The American youtuber Adventure Elliot has gone viral on TikTok after sharing a video of his recent stay in Cuba, where he showcases a dilapidated building in Havana inhabited by several Cuban families. The post, shared in mid-April, has already amassed over 2.1 million views and has sparked a wide debate on social media regarding the situation on the island.
“People live in fear because buildings can collapse at any moment,” says Elliot (@adventureelliotofficial) in his videos as he tours a home where multiple generations coexist among cracks, humidity, and ceilings on the verge of collapse. “These are the houses they have had for generations, since Castro came to power and handed the apartments to the people.”
Although it points out that the residents do not pay rent, it warns: “This is the reality. There’s a room here, here’s the kitchen… and in that corner, there’s a santería altar.”
The video is part of a series of posts that Elliot has uploaded to TikTok and other platforms documenting his experience in Cuba, where he also addresses topics such as fuel shortages, the collapse of public transportation, internal and external migration, and the food and health crisis.
In another one of his videos, the creator recounts: “Cuba is experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Let me explain what is happening in this country.” He then comments: “Transportation is an issue. That's why people still use carts, walk, or ride motorcycles, because there is no gasoline, there is no fuel. People have to wait for hours to get gasoline.”
"The situation is that there aren’t enough cars, motorcycles, or taxis, so people wait for hours to get from one place to another. It's brutal. It’s brutal. The struggle is real," he summarizes.
Elliot also talks about the exodus: “There is a demographic crisis. People are fleeing from small towns to go to Havana, and as you can imagine, Havana is now chaotic. Moreover, people are leaving the country. But now they cannot go to the United States due to the new Trump laws… they used to be able to, so now they are trying to go to Europe.”
The youtuber also denounces the health and food crisis: “There is a shortage of medicine, a lack of food, and inflation. You go to a pharmacy and there's nothing. There’s no ibuprofen, no insulin. It’s tough. Food is very expensive. Proteins are costly, vegetables are available, but the problem is that… the problem is that… those who work in the fields have little incentive. They are only surviving because they have to sell… the vast majority of their crops to the government, you understand? They don’t make a profit from that. They work… basically, they are slaves.”
Elliot also reflected on the differences between Cuba and his country: “I think Americans could learn a valuable lesson from Cubans, because Americans are always like, ‘I want a new car, I want this, I want that.’ We have lost our values in the United States.”
The scene shows him walking down the street, greeting two elderly people to whom he gives money. "There is a lot of hunger, there is a demographic collapse, there is a lack of medicine, there is a lack of transportation," he summarizes. "People who don't understand the situation only blame the United States. And the United States certainly bears some responsibility... for example, there was more tourism during Obama’s presidency."
In addition to the clips on TikTok, the youtuber posted an extensive video on his YouTube channel, where he summarizes his experience in Havana with images of the malecón, inner streets, and less visible neighborhoods for tourism. In the video description, Elliot wrote: “In this video, I'll show you what I saw while walking through Havana, Cuba. It's one of the most interesting places I've visited. It's a complicated country, but the Cuban people are incredible.”
Reactions on TikTok: “Blessings for showing real Cuba”
The video has generated thousands of comments. Some hold the U.S. embargo responsible for the situation on the island, while others point directly to the Cuban regime.
“Everything is due to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. It should be mentioned every time their collapsed infrastructure is shown; it's all America's fault,” commented one user. Another replied, “If you blame the embargo, you clearly don't know anything about Cuba.”
Others highlighted the country's wasted potential: "Cuba could be the Hawaii of the Caribbean if they got organized." Another added, "It could have almost been the Las Vegas of the Caribbean. It could..."
A Cuban-American user expressed, “As a Cuban-American, everyone who blames the embargo is wrong. This is a problem of leadership and the government of Cuba.”
"Blessings for showing the real Cuba," wrote another internet user.
Other similar cases
Elliot's case is not unique. In recent months, several foreign visitors have documented their experiences in Cuba, highlighting similar situations.
The influencer from Peru, Oscar Curi, revealed the harsh conditions in the Los Pocitos neighborhood, where he interviewed a woman who lives without water and without a shower. A Chilean tourist, @fannycosas, recounted how a waiter confessed to her that he left medicine due to a lack of supplies and work-related stress. Meanwhile, the Spanish woman Carolina Márquez showed scenes of extreme poverty in Trinidad that left her “crying in despair”.
Elliot, for his part, is originally from the state of Wisconsin in the United States. In an interview published in 2022 by the newspaper El Español , he explained that he fell in love with the Spanish language during a university exchange in Costa Rica and that this experience led him to move to Spain. There, he worked as a conversation assistant in educational centers and started creating content on social media. “I want to show both the beautiful and the ugly,” he stated at that time, referring to his goal of documenting underrepresented areas, both in Spain and in Latin America.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
What is the current housing situation in Cuba?
The housing situation in Cuba is alarming, with a large number of buildings in ruins and at risk of collapse. According to official figures, 35% of homes are in poor condition, but independent reports suggest that the percentage may be even higher. The lack of maintenance and the scarcity of materials complicate the situation, leaving many families in uninhabitable conditions.
How does the economic crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has a severe impact on the daily lives of its residents. The scarcity of food, medicine, and fuel complicates everyday life, forcing people to wait in long lines to obtain basic products. Furthermore, inflation has driven up prices, making it impossible for monthly salaries to cover basic needs.
What role do social media play in the Cuban crisis?
Social media has become a key platform for highlighting the crisis in Cuba. Many content creators and tourists use networks like TikTok and Instagram to document and share the reality faced by the Cuban people, showcasing scenes of poverty, scarcity, and despair that are rarely seen in official media.
What do Cubans think about the causes of the crisis on the island?
Opinions about the causes of the crisis in Cuba are divided. Some blame the U.S. embargo, while others hold the socialist regime responsible for poor management and the lack of reforms that have led the country to this critical situation. The debate is ongoing, both on and off the island, and reflects the complexity of the situation.
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