“The situation in Cuba is not improving; on the contrary, it is getting worse little by little,” lamented the user @meli.cubanita0 in a viral video posted on TikTok, in which she shows the process of cooking rice with sausage on the floor of her home, using a handmade stove fueled by charcoal.
According to the account, the power was cut off at 10:00 a.m., when it was supposedly scheduled for 12:00 p.m. "We didn't even have time to make lunch. You don't prepare for this because they don't warn you. They just take it away and that's it, figure it out as best as you can," he stated.
In the images, which have received over 22,000 reactions, the young woman is seen chopping chili, onion, garlic, and sausages while commenting on the process with resignation. “We had to go for something quick to make because we were already hungry... Otherwise, we wouldn't have had lunch today, folks,” she added.
The TikToker concludes her testimony by wondering how Cubans survive without charcoal for cooking. "It's extremely sad and desperate," she stated.
The video, which garnered over 22,000 reactions, sparked hundreds of comments that reflect the diversity of opinions on a situation shared by millions.
"This is sad," wrote a user. "How much longer are we going to endure this?" commented another. "I go through this every day," expressed a follower, relating to the scene of the makeshift stove. Another person wrote: "We are warriors, we have no other choice," while someone else pointed out: "This is the reality for many, and the worst part is that we have come to see it as normal."
There were also messages of recognition: "I admire you so much, you make it look so easy," and others offering emotional support: "Stay strong, queen. You can handle anything."
There were no shortage of more ironic or skeptical comments: “But the makeup, the nails, and all that…,” wrote one user, while another asked, “And how do you upload the video if you have no power?”
Some comments pointed to despair: “Every day we are worse off and no one does anything,” or questioned the social background: “This is not living, it’s just surviving.”
A common scene in present-day Cuba
The testimony of @meli.cubanita0 adds to a wave of content where Cubans document how they cope with the lack of electricity, water, or gas. This week, a Cuban mother showed on TikTok how she had to wash clothes in a river because she had neither water nor power in her home. “The river was a bit dirty, but I managed,” she said, resigned.
The image of a Cuban family sleeping on a balcony due to the heat, mosquitoes, and lack of hope also went viral on social media. "This breaks the heart. Cuba 2025," wrote comedian Andy Vázquez while sharing the photo.
Meanwhile, the government is promoting the use of vegetable charcoal briquettes as a cooking alternative. Made from waste and cassava starch, these briquettes represent a forced return to methods of the past. “When the power comes back, we all rush here,” confessed a craftsman in Sancti Spíritus.
The collapse of the national electrical system has been acknowledged even by the Electric Union, which reported this Tuesday a deficit exceeding 1,800 megawatts, affecting the entire country.
Beyond the technical data, experts warn about the human consequences of this crisis. Prolonged blackouts are having a severe impact on the physical and mental health of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the energy crisis and the use of coal in Cuba
Why are Cubans using charcoal for cooking?
Cubans are using charcoal for cooking due to the energy crisis affecting the country, which is characterized by prolonged blackouts and a shortage of gas. This situation forces families to resort to traditional methods and to improvise ways to prepare their daily meals.
How does the lack of electricity affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity in Cuba has a severe impact on the daily lives of citizens. The inability to refrigerate food, cook, or carry out basic tasks affects the quality of life, and forces people to seek alternatives to survive. Moreover, this situation generates stress and affects the physical and mental health of the population.
What alternatives are Cubans using to light charcoal?
In the absence of traditional fuels, Cubans are using alternatives such as oil, gasoline, paper, banana leaves, and even candles to light charcoal. These makeshift solutions reflect the need to find creative ways to cope with the energy crisis on the island.
What are the environmental consequences of the increased use of coal?
The increase in coal use in Cuba is raising environmental concerns, as it may lead to deforestation and air pollution. Coal production requires the cutting down of trees, which could negatively impact local ecosystems, and its burning contributes to atmospheric pollution, affecting the health of the population.
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