A statement by the Cuban content creator Elieser El Bayardo (@elieser_elbayardo) has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, comparing the diet of slaves in the 19th century with the current diet of the average Cuban.
“Would you believe me if I told you that slaves in Cuba ate better than most Cubans today?” questioned El Bayardo in a video published on July 11, where he cites historian Manuel Moreno Fraginals and his work El Ingenio to support his analysis.
El Bayardo noted that the slaves received daily rations that included half a pound of meat (beef, jerky, or cod), cassava, cornmeal, pumpkin, bananas, congrí, and even goat stew. “It was a diet designed to endure long workdays in the fields,” he explained.
He emphasized that in 1850, with only one million inhabitants, Cuba imported more than 25 thousand tons of meat per year, which represented almost five pounds per month per person, excluding local production.
“Today, having meat on the plate is a miracle for many Cuban families,” he added. Social media buzzed after the post, with thousands of comments mostly agreeing with the young man's analysis.
"Now they put you in jail for eating beef, it’s terrible... already having bread with sugar is a luxury," said a user. Another person pointed out: "They have deceived us our whole lives, telling us that slaves only ate bread with water and sugar."
There were also Cubans who reaffirmed this comment: “Now we are slaves without food…”.
The controversy intensified when El Bayardo shared a second video featuring the interview conducted by the Spanish YouTubers from the channel Black Mango Podcast with a family in Cuba that can only afford to eat rice with boiled pumpkin.
The food in Cuba today is a misery. The difference is that in the past, slaves were fed to perform; now, Cubans only survive, summarizes one of the most shared comments.
The historical comparison has served as a mirror for thousands of Cubans, who see in the diet of the past an uncomfortable reflection of the present.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Situation in Cuba
Is it true that slaves in the 19th century ate better than Cubans today?
According to Elieser El Bayardo, slaves in the 19th century received daily rations of meat and other nutritious foods, which contrasts with the current diet of many Cubans, who face difficulties accessing basic products such as meat. This comparison has sparked a debate about the food reality on the island.
What kind of diet did slaves in Cuba have according to the historian Manuel Moreno Fraginals?
The historian Manuel Moreno Fraginals, cited by Elieser El Bayardo, indicates that slaves received daily rations that included meat, cassava, corn flour, pumpkin, bananas, congrí, and goat chilindrón, which allowed them to endure long hours of work. This diet is compared to the limited food options available to Cubans today.
What is the current situation of meat in the diet of Cubans?
Meat is a difficult product to obtain for many Cuban families, due to shortages and high prices. In the past, meat was more accessible, but today it is considered a luxury, and in some cases, even its consumption may have legal repercussions.
Why is there so much controversy about food in Cuba on social media?
The controversy arises from the comparison between the current diet of many Cubans and that of slaves in the 19th century, in addition to the constant reports about food insecurity on the island. Influencers and Cubans both inside and outside the country use social media to raise awareness of the situation, generating a broad debate about the reality and unmet needs in Cuba.
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