The young Cuban known on TikTok as El Henry (@itss_henryyy_) has become one of the most clever chroniclers of daily life on the island by documenting his work as a bicycle courier through various neighborhoods in Havana.
"My people, join me for another day working as a messenger in Cuba," he says at the beginning of his latest viral video, which humorously summarizes his journey: a route from Guanabacoa to Sevillano, passing through areas like El Naval, la Virgen del Camino, and San Miguel del Padrón.
On the way, he jokingly recounts how he delivered a set of bicycle lights to a military doctor at El Naval hospital: "Don't ask me why he wants a set of bicycle lights; I suppose it must be to operate during blackouts," he quips.
During his journey, El Henry dodges potholes, races with soldiers, scares “two guys walking down the middle of the street,” and encounters a motorcycle accident. But as often happens in his videos, the end takes an unexpected turn: a street argument with someone on a little electric scooter. “As usual, I ended up getting into a fight,” he jokes at the end of the clip, before heading back to his “gao.”
The piece, which has accumulated thousands of views, generated dozens of comments from users encouraging him to continue documenting Cuban reality from his bike, or the "chivo," as it is popularly called. "Great ride from one end to the other," they wrote to him. Others identified with his routes: "You passed by the house where my grandmother lived in Guanabacoa."
One of the most praised comments referred to it as "the Cuban DoorDash" due to its role as a courier without an app, pedaling in response to individual orders. In response, El Henry explained that this type of delivery service is organized between individuals and informal sellers, without platforms or digital logistics: "The most complicated part at the beginning is finding sellers who will give you work."
Despite the difficulties, the young man remains optimistic: “It's a way for me to make a living, and it's also healthy,” he responds to those who are surprised that he covers between 50 and 80 kilometers daily, and even up to 120 on long days.
This video adds to others that have been published in recent days, such as the one that shows what can be bought in Cuba with the minimum wage, where it is highlighted that it doesn't even cover the cost of a couple of pizzas and some oil.
With humor, street smarts, and resilience, El Henry has established himself as an authentic and relatable voice of the Cuban youth who survive pedaling through blackout and crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Messenger Work in Cuba and the Experiences Documented by El Henry
Who is El Henry and why has he become popular on TikTok?
Henry, known on TikTok as @itss_henryyy_, is a young Cuban who documents his daily life working as a bicycle courier in Havana. His videos, filled with humor and clever storytelling, have captured the attention of thousands of users, making him an authentic voice of the Cuban youth facing the reality of life on the island.
How does the messaging service provided by El Henry work in Cuba?
The messaging service provided by El Henry is organized informally among individuals and informal vendors. It does not use applications or digital platforms like DoorDash. This type of messaging relies on personal requests, where couriers must establish relationships with vendors to secure work, adding a level of difficulty to their task.
What challenges does El Henry face working as a bicycle messenger in Havana?
Henry faces challenges such as long distances, potholes in the streets, and competition with other vehicles. Additionally, he has to navigate everyday situations like blackouts and the lack of adequate infrastructure for cycling. However, he sees his work as a way to earn a living healthily, with a touch of humor that he shares with his audience.
How has the public reacted to El Henry's videos about his life as a messenger?
The audience has responded positively to El Henry's videos, generating thousands of views and supportive comments. Users encourage him to continue documenting Cuban reality with his unique style, highlighting the authenticity and humor he brings to his narratives about life in Cuba.
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