A young Cuban has touched the hearts of thousands on social media by sharing a heart-wrenching video that reflects the daily struggles of many citizens on the island.
It is about the content creator Julio César (@julio_cesar_serradet), who shared on Instagram a clip of less than a minute that has gone viral for portraying, unembellished, the harsh reality of living in Cuba today.
“This video is not a fabrication; it is the sad reality of today. (...) Perhaps not for everyone, but certainly for many,” says Julio in the post. Despite the pain conveyed in his message, he clarifies that he still feels proud of his culture and Cuban roots.
“The Cuba that Hurts”
The video begins with a phrase that encapsulates the widespread despair: “I don’t know how many days we’ve been here without water.” His calm grandmother responds, “Two months,” and looks up at the sky hoping for rain. From there, Julio describes everyday scenes that millions of Cubans endure daily.
This is the Cuba that hurts, the real Cuba, where dawn does not always bring hope, and the night arrives without light, without water, but with a lot of pain.
From cooking with firewood to watching children grow up without dreams and the elderly struggling to survive the heat, the audiovisual piece portrays a reality marked by scarcity and neglect. “We cook with firewood because gas is a luxury. And electricity is an intermittent memory,” it laments.
La pieza audiovisual no pretende provocar compasión sino visibilizar: “Este video no busca dar lástima, solo intenta mostrar una verdad que, aunque no es igual en cada rincón, aquí se siente todos los días”.
Julio César, who has gained notoriety for his sincere and committed style, thus joins the growing list of young voices that denounce from within the consequences of the collapse of basic services in Cuba, without justifying or remaining silent about the structural deficiencies of the country.
DatoWorld, a well-known international electoral observatory, reported in 2023 that Cuba is the poorest country in Latin America. The island has a 72% poverty rate, and this alarming figure places it at the forefront of the countries in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Daily Life in Cuba
What is the current situation of basic services in Cuba?
The situation of basic services in Cuba is critical. Many citizens face prolonged power outages, lack of water, and a shortage of gas, forcing families to cook with firewood. This precariousness is a constant in the daily lives of millions of Cubans, who struggle to maintain a minimal quality of life amid these shortages.
How does the scarcity affect daily life in Cuba?
The shortage in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of its inhabitants. Cubans must stand in long lines to obtain basic products, confront a lack of food and medicine, and deal with power outages that complicate everyday tasks like cooking or washing clothes. This situation creates an atmosphere of hopelessness and frustration among the population.
What role do social media play in highlighting the Cuban reality?
Social media is a key tool for highlighting the Cuban reality. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Cubans share testimonies and videos that depict their daily lives, showcasing the difficulties they face. This content generates debates and international solidarity, in addition to pressuring the regime to recognize and address these issues.
What is the perception of young Cubans about the country's future?
Many young Cubans feel hopeless about the country's future. Despite their love for Cuban culture and roots, they acknowledge that everyday shortages and difficulties hinder the construction of a promising future. This perception is reflected in testimonies that highlight the lack of opportunities and the collapse of essential services.
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