The Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica has issued an apology following the wave of reactions sparked by his latest YouTube video about street food in Cuba, where he showcased typical dishes such as bread with roasted pork, juices, sweets, and ropa vieja. “It breaks my heart to read comments from Cubans telling me that they've never been able to try some of the dishes I show,” he expressed on his social media, after receiving thousands of touching and critical messages from both the island and the exile community.
The video, uploaded to their YouTube channel, aimed to highlight the rich culinary heritage of Cuba through an informal walk through the streets of Havana. However, what many viewers found to be a curious or tourist experience became a reminder for Cubans of the deep struggles they face daily. "What you show should be normal for us, but we can't afford it," was one of the most repeated messages.
Luisito acknowledged that he omitted an essential context: the difficulty that millions of Cubans face in accessing the food that he sampled in his video. Some comments pointed out that, in just one day, the influencer ate a greater variety of typical dishes than most Cubans will in their entire lives. A young woman wrote: “I am Cuban and have never tried either vaca frita or ropa vieja. What we have at home is picadillo and sausage, and sometimes not even that.”
Other harsher accounts spoke of retirees who cannot buy two loaves of bread with their monthly salary, of mothers who only know certain foods through their grandparents' stories, or of people who died from starvation. “What is cheap for you is half a salary for us,” reported one user. There were also those who confessed that they discovered the flavors of their own culture only after emigrating.
Despite the criticisms, many Cubans appreciated the video for serving as a vehicle to highlight their pain, and praised the influencer for being open to reading comments, responding with empathy, and not deleting the more uncomfortable messages. Messages of support and solidarity came in from Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other countries, even as calls multiplied for Luisito to showcase "the other Cuba," the one that does not appear on tourist routes.
This episode has spotlighted the debate about the responsibility of content creators when documenting realities deeply marked by inequality. Although his intention was to celebrate Cuban culture, Luisito ended up exposing—unintentionally—a system where access to the most basic necessities, such as food, is restricted by a structural crisis.
Beyond the dish and the camera, the impact of this content lay in something much deeper: giving a voice to those who do not have one. Luisito Comunica apologized and encouraged everyone to read the comments from Cubans on his video. "From the heart, I want to apologize for being so insensitive about this. My only intention was to uplift Cuban culture, but I failed to mention that these can be complicated things to obtain. Thank you for providing the truth and informing everyone who reads the comments.", he expressed in the comment he posted on YouTube to apologize.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luisito Comunica's Video in Cuba
Why did Luisito Comunica apologize to the Cubans?
Luisito Comunica apologized to the Cubans because his video about street food in Cuba was perceived as insensitive. The YouTuber showcased typical dishes that many Cubans cannot afford due to the economic crisis. After receiving comments from Cubans who have never tried those foods, Luisito acknowledged the lack of context regarding scarcity and apologized for not highlighting the difficulties Cubans face in accessing those foods.
What impact did Luisito Comunica's video have on the Cuban reality?
The video by Luisito Comunica generated a significant amount of reactions, both of gratitude and criticism. On one hand, many Cubans appreciated the visibility of their difficult reality, while others criticized him for presenting a superficial view. The video highlighted the daily struggles faced by Cubans and sparked a debate about the responsibility of content creators when documenting situations of inequality.
How does Cuba's economic crisis affect access to food?
The economic crisis in Cuba has severely restricted access to basic food for the population. Many Cubans cannot afford meals that would be considered basic elsewhere. The scarcity of products, inflation, and low wages limit families' ability to access a varied and nutritious diet, which is reflected in the daily food consumption of Cubans.
What other aspects of life in Cuba has Luisito Comunica documented?
In addition to food, Luisito Comunica has documented various aspects of life in Cuba, including housing, sports, art, and religion. In his videos, he showcases the precarious living conditions, the deterioration of infrastructure, and the economic difficulties. He also addresses the cultural and social resilience of Cubans in the face of these adversities.
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