Cuban actor Andy Vázquez, known for his character Facundo Correcto on the comedy show "Vivir del Cuento," shared an image on social media that reflects the difficult conditions many families in Cuba are facing.
The photograph, posted on Facebook this Monday, shows a family, including at least one child, sleeping on the balcony of their home, apparently due to the prolonged nighttime blackouts affecting the country.
Vázquez, a resident of the United States and a critical voice of the Cuban regime, accompanied the image with the message: “This breaks the soul. Cuba 2025 and Canel worried about the Middle East,” expressing his outrage over the internal situation of the country, which has only worsened in recent days instead of improving.
The image has sparked numerous reactions on social media, with users comparing it to the hardships of the "Special Period" in the 1990s, a time of severe economic crisis in Cuba.
Many see in this scene a representation of the misery and neglect that still persist on the island, exacerbated by the lack of basic services such as electricity.
A user recalled with sadness the hardest years of the Special Period: “It reminds me of the 90s… in my neighborhood we used to sleep on the slabs under the stars. And that can’t be compared to today’s Cuba,” wrote Amor HR.
For Aymara Hernández, the scene goes beyond the image: “That is the harsh reality being lived. On top of that, we must add hunger and the lack of medicine,” she remarked.
Laritza Fuentes Lora harshly criticized the government's attitude: “The greatest hypocrisy in the world is found in this government, very concerned about the problems of the entire world, while their own country is falling apart due to their poor decisions.”
For his part, Yunisbel Fernández summarized what thousands experience across the island: “This is how many Cubans sleep from east to west: children, the elderly, pregnant women... and at dawn we have to go out to face the world, without desire, exhausted. In short...”.
“Likewise, we are trying to sleep all on the sidewalks, on the plates; it is disrespectful for the children who cannot sleep because of the mosquitoes and the heat, and the next day they have to go to school with a snack that is a broth. But the saddest part is that there is no hope,” emphasized Tingui Rodríguez.
As incredible as it may seem, the scene of a family sleeping on the balcony is not unusual. The energy crisis in Cuba continues to leave behind images that, in the 21st century, seem inconceivable: Cubans sleeping on the roofs of their houses to endure the constant blackouts.
One of these testimonials was shared by the young audiovisual creator Daniel Ross Diéguez, a resident of Guantánamo, who posted on Facebook that he has been spending almost a month "camping" on the roof of his home, trying to rest amidst the darkness, the oppressive heat, mosquitoes, and even Sahara dust.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Social Crisis in Cuba
Why do Cuban families sleep on balconies?
Cuban families are sleeping on balconies due to the prolonged blackouts affecting the country, especially at night. The lack of electricity makes homes stifling and filled with mosquitoes, forcing families to seek relief outdoors. This situation brings to mind the "Special Period" of the 1990s, when scarcity and economic hardships were also extreme.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of its citizens. Prolonged blackouts prevent essential appliances, such as refrigerators, from functioning, leading to the loss of food and medicines that require refrigeration. Furthermore, the lack of electricity disrupts educational and work activities, affecting both children and adults in their performance and daily well-being.
What is the stance of the Cuban government regarding the energy crisis?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has acknowledged the severity of the energy crisis but asserts that it is largely due to the United States embargo. Authorities have promised that the situation will improve over time, but many citizens are skeptical of these promises, as they believe that the lack of investment and planning are also responsible for the energy collapse.
What solutions are being proposed to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban government has turned to solar energy as a potential solution to the energy crisis. However, progress in this area has been insufficient to meet the population's needs, as energy production remains very low compared to demand. Furthermore, maintenance and repairs have been scheduled for some thermal power plants, although the lack of resources and significant investments hinders the implementation of more effective solutions.
Filed under: