A new video from the Spanish youtuber Topeados de Viaje (topeadosdeviaje) captures the despair of Cubans, who describe their lives as "a prison" with no future or freedom. The testimony, recorded on the streets of Havana, reveals the repression, poverty, and discrimination that citizens endure in their own country.
"And why don’t people protest or do anything?" Pastor asks at the beginning of the video. And he answers himself: "Because simply doing so could cost you up to 20 years in prison, even though the island itself is a prison for the Cubans."
The protagonist of the testimony, with a blurred face, states with bitter laughter: “There is no future at all, I am in a prison, where am I supposed to go?” He then adds: “I have never been to Varadero or any cayo. You can't, it's just that you go to the hotels and they judge you. They look you up and down. Do you understand? Just for being local”.
The pastor concludes the video with a reflection on fear and resignation: “That’s why many prefer to remain silent, not because they have nothing to say, but because they are afraid. In the end, they resign themselves, sit down, lower their heads, and let everything stay the same.”
The video has sparked a wave of comments. Some users thank the youtuber for bringing attention to the situation in Cuba: “Thank you for showing the truth about my country,” “The people are afraid because they know that expressing an opinion can land you in jail,” or “This is not life.” Others, however, blame the Cubans themselves for not coming together and protesting, and even question the veracity of the testimony.
There were also strong exchanges among Cuban users, with some defending the dignity of those who survive without complaint, while others pointed out disunity and passivity as causes of social stagnation.
The harsh reality in Cuba documented by foreigners
This video is part of a series of reports that Topeados de Viaje has published on TikTok and YouTube during their stay in Cuba. In previous clips, they have highlighted issues such as hunger, power outages, monetary discrimination, and the despair that affects large segments of the population.
“What has impacted me the most is the hunger,” he acknowledged in another segment, where he recounted how Cubans asked him for rice, milk, or medications instead of money. In that video, he also stated that “everyone is hungry, they scream in silence, and they hope for something to change.”
Pastor's complaint is added to those of other foreign creators who have recently visited Cuba. The Spanish YouTubers from Black Mango described the island as “a prison with a blue sky and beautiful cars,” after touring humble neighborhoods in Havana and talking to people living without doors, without electricity, and with barely enough bones to make a broth.
In another installment, these same creators shared new heartbreaking testimonies: a woman without a wheelchair, a man who eats from dumpsters, and a young person incarcerated for protesting. "This is not propaganda. This is humanity. This is Cuba," they state.
The testimony of the American youtuber Adventure Elliot, who documented long lines in front of empty state stores and supply notebooks indicating “zero” products available, has also made an impact. His images reveal the harsh reality of the Cuban rationing system.
"I did not come to judge, I came to face a painful reality," Pastor wrote in one of his previous posts, which have been widely shared and appreciated by Cubans both inside and outside the country, who see in his videos a window to express what many cannot say aloud.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba
Why do Cubans describe their life as "a prison"?
Cubans describe their lives as "a prison" due to the lack of freedom and the restrictions imposed by the regime, which limit expression, movement, and opportunities. The situation is exacerbated by poverty and political repression, preventing many from leaving the country or improving their living conditions. Pastor's testimony in the video reflects this despair, comparing life on the island to a prison without a future.
What obstacles do Cubans face when they want to protest?
Cubans who want to protest face the risk of being imprisoned for long periods, even up to 20 years, for expressing their opinions. This fear of legal and political reprisals is one of the main reasons why many prefer to remain silent, despite their dissatisfaction with the current situation in the country. Repression and fear are tools used to maintain social control.
How does the economic crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba severely affects the daily lives of its residents, who face food shortages, constant blackouts, and a rationing system that barely guarantees the essentials. The difficulties also extend to access to medications and essential services. The population survives in an environment of extreme precariousness, where even the most basic things, such as obtaining a full meal, become a daily challenge.
What role do foreign content creators play in highlighting the situation in Cuba?
Foreign content creators play an important role in highlighting the situation in Cuba by documenting and sharing testimonies from the local population about their daily lives and the challenges they face. Through their platforms, they manage to showcase a reality that is often censored or downplayed by the Cuban government, raising international awareness and support for the Cubans who suffer in silence.
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