A "Cuban Day" is a type of amusement in the hotels in Cuba where visitors enjoy not only nature and air conditioning in the rooms but also a feast that is detached from the reality of the people.
The images shared by Cuban hotels such as Meliá Las Antillas and Hotel Palma Real in Varadero, or Meliá Costa Rey in Cayo Coco, reveal a parallel reality that coexists with the deep food crisis affecting the island's population.
The photographs depict typical scenes of a Caribbean destination. Tourists enjoying the sun, the beaches, and a festive atmosphere. However, what hurts Cubans is not the postcards of rest and leisure from travelers, but the luxurious and lavish buffets these establishments offer.
The banquets include a variety of tropical fruits that are scarce in the markets, high-quality hams and cheeses, breads, desserts, fish, roasted chicken, meats, and dairy products. A culinary offering unimaginable for millions of Cubans who struggle daily to obtain the bare necessities to feed their families.
Currently, inflation and scarcity have turned access to basic products into a daily challenge. Many households cannot guarantee three meals a day. Foods such as cheese or fish have disappeared from the tables of Cubans.
The images, intended to promote tourism, ultimately highlight a country of extreme contrasts. While visitors enjoy the "Cuban Day" in hotels, with access to gastronomic luxuries and comfort, a large part of the population survives with a ration book that is increasingly depleted and prices that do not align with the average worker's income.
This contrast is not new, but it is becoming increasingly stark on an island where the gap between what is offered to tourists and what the average Cuban experiences is widening.
Frequently asked questions about tourism and the food situation in Cuba
What is a "Cuban Day" in the hotels of Varadero and Cayo Coco?
A "Cuban Day" is a tourist activity at hotels in Varadero and Cayo Coco that offers visitors a luxurious experience and cuisine that deeply contrasts with the reality of scarcity faced by Cubans. These activities include banquets featuring a variety of foods that are difficult for the local population to obtain.
What is the current situation regarding food shortages in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe food shortage that affects millions of people. Inflation and the lack of basic products have made it a daily challenge for many families to secure three meals a day. This situation is acknowledged even by international organizations and stands in stark contrast to the opulence displayed in tourist hotels.
How does the economic crisis impact tourism in Varadero?
The economic crisis has significantly affected tourism in Varadero, with a notable deterioration of infrastructure and a decline in service quality. The streets and hotels show signs of neglect, which has led to a decrease in the arrival of international tourists.
Why are there such marked contrasts between tourism and everyday life in Cuba?
The contrasts are due to the fact that the Cuban government prioritizes tourism development and investment in luxury hotels, while neglecting essential sectors like food and housing for the local population. This creates a significant gap between what is offered to tourists and the reality faced by the average Cuban.
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