The American youtuber Adventure Elliot has sparked a new debate on social media after posting a video on TikTok that demonstrates how the food rationing system in Cuba works, through the supply booklet. The recording, made in a neighborhood of Havana, has gone viral for its raw portrayal of scarcity and for the reflection it offers on life on the island.
"I've seen notebooks where it says zero," Elliot comments while showing the lines in front of a store. "Sometimes they receive eggs, but this week they're getting zero." The images show people, mostly elderly and parents, waiting to get basic products that often don't arrive.
During his journey, Elliot talks with a neighbor who assures him that the neighborhood is "lively but not dangerous." The YouTuber highlights the warmth of the people, their way of speaking, and the daily life that unfolds amidst scarcity, shared routines, and a remarkable resilience in the face of hardships.
The post has sparked thousands of reactions on social media, especially among Cubans abroad and those who compare this reality to their own experiences under communist regimes. Many users expressed outrage, while others recalled similar experiences in countries like Poland, and there were also those who pointed to the Cuban political system as the direct culprit for the situation.
This video adds to others that Elliot has shared during his visit to Cuba. In May of last year, he showcased a dilapidated building inhabited by entire families in Havana, where he warned about the danger of structural collapse and extreme precariousness. In June, he documented life in a backyard where he stated that over 500 people were living in overcrowded conditions. He has also denounced the lack of medications, the collapse of public transportation, and forced migration both within and outside the country.
The constant in his posts is clear: beyond the embargo or official explanations, life in Cuba is defined by scarcity, waiting, and survival. "People here are just surviving," he has stated in other videos, where he showcases everyday scenes that rarely appear in tourist guides.
The testimony of this foreign visitor brings back to the forefront of the debate a reality that millions of Cubans face every day: a distribution system that promises the basics but often delivers nothing. And although the faces in their videos smile, the ration book tells a different story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scarcity and Rationing in Cuba
How does the food rationing system work in Cuba?
The rationing system in Cuba is managed through the supply booklet, a document that records the basic products that each citizen is entitled to receive monthly. However, in many cases, the products are not available, exacerbating the shortage situation on the island.
What is the current situation regarding food scarcity in Cuba?
The food shortage in Cuba is critical, with empty markets and long lines to obtain basic products. Inflation has skyrocketed prices, especially for food items such as eggs, meat, and milk, making many of these products unaffordable for most of the population.
What impact does the humanitarian crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The humanitarian crisis in Cuba affects all aspects of daily life, from food to access to medicines and transportation. Cubans face a daily struggle for survival, where resource scarcity and lack of adequate infrastructure are constant issues.
What role do social media play in highlighting the crisis in Cuba?
Social media is a crucial channel for highlighting the crisis in Cuba, allowing both Cubans and foreigners to share testimonies and reports about the situation on the island. Platforms like TikTok have become a space where reality is shown without censorship, generating debates and reactions at an international level.
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