A young Cuban woman has gone viral on social media after sharing her reaction to visiting a supermarket in Brazil for the first time, where she was impressed by the abundance and diversity of tropical fruits, especially passion fruit.
"Do you know how many of these passion fruits I sell in Matanzas, man?" exclaimed the young woman as she held up two specimens of the fruit, clearly excited about the available offer.
The video, posted on the TikTok account @melodemelisa, showcases her astonishment as she walks through the aisles of the store, highlighting products that are scarce or hard to find in Cuba.
“The Cubans arriving at the supermarket in Brazil for the first time,” says the overlay text in the video, which has sparked sympathy and comments from users who relate to the experience of emigrating and discovering new consumer realities.
The video highlights the contrast between the limited food supply in Cuba and the abundance in other Latin American countries, where products like passion fruit, avocado, and pineapple are freely traded in markets and supermarkets.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food Scarcity in Cuba and Reactions from Cubans Abroad
Why do Cubans feel surprised when visiting supermarkets in other countries?
Cubans are astonished by the variety and abundance of products in foreign supermarkets due to the chronic food shortages in Cuba. On the island, many staple items are rationed or hard to find, which contrasts with the availability in other Latin American countries.
What products are commonly scarce in Cuba?
In Cuba, products such as tropical fruits, meats, and staples like rice and beans are often scarce. Furthermore, distribution is limited due to the rationing system, which causes many citizens to turn to the informal market, where prices are high.
How does food scarcity affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Food scarcity in Cuba severely affects daily life, forcing people to stand in long lines and ration limited food supplies. This creates an emotional and economic impact on families, who must seek creative alternatives to sustain themselves.
What role do social media play in making these experiences visible?
Social media plays a crucial role in highlighting the experiences of Cubans who emigrate and discover new consumer realities. Videos and testimonials on platforms like TikTok allow for the sharing of these experiences, generating empathy and debate about the situation in Cuba.
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