The Cuban content creator Kary y Jony (@kary_y_jony) shared a video on social media recorded during a recent visit to Baracoa, in the eastern part of the country, where she expressed her sadness over the deteriorating condition of the city. In her post, the young woman lamented that even the most beautiful places in Cuba are disappearing over time: “There is no tourism, because in Cuba even the most incredible sites are slowly being lost.”
Baracoa, the first town founded on the island in 1511, appears in the video as a faded city, with closed hotels, no visible commercial activity, and plagued by long blackouts. “Arriving here and seeing how everything is deteriorated was a great disappointment,” she expressed while touring symbolic spaces such as the statue of Christopher Columbus by the sea.
The young woman also described the lack of opportunities for the residents and the emotional impact of abandonment: “A silent town that lives on memories and suffers from the vandalism of those who walk without hope.” Her testimony concludes with a phrase that encapsulates the widespread feeling of sadness: “The town ages watching Baracoa fade away.”
The publication comes shortly after a series of previous reports regarding the critical situation in the municipality. At the end of May, the Basic Electric Organization announced extended blackouts, which have impacted all aspects of daily life in the Guantanamo locality.
Moreover, following the passage of Hurricane Oscar last October, communities such as Boca de Miel remain cut off due to the collapse of the bridge over the Miel River. Residents depend on a small boat to cross to the city, with limited schedules and no official responses regarding a permanent solution.
In the community of Bahía de Boma, homes continue to lack adequate electrical service, and residents have had to improvise connections using makeshift poles, while also facing difficulties in accessing basic goods due to the poor condition of the roads. This situation has been documented in previous reports.
A reflection of what is happening throughout Cuba
The video by Kary and Jony joins other materials shared by Cuban creators who have documented the neglect of public spaces in various regions of the country. In Havana, Matanzas, and other provinces, users have showcased rusted playgrounds, closed recreational centers, deteriorating heritage structures, and streets overrun with garbage.
From ruined playgrounds to the abandoned El Dorado recreational center in Boca Ciega, along with La Esquina de Tejas and the deteriorated National Aquarium, the reality presented by these reports is clear: places that were once icons of social and cultural life are now in ruins, lacking maintenance and any visible institutional intervention.
The recording leaves a reflection that goes beyond a mere visual record: “The sea knows the story well, but the new generation only sees a city lost in time,” says the young woman, as she shows decaying facades, silent streets, and spaces that were once emblems of Cuban culture. “Recovering it would take years,” she adds, her tone marked by sadness and helplessness.
There are no shouts or slogans in his voice, only a bitter reality: “The people grow old watching Baracoa fade away.” In front of closed hotels and a discolored city, the question is not only what happened, but whether there is anything left to save.
Throughout their journey, ideas shared by many resonate: that "life was better in the 1800s," that the country is "in ruins," and that it is not just a forgotten place, but a whole nation crumbling in silence. "What are they going to do to change things?" some ask, while others can only lament that "everything is destroyed," as if reality no longer surprises, only hurts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration in Baracoa and the Situation in Cuba
What is the current state of Baracoa according to content creators Kary and Jony?
Kary and Jony describe Baracoa as a drab city, with closed hotels, no visible commercial activity, and plagued by long power outages. The city, which was once a vibrant and tourist-friendly place, is in a state of significant deterioration, reflecting the lack of maintenance and opportunities for its residents.
What problems does the Boca de Miel community in Baracoa face?
The community of Boca de Miel remains cut off due to the collapse of the bridge over the Miel River, caused by Hurricane Oscar. Residents rely on a small boat to cross to the city, with limited schedules and no official responses regarding a permanent solution. This impacts their economy, daily mobility, and access to essential services.
How does the economic crisis affect nightlife in Cuba?
Nightlife in Cuba has disappeared due to inflation, rising poverty, and shortages in the country. Cities shut down early in the evening, leaving deserted streets and closed establishments. Transportation issues, violence, and prolonged blackouts have led citizens to prioritize safety and survival over leisure.
What is the situation of tourism in Varadero and other areas of Cuba?
Tourism in Varadero and other areas of Cuba is in crisis, reflected in empty hotels, deserted streets, and prices that are unaffordable for Cubans. The lack of adequate infrastructure and poor service quality have driven visitors away, while the government continues to invest in luxury projects instead of addressing the basic needs of the population.
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