A young Spanish man decided to make a radical change in his life and move to Cuba. However, after just a few weeks on the island, he has started to share his experience on social media with a tone that blends astonishment and resignation.
The young Spanish artist wayota.od, who has just arrived in Cuba, barely had time to unpack before reality hit him hard: a 48-hour blackout that, in his words, left him “surviving” from the very first day in Havana.
“I definitely don’t know how Cubans manage”, he said in a video posted on his Instagram account, where he shares his experiences with thousands of followers.
Although he did not specify the exact date of his arrival, his words allude to the collapse of the Cuban electrical system on March 14, which left millions of people without service for days.
It seems that, far from sinking into despair, Wayota took advantage of the blackout to focus on what she is most passionate about: art. "I was drawing to relax my mind. My biggest concern was the food I had bought, but fortunately, I survived," she shared, while showing some sketches.
In another video, the young artist acknowledged that many labeled him as “crazy” for moving to Cuba, especially those who are aware of the reality that exists in the country. But far from regretting it, he defended his decision with conviction: "I need to connect with the only country in the world that has such diverse musical culture. I still don’t know what awaits me in this country, but I have a purpose, and that is to record a music album here."
The reactions were swift. While some applaud him for his bravery, many Cubans hurled harsh criticisms at him. "It's one thing to listen to salsa on Spotify from Barcelona, another to live without water, electricity, and food," wrote one user. Others simply told him, "Welcome to hell."
In response to the flood of messages, Wayota reacted in a post by the Cuban influencer Eliecer Ávila, where he expressed his surprise at the responses from Cubans:
"Hello, I'm the guy in the video. Many have made negative comments about it, and I don't understand why there is so much hatred towards one's own land. There may be things that affect your reality regarding your homeland, but seeing it through eyes of hatred doesn't seem right to me."
UN CONTRASTE QUE DESAFIA LA ACTUALIDAD MIGRATORIA
While Wayota says she seeks inspiration in the rich Cuban musical culture, more than 53,000 Cubans have arrived in Spain between 2023 and 2024, according to official statistics.
In 2024, there were 223,532 Cubans living in Spain, according to Statista, reaching a historical high. Up to that date, 198,639 people born in Cuba were registered as residing in the Iberian country, of which 73,548 had resident status.
This exodus has been facilitated by laws such as the Democratic Memory law, known as the "Grandchildren Law", which has allowed numerous Cubans to obtain Spanish nationality.
Spain, for its part, has implemented programs such as the Arraigo Project, which aims to repopulate rural areas with immigrants, benefiting Cuban families who have found a new opportunity in these towns.
In addition, reforms to the Immigration Law could facilitate the regularization of thousands of immigrants, including Cubans in an irregular situation.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of living in Cuba and the challenges of power outages
How do blackouts affect daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba severely impact daily life, interrupting everyday activities and limiting access to essential services such as food refrigeration, the use of appliances, and communication. This reality is exacerbated in the context of an economic crisis that further complicates the situation on the island.
Why did a young Spaniard decide to move to Cuba despite the difficulties?
The young Spanish artist, known as wayota.od, decided to move to Cuba to connect with the island's rich musical culture and record an album. Despite the criticism and challenges he faces, he stands by his decision driven by his desire to seek inspiration in the only country in the world with such a diverse musical culture.
How do Cubans cope with cooking difficulties during blackouts?
Cubans turn to ingenuity for cooking during blackouts, using methods such as charcoal stoves and motorcycle batteries to power electric burners. These improvised methods are a response to the lack of basic services and resources, showcasing the resilience of the people on the island.
What is the reaction of Cubans abroad regarding the situation on the island?
Cuban nationals abroad often express frustration and sadness about the situation on the island, particularly regarding the difficulty of communicating with their family members due to power outages. Many criticize the management of the Cuban government and highlight the authorities' disconnection from the reality experienced both inside and outside the country.
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