A new citizen complaint on social media is once again highlighting the urban decay in Havana. Content creator @kary_y_jony shared a video showcasing the current state of La Esquina de Tejas, an iconic spot in the Cuban capital, now marked by neglect and ruin.
“Everything is destroyed in Cuba,” he asserts while walking through the area. “Today, it's completely ruined... The worst part isn't that it looks closed, but that it seems almost abandoned,” he says, pointing out dilapidated structures, closed businesses, and a café that used to be a local landmark, now deserted and in disrepair.
Reactions on social media came swiftly. Hundreds of comments agree that abandonment is not exclusive to this place, but rather a constant in many areas of the country. From expressions of sorrow over the loss of historic spaces to comparisons with war zones or ghost towns, the messages depict a collective sentiment of resignation and disillusionment.
La Esquina de Tejas was, for decades, a vibrant commercial and cultural intersection in Havana. It is where the avenues of 10 de Octubre, Infanta, Monte, and del Cerro converge, and it was known for its bakeries, eating houses, bars, and the famous Cine Valentino, which once attracted large crowds. Its name comes from the houses with French tile roofs that were prevalent in the area during the colonial period, and the place became a strategic point for transit and gathering since the late 19th century.
Over time, and especially after the state intervention in many private businesses, the place began to lose its vibrancy. Some establishments retained their original function for a while, like the popular bakery, although its quality and variety significantly decreased. A report published in 2019 already warned of the gradual decline of the site.
The video adds to a series of content published by the same creator, in which she has documented the visible deterioration of other public spaces in Havana, such as the National Aquarium, Chinatown, or common areas inhabited by everyday Cubans. In all of them, she highlights the contrast between the tourist image of the capital and the daily reality faced by its residents.
"It is very sad that today this beloved place looks like this," concludes the young woman, her voice echoing the sentiments of many Cubans who witness the decline of places that have marked the collective memory of several generations.
La Esquina de Tejas, once a symbol of activity, commerce, and popular culture, now stands as a reflection of an urban present marked by neglect.
Frequently asked questions about urban decay in Havana
What is the current status of La Esquina de Tejas in Havana?
The Corner of Tejas, an iconic spot in Havana, is in a state of neglect and ruin. The structures are deteriorating, the businesses are closed, and a café that once served as a local landmark is deserted and in poor condition. This reflects a broader issue of urban decay in the city.
What impact does the abandonment of places like La Esquina de Tejas have on the community?
The abandonment of La Esquina de Tejas has generated a collective feeling of sadness and disappointment among Cubans. The loss of historic and emblematic spaces affects the collective memory of several generations and reflects the widespread urban deterioration in Havana. Furthermore, the lack of state intervention to preserve these places increases social discontent.
What other places in Havana are in a state of abandonment?
Besides La Esquina de Tejas, other places in Havana like the National Aquarium, Chinatown, and the Sports City also face a state of neglect. These sites exhibit visible signs of deterioration, such as neglected structures and limited services, highlighting a broader issue of lack of maintenance in public spaces.
What does the content creator @kary_y_jony denounce about Havana?
The content creator @kary_y_jony denounces the urban decay of Havana, showcasing how iconic places are in ruins and reflect a daily reality of neglect for Cubans. In her videos, she highlights the contrast between the tourist image of the capital and the real living conditions faced by the residents. Additionally, she criticizes the growing social and economic inequality on the island.
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