The young Cuban mother, identified on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, has once again caught attention on social media after sharing a video in which she explained why she considers herself wealthy on the island, where basic necessities like water, coffee, and electricity are a luxury.
"I live in Cuba, and yes, you won't believe it, but having water in Cuba is a luxury, as we don’t always have it, even though it is something so essential for life," she says at the beginning of the video. The young woman mentions other everyday examples, like cooking with charcoal, enjoying coffee with loved ones, or having electricity during blackouts. "Having a meal on my table every day is a huge luxury, as there are many people who go days without tasting food," she adds.
It also expresses that “having a way to light my way during these blackout days, having health, having my baby with me, my beautiful baby, full of happiness, full of health, super big, growing and enjoying every moment of his life is a great luxury for me.”
The video concludes with an invitation to reflect: “I invite you to look to the side, to see the precious things that life places in your path. Yes, you are a millionaire, you are a millionaire even if you don’t believe it.”
Reactions: solidarity, admiration, and debate
The testimony has generated a strong emotional response among internet users. Many shared messages of empathy, particularly from Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other countries with similar contexts. “I understand you perfectly, I lived through it in 2016/2017 in Venezuela,” commented a user. Another noted, “You’re right; sometimes when we have it, we still complain.”
There were also criticisms and skepticism. “My goodness, how you Cubans cry; I go to Cuba and I don’t see what you’re talking about,” wrote one internet user. Others questioned how she accesses TikTok from the island or the difference between her account and other more flattering images of Cuba. “Are you a rich Cuban? Your house looks very different from others in other neighborhoods in Cuba,” asked one user.
A sustained narrative about Cuban reality
It’s not the first time this young woman has used her social media to reflect on what it means to feel fortunate in a country with shortages. In previous posts, she described herself as a “millionaire in Cuba” for having a home, food, and family, emphasizing the value of the basics in the face of material scarcity.
They have also undertaken charitable actions that have made a significant impact, such as cooking for homeless seniors in their community, aware that many people go days without food.
In other instances, she has documented the shortcomings of the healthcare system, such as the need to bring syringes to the Faustino Pérez Hospital in Matanzas due to the lack of basic supplies, or the inability to refrigerate baby food during prolonged blackouts, which directly affects her child's well-being because of the continuous power outages.
In each testimony, this mother has combined social critique, daily life, and a sense of gratitude that resonates with many Cubans both inside and outside the country. Her narrative has become a direct reflection of how living with the bare minimum can, for some, be a form of wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life in Cuba and the Perception of Wealth
Why is a Cuban mother living in Cuba considered "rich"?
A Cuban mother considers herself "rich" in Cuba because she values the small things she has, such as water, daily food, and her child's health, in a context where these are regarded as luxuries due to scarcity and material shortcomings. In Cuba, having access to basic necessities can be seen as a form of wealth.
What are the main shortages facing the population in Cuba?
The population in Cuba faces significant shortages of basic services such as water, electricity, and food, as well as issues with the healthcare system and garbage collection. These conditions have been documented by @anita.cubanita64 in her viral videos. The scarcity of basic resources is a constant in daily life in Cuba.
How does the energy crisis affect Cuban families?
The energy crisis in Cuba affects families with constant blackouts that disrupt daily life, hinder food preservation, and create unsanitary conditions. Blackouts are a routine part of life in Cuba, complicating basic tasks such as cooking and sleeping.
What kinds of reactions has @anita.cubanita64's testimony generated?
The testimony of @anita.cubanita64 has sparked reactions of solidarity, admiration, and debate on social media. Many people empathize with her situation and praise her resilient attitude, while others criticize the lack of action from the Cuban government and question the differences with other more favorable images of Cuba. Her testimony has elicited a wide range of emotional reactions and critiques regarding the Cuban reality.
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