A young Cuban mother, identified as @matancera_2009 on TikTok, opened her heart online to shed light on the harsh reality faced by the population on the island in an emotional video, while directly questioning the official narrative that blames the U.S. embargo for all the country's woes.
The video, published with the title and description “Cuba is suffering because of the blockade,” ironically revisits that slogan repeated by the government to dismantle it based on personal experience. “This is what they tell us to justify the situation we are living in. The life of a Cuban dims more each day; each day, there's more sadness and loneliness on the streets. You don’t find anyone on a corner to talk to, because even the desire to speak has been taken away from us,” he expressed.
The young woman explains how survival in Cuba has become a daily exercise in ingenuity: "Our lives revolve around concerns and inventions; we invent to eat, we invent to maintain hygiene, we invent to dress ourselves, and that is our life. Despite this, we do not tire of fighting, and every day we rise with the hope that this has to change."
He also denounced the inequality between those who have access to goods and those who do not: "Here, the micro, small, and medium enterprises have everything, while the average Cuban, due to low wages, cannot acquire anything."
He concluded his message with a call to reflection: “Such is our life, filled with ups and downs, more downs than ups, but we keep surviving and coping with this situation that grows worse each day. And nothing, my loves, here I leave you a brief account of what Cubans experience, day by day, let me know what you think.”
The video has generated multiple reactions on TikTok, including comments of support, sadness, and criticism of the system. Some users pointed out that, although there is land in Cuba, many people cannot farm because water is scarce or because the State takes what is produced. Others lamented that "communism is a disaster" or claimed that "Cuba is suffering because of the communists."
Her words not only sparked denunciations, but also numerous comments filled with sadness, faith, and resignation, revealing the emotional weight of her message. "My Matanzas, how much I long for you, Cuba hurts," wrote one user, while another confessed, "I believe they will die of hunger, loneliness, madness, and misery; no one will pull them out of this, only you." Among the most moving, there were pleas and words of encouragement: "I pray to God that Cuba will be free again," "God have mercy on Cuba," or "Sad reality; you are absolutely right." There were also those who compared the situation to that of other countries: "That’s exactly what they tell us Venezuelans. And every day the situation gets worse."
The testimony of @matancera_2009 joins other recent accounts that reflect the widespread despair on the island. In a previous report from CiberCuba, several citizens admitted to having no hope that things would get better, due to power outages lasting up to 40 hours and the lack of food.
Similarly, a Cuban recorded by the Spanish YouTuber Topeados stated that he saw no possible way out: “I am in a prison, where am I going to go?”, he said with his face blurred, denouncing discrimination and a lack of future in his own country.
From Matanzas, another young Cuban named Sheyla showed how she spent 1,700 pesos on a small purchase of root vegetables, which is more than half of the state salary. She also reported that many elderly people survive on banana peels.
The serious food situation has been documented by other voices like Izzy, who stated that the main dish of Cubans is no longer rice, but low-quality pizza and spaghetti, due to shortages and unaffordable prices.
The testimony of young Julio César has also caught attention, as he demonstrated how they cook with firewood after being two months without water and reported that children grow up without dreams and the elderly struggle to survive.
From abroad, Cubans like Robelcasa have denied attempts to downplay the situation, asserting that “in Cuba there isn't even toothpaste”, nor stable electricity, nor dignity. His statement coincided with numerous comments that label the official narrative claiming that “there is everything” on the island as false.
The video by @matancera_2009 is, essentially, an intimate and realistic snapshot of what millions of Cubans experience, who day after day survive in a country where the discourse does not match reality, and where more people are deciding to speak out, even if it's from a place of pain.
Frequently asked questions about the difficult situation in Cuba according to testimonies on TikTok
What is the reality that Cuban mothers experience according to testimonies on social media?
In various testimonies shared on TikTok, Cuban mothers describe a daily life marked by a scarcity of basic resources, constant blackouts, and the need for ingenuity to survive. These accounts illustrate how they must cope with the lack of electricity, water, and food, complicating everyday tasks such as cooking or caring for their children. Despite the challenges, many mothers emphasize the importance of persevering with resilience.
What criticisms are made about the official discourse that blames the U.S. embargo for the situation in Cuba?
In TikTok testimonies, several Cubans question the official narrative that attributes all the country's problems to the U.S. embargo. Citizens express that, beyond the embargo, there are internal issues in the management of the Cuban government that have led to a decline in the quality of life on the island. These testimonies highlight the disconnect between the government’s discourse and the reality experienced by the population.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba, characterized by frequent blackouts, deeply impacts the daily lives of citizens. The blackouts force families to adjust their routines, hurriedly carry out household tasks when electricity is available, and face challenges in preserving food. This situation creates stress and even disrupts nighttime rest due to the heat and lack of ventilation.
What role do social media play in highlighting the reality of Cuba?
Social media, especially TikTok, has become a key platform for Cubans to share their daily reality. Through videos, citizens showcase the living conditions on the island, from the lack of basic resources to the daily challenges they face. These testimonies have generated a significant amount of reactions and discussions, amplifying the voices of Cubans and highlighting the disconnect between official discourse and real life.
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