A Cuban woman's trick in the U.S. for her family to watch the soap opera in Cuba without electricity: "I hope the idea helps."

A Cuban woman in the U.S. uses video calls to stream soap operas to her mother in Cuba during power outages. Her ingenious method highlights the creativity of the diaspora in overcoming energy challenges.

Blackouts in CubaPhoto © @im._syd / TikTok

"When there's no electricity in Cuba but you do everything possible for your family to watch the soap opera," reads the message accompanying an emotional video shared by a Cuban resident in the United States.

The young woman, identified on TikTok as @im._syd, demonstrated how she resolved one of the everyday struggles her family faces on the island: power outages.

The images show a television turned on with a soap opera, and in front of it, a tripod with a mobile phone that is streaming the image via video call.

The solution allowed her mother, from Cuba and without electricity, to continue watching her favorite soap opera in real time thanks to her daughter's clever gesture. "I hope that idea helps many," the young woman wrote in the video's description.

The post has generated numerous reactions among users who resonate with the daily efforts of Cubans, both inside and outside the country, to stay connected despite the adversities.

As power outages continue to impact everyday life on the island, gestures like this reflect the creativity and commitment of the Cuban diaspora to their loved ones.

Frequently asked questions about the creativity and challenges of Cubans in the face of power outages

How do Cubans manage to watch television during blackouts?

In a creative gesture, a Cuban woman in the United States demonstrated how she allowed her mother in Cuba to watch her favorite telenovela during a blackout by making a video call from her mobile phone to the television. She placed a cell phone in front of the television and transmitted the image in real time to her family in Cuba. This ingenuity reflects the creativity of Cubans abroad in supporting their loved ones on the island.

What is the impact of blackouts on the daily lives of Cubans?

Power outages in Cuba significantly impact the quality of life, as they hinder basic activities such as cooking, keeping food refrigerated, and resting properly due to the heat. The lack of electricity exacerbates living conditions, especially for families with children and the elderly. Moreover, Cubans have had to resort to traditional methods, such as cooking with charcoal, to cope with the lack of basic services.

How do Cuban families organize themselves to cope with prolonged blackouts?

To cope with prolonged blackouts, many Cuban families have adapted by using alternative devices such as generators, rechargeable fans, and LED lamps. Solidarity among neighbors also plays a crucial role, as they share resources like generators to charge essential devices. Additionally, social media has become a space for sharing experiences and seeking collective solutions.

What solutions have Cubans abroad found to help their families in Cuba?

Cuban expatriates have sought various ways to assist their families on the island in the face of the energy crisis. Among the solutions are sending generators and making video calls to share important moments like watching television together. These gestures demonstrate the commitment of the Cuban diaspora to their loved ones in Cuba, aiming to alleviate the impact of power outages.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.