Can you imagine having breakfast with strawberries grown in your own garden in Cuba? According to videos by Idelis García on social media, this is a lifestyle she has managed to experience, even amidst the shortages and various types of deprivation present in Cuba, not to mention the island's tropical climate that makes strawberry cultivation challenging.
With over 40,000 followers on Instagram and promoting foreign brands, a young Cuban has ventured into the world of social media influencers. Her content, which seems to be straight out of the tale Alice in Wonderland, has sparked a wave of criticism and questions among Cuban internet users.
"This is what I eat in a day living in Cuba. For breakfast, I made myself some cocoa and oatmeal pancakes with a matcha and strawberries that I picked from my own garden,” Idelis begins saying in one of her videos where she showcases her food choices for the day.
It was enough for her to mention her breakfast with strawberries from her garden for the comments on the video to explode.
“ikind like to know where in Cuba she lives, who collects the strawberries from the garden”; “You don’t make me envious, it’s just me and my Zuko against the world”; “She is a premium Cuban”; “Strawberries... in Cuba? IN CUBA? Fresh strawberries? Mom, don’t biologically explode, the climate in Cuba makes it impossible for berry fruits, including strawberries, to grow”; “Everything was fine until the part about the strawberries”; “She is the daughter of the minister or a member of the president's family”; “I wish someone had the courage to show what it's truly like to eat in Cuba”; “Come here, darling, where in Cuba do you live because strawberries grow in places with an intermediate climate, so to speak, here in the garden at most fried eggs”; “Anyone who sees that says that life in Cuba is good”; “Is there another country called Cuba besides ours? Or are you the daughter of Díaz-Canel?” some commented.
In response to the disbelief of many regarding the cultivation of strawberries in her garden, the girl replied in the comments: “Strawberries have been grown in Cuba for almost 70 years, but they only thrive in areas with a microclimate; I live in the countryside, and that's why they are healthy.”
Certainly, in some areas of Cuba, the cultivation of strawberries has been successful under very specific conditions and care, but it is not a fruit that the population can easily access or purchase, much less grow in gardens or backyards.
Frequently asked questions about the lifestyle of influencers in Cuba and its contrast with the reality of the country
How does the Cuban population react to influencers' posts showcasing luxury?
Influencer posts showcasing luxury generate criticism and skepticism among many Cubans. The disparity between what they portray on social media and the reality experienced by most of the population, characterized by scarcity and economic hardships, leads people to question their lifestyles and associate them with a privileged elite.
What challenges does the Cuban population face in accessing food and basic goods?
The Cuban population faces significant challenges in accessing food and basic products due to scarcity, inflation, and limited purchasing power. While some products may be found through informal markets, their prices are often high and out of reach for many citizens.
How does the economic situation affect the daily life of Cubans?
The economic situation severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, who struggle with issues such as frequent blackouts, difficulty accessing medical care, and a lack of basic supplies. These shortages force families to adapt and seek creative solutions to survive.
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