A Cuban woman residing on the island shared a video on TikTok showing how she had to wash clothes in the river, due to the lack of water and electricity in her home.
"In Cuba, when you have no electricity and there's not a drop of water left in your house, well, my love, I had to go to the river to wash, which was a bit dirty, but I was able to solve my problem and wash the clothes that I needed right away," recounts the young woman identified as @darlinmedina93.
In the video, which lasts a little over 30 seconds, she is seen wringing out clothes and hanging them on a nearby fence. "Here I am already squeezing the clothes to get all the water out, and I started hanging them on a fence that was getting quite a bit of sunshine, to at least take them home a little dry," she narrates. She then adds, "I sat down to eat a mango here with my little girl, and despite everything, we didn't have a bad time because we were here by the river enjoying ourselves a bit."
A recurring situation
This is not the first time this Cuban has documented similar situations. In other recent publications, she has shown how she cooks with firewood during power outages: “Another day cooking with firewood, but very happy and grateful to God because I have something to cook with.”
He has also shared what he defines as "the classic snack for us Cubans": bread with garlic, oil, and a glass of water with brown sugar. In that video, he explains that he had to buy the bread since it's not always available through the rationing system.
Its content has generated multiple reactions on social media, with comments ranging from empathy and support to criticism and concern about the normalization of these shortcomings.
Blackouts and water shortage
The scene of washing in the river is not an isolated incident. Last May, residents of the Pinar del Río municipality of San Juan and Martínez were also forced to wash by the river's edge after more than 15 days without water in their homes. “This is neither Haiti nor Africa; this is San Juan and Martínez, Pinar del Río province,” activist Michael Cala denounced at the time.
In other areas of the country, such as Matanzas, power outages have lasted more than 24 consecutive hours, according to reports shared by citizens on social media.
The situation has led many Cubans to seek makeshift solutions. In April, another woman connected a washing machine directly to a river using homemade hoses. More recently, in Villa Clara, a family demonstrated how they wash with a Russian washing machine during the few hours of electricity available. “We have to make the most of the time we have power”, the wife said in that account.
Although the authorities have announced investment plans to improve water and electricity supply, many communities continue to face constant disruptions. Meanwhile, testimonies shared on social media continue to highlight how the population is trying to adapt to a precarious situation that has become part of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shortages in Cuba
Why do some Cubans have to wash clothes in the river?
Cubans are often forced to wash clothes in the river due to the lack of water and electricity in their homes. This situation has become common in various localities across the country, where the infrastructure for basic services is inadequate. Despite government announcements to improve the supply, interruptions continue to be a reality for many families.
How do Cubans manage to cook during power outages?
During power outages, many Cubans resort to makeshift methods such as cooking with firewood or charcoal. These methods are necessary due to the lack of electricity and gas, forcing families to get creative in preparing their meals. Additionally, the scarcity of basic resources further complicates the situation.
What makeshift solutions have Cubans adopted to wash clothes without electricity?
Cubans have devised various improvised solutions for washing clothes without electricity, such as connecting washing machines to rivers or using old Soviet washing machines during the few hours of electricity available. These measures reflect the creativity and resilience of Cuban families in the face of constant power supply interruptions.
How does the lack of basic services affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of basic services such as water and electricity significantly impacts daily life in Cuba, forcing families to resort to extreme solutions for carrying out everyday tasks. This precarious situation has become a part of daily life, limiting access to essential needs and affecting the quality of life for thousands of Cubans.
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