A Cuban shared a video on TikTok showing what he could buy with 5,000 Cuban pesos in food, and he raised awareness about the dire economic situation he faces in order to survive day by day on the island.
"I just got back with my partner from shopping for food, which we didn't have; we literally had no rice, we had no main dish, we were completely out," commented the user identified as @yoel_daniel0 while showing what they had bought.
In the video, the young man shows that with that money they were only able to buy five pounds of rice, beans, ground beef, fruits (mangoes), salt, and garlic, in addition to a package of frozen sausages they already had at home.
"In this here, gentlemen, there are five thousand pesos; we were just calculating. Gentlemen, life in Cuba is tough," the young man added.
He also reflected with frustration: "If I calculate what one spends on food, you know, I think we could even buy a house, I swear."
The video has gone viral on social media, where many Cuban users have shared similar experiences about the high cost of food on the island and the difficulties in feeding their families with current income levels.
Inflation, shortages, and low wages continue to define the everyday lives of most Cubans, who often turn to social media to denounce the serious economic crisis the country is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic and Food Crisis in Cuba
What can you buy in Cuba with 5,000 Cuban pesos?
With 5,000 Cuban pesos, a citizen can only purchase a limited quantity of basic food items, such as five pounds of rice, beans, ground beef, some fruits, and seasonings like salt and garlic. This amount of money is insufficient to meet the dietary needs of a Cuban family.
How does inflation affect Cubans in their daily lives?
Inflation in Cuba has led to a disproportionate rise in the prices of basic necessities, making it difficult for many Cubans to access essential food items. Salaries do not keep pace with inflation, leaving families in a state of economic distress and forcing many to turn to informal markets or seek assistance from abroad.
What difficulties do Cuban professionals face with their salaries?
Cuban professionals, such as doctors and teachers, face significant challenges in meeting their basic needs with their current salaries. For instance, a doctor earning around 10,000 Cuban pesos a month can only purchase a very limited amount of essential food items. Their salaries are not sufficient to ensure a decent life due to the high cost of goods on the island.
Why do videos about food purchases in Cuba go viral?
The videos showing food purchases in Cuba are going viral because they expose the serious economic crisis the country is experiencing. These videos visually and directly document the challenges faced by Cubans in accessing food, generating empathy and discussions on social media about the economic reality of the island.
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