Cubans; in Holguín, a bag of coal can cost up to 1,400 pesos in Holguín, which means that even this resource is not accessible to everyone.
Daily, stories arise that expose the precarious living conditions of many Cubans on the island, such as the case of María Julia Gómez Pérez, a woman with metastatic cancer, who expressed her desperation at being forced to cook with firewood because the government does not provide her with liquefied gas. Her story had a significant impact on social media, generating solidarity and criticism against the lack of state solutions.
Energy crisis in Cuba: urgent solutions are needed
The report from Periódico Girón highlights the harsh reality faced by the Cuban population due to the collapse of the energy system. However, the reactions show that citizens are tired of speeches that try to sugarcoat the crisis instead of demanding real solutions. The lack of electricity and gas not only affects food supplies but has become a daily survival issue for thousands of families in Cuba.
The report concludes with a clear call for concrete answers: "Beyond the creativity that the Cuban people have been forced to maintain as a last resort, we need feasible solutions to be sought, because life cannot be left hanging by the stove."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Consequences
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba has transformed daily life, forcing citizens to seek creative solutions for everyday activities such as cooking, preserving food, and maintaining communication. Extended blackouts and the shortage of liquefied gas have made methods like cooking with firewood or charcoal commonplace, seriously affecting the quality of life for Cuban families.
What makeshift solutions are Cubans using to cook during blackouts?
In the absence of electricity and gas, many Cubans have turned to cooking with firewood or charcoal, improvising stoves in their yards. Others use alternative methods such as motorcycle batteries to power induction cooktops, demonstrating impressive creativity in the face of adversity.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the health and well-being of Cubans?
The energy crisis has severely affected the health and well-being of Cubans. The stress and anxiety generated by the lack of resources for cooking and preserving food have increased health problems, such as rising blood glucose levels. Additionally, exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal can have negative effects on respiratory health.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the attempts to romanticize the energy crisis?
The attempts by official media to romanticize the energy crisis, presenting it as an opportunity to rediscover old customs, have generated strong criticism from the population. Cubans have expressed their frustration on social media, pointing out that these narratives ignore the reality of the daily struggle for survival and the lack of effective solutions from the government.
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