The Brazilian influencer Armando Netto, with over 755 thousand followers on Instagram, shook up social media after posting a new video about his stay in Cuba, in which he satirizes the supposed "equality" experienced under the socialist regime.
“I adore this equality”, the traveler comments sarcastically, as he openly highlights the deep social and economic inequalities he witnessed during his visit to Havana. The trip to Cuba coincidentally took place during the two days of a general blackout in March.
"A very technological city."
In the video, Netto remarks that Havana is a "very technological" city and immediately shows a 1950s almendrón being used as a taxi. "They have first-generation cars," he commented sarcastically.
The image summarizes what the Brazilian aims to denounce: the structural backwardness of the Cuban capital. In his journey, he encountered areas of stark contrast that challenge the notions prevalent in the popular imagination in Latin America regarding a false "social equality in Cuba."
With a satirical tone, it also refers to the supposed urban cleanliness, while pointing its camera at overflowing garbage containers in the middle of the street. “It’s impressive how clean the city is,” it ironically states while walking through visibly abandoned areas of Old Havana.
Two Cubas: The one for tourists and the one for Cubans
The video also highlights the contrast between luxury hotels, cars intended for tourism, and the situation of local citizens. Netto emphasizes that not everyone has access to the same services, food, or prices.
"There is a different treatment for Cubans and for tourists," he stated.
This video is a continuation of the viral chronicle he published a few days ago, where he recounted his first hours on the island and denounced the shortages, power outages, and the informal currency exchange as the only viable option for tourists like him.
On that occasion, Netto explained that upon arriving in Cuba, they had planned to spend 55 dollars on the first day, but the taxi alone cost 20. Unable to pay in national currency or use cards, they turned to the informal market, where they exchanged dollars for 350 pesos, compared to the 150 offered by the State.
There was no electricity in the city, and he was not allowed to pay with his credit card. The cash he had, after selling it on the street, was used to buy basics: rice, eggs, bread with insects, and three potatoes. “There were no vegetables in the supermarket,” he said, also lamenting having seen children begging for money on the street.
"The minimum wage in Cuba is 2,100 pesos. A bucket of 30 eggs cost us 2,000. What kind of equality is this?" Netto asked, who ultimately left his Airbnb accommodation and stayed in a luxury hotel to survive in Cuba, because the blackouts prevented him from enjoying his time on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the situation in Cuba and the tourist experience
What are the main inequalities observed in Cuba according to Armando Netto?
Armando Netto highlights deep social and economic inequalities in Cuba, evidenced by the contrast between luxurious hotels and tourist cars versus the precarious conditions in which many Cuban citizens live. In his video, Netto demonstrates how not all Cubans have access to the same services and products as tourists.
How does the dual currency system affect tourists in Cuba?
The dual currency system in Cuba complicates transactions for tourists, who often turn to the informal market to exchange currencies and obtain better exchange rates. Armando Netto notes that, unable to use credit cards or pay in the national currency, he had to exchange his dollars on the street to be able to purchase basic goods during his stay.
What criticisms has tourism in Cuba received and why?
Tourism in Cuba has been criticized for
How do influencers describe the infrastructure and services in Havana?
Influencers highlight the structural lag and service issues in Havana. Armando Netto, for instance, uses the image of a 1950s almendrón to criticize the city’s lack of modernization. He also mentions the unsanitary conditions and blackouts faced by both tourists and Cuban citizens.
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