The Cuban Elizabeth, known on TikTok as @eliponte05, has sparked a wave of reactions after posting a video where she lists the basic things she has in Mexico that she never had in Cuba. Her testimony, direct and unembellished, has gone viral on social media with thousands of interactions.
“Hello, my name is Elizabeth, and I am a content creator and Cuban youtuber living in Mexico,” she begins. “Today, I’m going to share some basic things I have in this country that I didn’t have in Cuba.”
The young woman first points out the issue of electricity: “I can’t help but mention the power supply, which, although for you as a Mexican seems so basic and something that everyone obviously has, is not the case in Cuba.” She adds, “I lived literally all day stressed because I went to bed without electricity and woke up without electricity. I was constantly charging my phone; I never took it off the charger because if the power went out and I didn't have any battery left, what would I do?”
Then he talks about the difficulty of cooking: "The power goes out whenever it wants. So you can't even plan... they have to cook with charcoal, if you have it, and manage to get it, with firewood, with a campfire, with whatever, like practically a caveman." He claims, "there are many households that I can imagine go hungry because they have no electricity, or they don't have charcoal."
Regarding clothing, he asserts: “The only stores in Cuba are government-run, because everyone knows that in Cuba, no one can own anything private. The stores offer very unattractive items, very cheap things that no one uses.” He recounts: “The clothes that Cubans wear are those imported by people who travel, which are expensive for Cubans.”
"The first time I bought something for myself with my own money was here in Mexico," she explains, adding, "In Cuba, that can't be done because there are no stores." In her childhood, she recalls, "I had some clothes because my aunt would send them to me... in Cuba, children who don't have family abroad find it very difficult to have nice clothes."
It also points out that in Cuba, going to restaurants or hotels is not a real possibility: “Having a favorite restaurant... that doesn’t really happen in Cuba. It’s for very few people because salaries are very, very low.” He states, “An average Cuban earns 4 dollars a month,” and adds, “A Cuban will never, ever go to a hotel.” In his case, he says, “I went to Varadero, but I think I have never stayed in a hotel.”
“The Cuban prioritizes eating every day, feeding his children, obviously before buying a change of clothes, going to a hotel, or dining in a restaurant. Those are already luxuries,” he concludes.
Reactions on TikTok: between support, criticism, and political warnings
The video has prompted hundreds of comments. Many Mexican users expressed empathy: “We are so blessed and we don’t even notice it,” wrote one, to which Elizabeth replied: “Exactly, thank God.”
Others, in a warning tone, stated: "We're heading down the same path as Cuba," "Soon there will only be government stores with the slogan of Well-Being," or "This already looks like Venezuela."
Criticism also emerged: “Why don’t they rebel?” asked a user. Elizabeth replied: “Because in Cuba, you’re imprisoned as a political prisoner if you go against them. People do take action, but they die; they get killed.”
In response to the accusation that he was exaggerating, he said, "In Cuba, we don't even have human rights." And when someone doubted his statement about income, he insisted, "4 dollars a month."
Other Cubans highlight the differences
This is not Elizabeth's first viral video. Earlier this year, she shared a humorous clip about how even Chupa Chups in Mexico have a spicy twist and the language mix-ups she encountered upon arrival.
Other Cubans have also documented their experiences: Lietty Piña was moved in a Miniso store; Michel Crónicas recorded his mother surprised by the variety in a Mexican pharmacy; while another known as Ivancito showed how he went from crossing the border to opening his own beauty studio.
Testimonials like these illustrate the emotional impact that comes for many Cubans discovering that what is mundane in other countries is, in Cuba, a luxury or a daily struggle.
Frequently asked questions about living conditions in Cuba compared to other countries
What are the main challenges that Cubans face in their daily lives?
In Cuba, the main shortages include the lack of electricity, drinkable water, food, and basic products. Power outages are frequent, forcing many to cook with firewood or charcoal. Furthermore, government stores offer limited and expensive products, and salaries are insufficient to cover basic needs. This situation turns what is ordinary in other countries into a luxury in Cuba.
Why is clothing considered a luxury in Cuba?
Clothing is considered a luxury in Cuba because it can only be purchased in government stores, where the products are of low quality and expensive. Most Cubans rely on clothes donated by relatives abroad. Garments are reused for years and often passed down from generation to generation, due to the difficulty of accessing new ones.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to frequent blackouts that impact the daily lives of citizens. This hampers food preservation, internet connectivity, and the use of appliances. Many Cubans have had to adjust their daily routines, using electric generators, rechargeable fans, and wood stoves to cope with the situation.
What are the reactions of Cubans when comparing their situation to that of other countries?
Cubans who emigrate to other countries are often surprised when they compare their lives abroad with life in Cuba. Many feel they have access to basic goods and services that they previously viewed as luxuries. Reactions often include feelings of gratitude and realizations about the precariousness of life on the island, leading to an acknowledgment of the opportunities available abroad.
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