The high prices of books at the Matanzas Book Fair have caused a stir on social media, after a user shared a video on TikTok showcasing the costs of the items and other products at the cultural event.
The user Sheyla, identified on TikTok as @sheyreyes03, toured the fair and expressed amazement at the prices of books, which reach up to 3,000 Cuban pesos. In the video, which has generated numerous reactions, the young woman emphasizes that children's books that were previously affordable now cost over 1,000 CUP. One of the cases that surprised the user the most was the "cuquitas", cut-out books that were very popular among Cuban children in past decades, which are being sold for 1,050 pesos at this edition of the fair.
It also points out that the prices of other educational materials and toys are through the roof, with puzzles costing 1,500 CUP and children's boards nearly 4,000 CUP.
The video also highlights the presence of items unrelated to literature, such as shoes and crafts, which surprised the user. Additionally, she noted the low turnout, something unusual for this type of event in previous years.
The video has sparked a wave of outrage in the comments. Some users compared the prices to those in other countries. "Here they cost a dollar and 25 cents at Dollar Tree," commented a user from the United States. Another user from Venezuela pointed out that "those little pencil things don’t go over 2 dollars."
"Then it was more of a museum, just for looking," joked a user. Others nostalgically recalled that in the past, with 50 pesos, they could buy numerous books at the fair.
The conversation also revolved around purchasing power in Cuba. A user calculated the cost in dollars, estimating that a notebook costing 1,000 CUP would amount to about 5 dollars on the informal exchange rate, which is exorbitant considering the salaries on the Island.
Criticism of the high prices at book fairs in Cuba is not new. Recently, another tiktoker published a video denouncing that the lowest price for a new book at the fair in Matanzas was 1,500 CUP, equivalent to the monthly pension of many retirees. In 2023, the Havana Book Fair was also at the center of controversy when Cuban mothers raised concerns about "Dubai prices", with books exceeding 2,500 CUP. Additionally, YouTubers and other users have reported the scarcity of bibliographic offerings, the proliferation of non-literary products, and the lack of access for the population to these events due to high costs.
While the Book Fair continues to receive government support, with measures such as the increased transportation in Havana to facilitate access, the reality is that prices prevent many Cubans from purchasing books, which used to be a common practice in previous editions of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Prices at the Matanzas Book Fair
Why are the prices of books at the Matanzas Book Fair so high?
The prices of books at the Matanzas Book Fair are exorbitant due to inflation and the economic crisis facing Cuba. This phenomenon has impacted the public's accessibility to cultural products, which is reflected in the reactions of visitors to the event when they compare them to international prices.
How much does a children's book cost at the Matanzas Book Fair?
At the Matanzas Book Fair, a children's book can cost more than 1,000 CUP, a price that surprises many as these books used to be affordable in previous editions. The price of the "cuquitas," popular cut-out books, is 1,050 Cuban pesos.
What other products are sold at the Matanzas Book Fair?
In addition to books, the Matanzas Book Fair sells products unrelated to literature, such as shoes and handicrafts. This offering has surprised some visitors, as traditionally the event focused on the sale of bibliographic material.
How does purchasing power in Cuba affect the prices at the Book Fair?
The purchasing power in Cuba is very low, making the prices at the Book Fair unaffordable for most citizens. With an average salary of around 3,000 CUP, Cubans find it difficult to purchase basic products, let alone books, which in some cases cost as much as a monthly pension.
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