A young Cuban has gone viral on social media after showcasing what she described as a “rich people's breakfast” in Cuba, consisting solely of sliced bread, avocado, and onion.
The video, published on the TikTok account @sofia.gabes, highlights the critical economic situation of Cubans, even when it comes to accessing basic food items.
"Today I'm going to show you a lavish breakfast in Cuba," the TikToker begins, as she details the cost of each ingredient and its impact on the average Cuban's wallet.
"The sliced bread cost 350 Cuban pesos, the avocado 500 pesos, and the onion 100 pesos. In total, this breakfast amounts to around 950 pesos, which represents about a third of the monthly salary of a state professional," he explained.
The content highlights the everyday reality on the island, where access to food products is conditioned by scarcity, inflation, and the de facto dollarization of the economy.
"We are talking about the ordinary Cuban, the retiree, the professional who receives a state salary. But even those who have private income or earn in foreign currency feel the impact of these prices," he denounced.
Sofía, as the video’s author identifies herself, transforms the ingredients into a kind of homemade guacamole served on sliced bread. She also includes natural yogurt, the price of which—she notes—exceeds 350 pesos per unit.
"This is something exquisite, but it's not typical here in Cuba. You can't afford to lose 500 pesos," he remarks while finishing the preparation of the dish.
In her final reflection, the young woman poses a direct question to her audience: "Tell me if in your country this breakfast would cost you more or less the same proportion."
Her post has garnered numerous comments from users who express solidarity with the crisis faced by Cubans in their struggle for dignified access to food.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living and the Food Crisis in Cuba
How much does a "luxury" breakfast cost in Cuba?
A "luxury" breakfast in Cuba can cost up to 950 Cuban pesos, which is roughly a third of a state professional's monthly salary. This breakfast includes sliced bread, avocado, onion, and natural yogurt.
How does inflation affect daily life in Cuba?
Inflation in Cuba has skyrocketed the cost of basic food items, making products like bread, eggs, and avocados almost unaffordable for the majority of the population. This has led to adequate access to food becoming a luxury for many Cuban families.
What role do social media play in denouncing the crisis in Cuba?
Social media has become a key tool for Cubans to denounce the severe economic and food crisis facing the country. Through videos and testimonies, citizens show the reality of the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products.
Why is it so difficult to access basic food items in Cuba?
Accessing basic food items in Cuba is complicated due to a combination of scarcity, inflation, and a partially dollarized economy. The lack of supplies and poor governmental management have also exacerbated the situation, limiting access even to essential products.
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