"Another dawn with tremendous sleepiness and dark circles like a raccoon thanks to my friend the blackout," begins Yisell, a Cuban user on TikTok under the name @una.cubana.de.el, in a video that portrays the everyday life of many families in Cuba. With a resigned tone and a touch of humor, the young woman recounts how she manages to cook, clean, and take care of her son amid a persistent energy crisis.
"Go ahead and ignite the charcoal, and I'll put in some beans to see when they soften. They take their time, but come on, honey, don’t get too worked up; it was only 45 minutes," she says while showing the blackened pots that she then tries to clean with a scrubber. "They didn't turn out like I wanted, but I did what I could. The truth is, it’s all in vain because tomorrow they’ll end up the same or maybe even worse."
The video, which went viral on TikTok, has garnered dozens of supportive comments, recommendations, and expressions of empathy. Users praised the condition of the pots and the cleanliness of the house, while others shared practical tips for better cleaning utensils, such as using sand, ash, or applying oil on the exterior to prevent soot from sticking. In response, Yisell replied with spontaneity and humor, acknowledging that "oil is expensive."
“Beautiful the cauldrons,” “Everything is very clean, congratulations,” and “The cauldrons shine,” were some of the expressions of admiration she received, while others strongly recommended homemade options to make cleaning easier after cooking with charcoal. Yisell responded to almost all the messages, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere among those who share a common reality marked by hardship.
A daily reality in Cuba
The situation depicted in this video is not exceptional. Recent posts have gone viral with similar testimonials from Cuban women narrating how they cope with prolonged power outages and the lack of liquefied gas, cooking with charcoal under precarious conditions. A young mother showed what her child could eat after 48 hours without electricity, while another user explained how she uses a mixture of oil and gasoline to light the charcoal, given the impossible access to safer fuels.
On official television, journalist Abdiel Bermúdez acknowledged that many families are using doors and windows as firewood due to the high cost and shortage of coal. His televised comment addressed the critical situation regarding access to coal and how it has forced the population to improvise dangerous alternatives, even using plastic materials such as nylon to light their stoves.
Additionally, reports on the price of coal on the island indicate that in some places it is sold for up to 3,000 pesos per sack, making it unaffordable for many families. The situation worsens in provinces such as Las Tunas, where producing communities have been dismantled due to a lack of resources and state support.
In this context, Yisell's post not only documents a domestic routine but also serves as a social testimony that encapsulates the physical and emotional burden of thousands of Cubans. Every daily task, from lighting the stove to cleaning the pots or helping the child with homework, reflects resilience in the midst of the collapse of basic services on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Impact on Daily Life
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect the daily lives of families?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of families by causing prolonged blackouts that hinder basic activities such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining suitable conditions for rest. The constant interruptions in the power supply force families to resort to rudimentary and dangerous methods, such as cooking with charcoal or firewood, which increases the physical and emotional strain on citizens.
What alternatives do Cubans use to cook during blackouts?
During blackouts, many Cubans resort to cooking with charcoal or firewood due to the lack of liquefied gas and electricity. Some people also use burners lit with alcohol or mixtures of oil and gasoline. However, these alternatives are costly and dangerous, as well as contributing to environmental pollution.
What are the reactions of Cubans to the energy crisis and power outages?
Amid the energy crisis, Cubans have shown resilience and creativity, although there is also deep discontent with the government due to the lack of effective solutions. On social media, they share their experiences and seek mutual support, creating a space of solidarity and raising awareness about living conditions on the island.
What are the economic impacts of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has a significant economic impact, as it raises the cost of living by increasing the prices of coal, oil, and other alternative fuels. Additionally, power outages limit productivity and disrupt the operation of businesses and essential services, worsening the economic situation for families.
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