A young Cuban mother, identified as @anita.cubanita64 on TikTok, has once again touched the hearts of thousands of users after sharing a video in which she reveals the harsh conditions she faces each day to care for her young son amid blackouts and the energy crisis in Cuba.
"I went to bed without electricity and woke up without electricity," the young woman begins, showing her son with arms covered in bites. "This really exceeds my limits, because you know that when you’re a mother and they start messing with the issue of children, that’s just too much," she adds in her testimony, which reflects the pain of so many people on the island.
In the video, which has garnered over 8,000 "likes" and more than 280 comments, the mother shows how, despite putting up a mosquito net, the insects “were eating Alan's little arm” throughout the night. She explains that she had to take him to a neighbor's house that has a generator so he could rest: “He fell asleep here, and we were taking him home, my love, because there was no electricity.”
Although exhausted, she is seen preparing a bag with yogurt, diapers, and milk to send with her grandmother. “I woke up feeling really sleepy, but well, I got to work on preparing this little bag for her...,” she says, while continuing to recount her day during the blackout. “So that was how my day ended under the mosquito net again in the blackout, but well, life comes with pain,” she concludes with resignation.
Wave of support and criticism of the system
The reactions came quickly. "Oh, my dear, I admire you. God will provide," wrote a moved user. Another commented, "That breaks my heart, poor thing, he could sleep a little at the neighbor's house." The post sparked an avalanche of empathy, especially among other mothers who related to the situation: "I went through the same thing with my child before arriving in the U.S., I completely understand you."
Some users offered practical solutions, such as using liquid vanilla, citronella, or natural mixtures like alcohol with basil and cloves to repel mosquitoes. However, others went further and suggested financial support: “I would like to send a little money so they can save up to buy a small plant... even if it’s just five dollars from everyone.”
Criticism of the regime was not lacking. “And the president? Enjoying the air conditioning while the children are suffering from the heat,” wrote one internet user. “Not even the privilege of having children in Cuba is possible; those little angels suffer through all of that,” lamented another.
From different countries, expressions of solidarity also came: “Here in Venezuela, we are the same,” “In Nicaragua, thank God the power doesn't go out, but I understand you,” and “In Mexico, there are blackouts, but not like what you all are experiencing,” reflected a shared reality in many regions.
A constant voice in the midst of the blackout
The testimony of this mother is not an isolated case. Anita has documented her daily life on the island for months, marked by shortages and constant failures of the electrical system. In February, she reported how the puree she had prepared for her son “spoiled” due to a lack of refrigeration after hours without power.
In another video, after 48 hours without power, he explained: “Everything was done with coal, everything super fast because there was no other way.”
Beyond her denunciations, she has shown acts of solidarity that have garnered admiration: “Cooking for the elderly in the streets of Cuba,” she says in one of her most viral videos, as she distributes hot meals in Matanzas. “It’s not about going viral, but about raising awareness,” she asserts.
A crisis that shows no signs of relief
Cuba is undergoing one of the most severe energy crises in recent years. Recent reports from the Electricity Union have acknowledged disruptions throughout the day, with a generation deficit that has exceeded 1,500 megawatts during peak hours. More than 70 power plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, while outages alternate between blocks in Havana and other provinces.
Although new solar parks have been inaugurated, such as "Alcalde Mayor" in Cienfuegos, many Cubans are not seeing tangible results. "Where is that electricity? Here in Mayabeque, we've been without power for over 15 hours," commented one user. "Don't sell us as a solution something that barely moves the needle on the problem," another person from Matanzas demanded.
In this context, the videos of @anita.cubanita64 have become a kind of daily log of what it means to be a mother in Cuba today: cooking without gas or electricity, protecting children without repellent, without a fan, without rest. And still, not giving up.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Impact on Families
How do power outages affect Cuban families?
Blackouts in Cuba have a devastating impact on the daily lives of families. They interrupt basic activities such as cooking, preserving food, and getting adequate rest. Furthermore, the lack of electricity worsens living conditions, especially for households with young children, the elderly, and sick individuals.
What solutions are Cuban mothers seeking in response to the lack of electricity?
Cuban mothers resort to creative solutions to cope with the lack of electricity. They use charcoal stoves for cooking and mosquito nets to protect their children from insects. They also rely on help from neighbors with power generators and seek natural methods to repel mosquitoes, such as citronella and basil-infused alcohol.
What is the role of social media in bringing visibility to the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial platform for highlighting the crisis in Cuba. Testimonies like those of @anita.cubanita64 on TikTok showcase the everyday reality of many families, documenting the struggles to survive amid blackouts and shortages. These videos generate empathy and international support, as well as criticism of the Cuban regime.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement measures such as the inauguration of new solar parks, but the results have been insufficient given the magnitude of the crisis. The deficit in electricity generation and the lack of fuel have left many areas of the country without service for long hours, severely affecting the quality of life of the population.
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