A stone-throwing fight between bread vendors occurred last Sunday afternoon in the city of Bayamo, Granma, with no injuries reported from the incident.
According to a video posted on Facebook by the user Yamilis Alarcón, the incident occurred at the corner of Figueredo Street and Mardonio Echevarría, where a group of individuals began throwing objects, including stones, with the cause of the altercation remaining unclear.
The dispute escalated quickly when several of those involved and some of the bystanders tried to break up the fight, including a woman who came out with a machete.
"But what about that, acere?" a surprised neighbor is heard saying.
Until now, no official arrests or statements from the authorities have been reported regarding the incident.
However, the images have sparked a wave of comments on the video, where many Cubans have voiced their frustration and concern about the deterioration of the social situation in the country.
For some, these struggles are merely the result of a prolonged economic crisis that has pushed the population to extreme levels of desperation and hostility.
Users report that the government benefits from such conflicts, as while Cubans are pitted against each other for their daily bread, the political elites live without worries.
"And the government laughing at seeing the people fighting among themselves, because that is what they want: for them to kill each other," commented an internet user, reflecting the perception that social disorder benefits the stability of the regime.
Others lament that the "revolution," rather than building a fairer society, has created an atmosphere of violence and degradation.
"A great achievement of the Castro revolution: 95% of the lower class", affirmed another user, highlighting the decline of civic values in the country.
In the same vein, some criticize that violence arises among the Cubans themselves while the real power remains intact. "This is how a Cuban kills a Cuban, the poor kills the poor. Against the government, all are docile oxen. This is the Cuba of the Cubans, not that of Sandro Castro," expressed another user, referring to the privileges of the descendants of the ruling elite.
Beyond the fight itself, the incident reflects widespread discontent. For many, the aggressiveness on the streets is not just a matter of coexistence, but a symptom of the pressure built up due to the lack of resources and opportunities.
"The people are unleashing the anger they harbor inside due to the inability to express their frustration over the lack of food, electricity, water, or even a dipyrone for pain or fever. They cannot experience even the slightest touch from someone or misinterpret a conversation or a word without it immediately escalating," commented a citizen, highlighting how scarcity and desperation have turned any disagreement into a possible spark for violence.
Finally, the sense of hopelessness is palpable among those commenting on the situation on social media. "How horrifying, Cuba is lost," concluded one person, reflecting the pessimism of those who no longer see any short-term solutions to the crisis on the island.
This is not an isolated case. In January 2025, at an agricultural fair in Santiago de Cuba, two elderly women got into a physical fight over buying root vegetables, highlighting the desperation of the most vulnerable sectors due to the lack of basic resources.
The situation has led to desperate acts, such as the collection of food in unsanitary conditions. In December 2024, people in Santiago de Cuba collected beans from the ground after bags spilled on the street, including school-aged children, highlighting the severity of the crisis and its impact on Cuban families.
The incident in Las Tunas, more than just a simple street altercation, adds to a growing list of events that highlight the social fracture affecting Cuba. While the government remains silent about these incidents, discontent among the population continues to rise, and violence, rather than being an isolated event, appears to be consolidating as one of the most brutal forms of expressing popular dissatisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Conflicts in Cuba
What provoked the stone-throwing fight in Las Tunas?
The stone-throwing fight in Las Tunas was caused by bread resellers who clashed near a state bakery. Although the exact details of the conflict's origin are not known, these types of incidents reflect the tension and chaos generated by food shortages in Cuba.
Why do food fights occur in Cuba?
The fights over food in Cuba are a direct consequence of the economic crisis and the extreme scarcity of basic goods. Desperation and need have led to violent situations in places such as agricultural fairs and bakeries, where people struggle to access the few resources available.
How does the food crisis impact the daily lives of Cubans?
The food crisis in Cuba has turned the acquisition of basic food items into a daily struggle. Many families resort to picking food from the ground or from garbage, severely impacting their health and well-being. This situation generates frustration and desperation in society, exacerbating conflicts and violence.
What is the Cuban government doing to address the food shortage?
The Cuban government has faced criticism for its inaction and lack of effective responses to the food crisis. Despite complaints from the population regarding the lack of government support, no adequate measures have been implemented to ensure access to essential products, forcing many to resort to extreme measures to survive.
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