A cold soda, some snacks, and a bench in the shade of the park. With this simple scene, the young Cuban identified as @yaneisycanta_98 on TikTok defines what true luxury means to her: time with her son, in her homeland.
The video, which captures an everyday scene filled with nostalgia and tenderness, touched the hearts of many Cubans. "I walked the same streets as always, the ones that, although broken, remind me of my childhood... I sat with a cold drink while he ran, laughed... And in that moment he was giving me a luxury that can't even be found in Paris,” the young woman narrates in an intimate tone.
But although his message was received with empathy by many, not everyone viewed it the same way. The post sparked a debate about what can be considered a luxury in Cuba, and who can truly afford it.
"That is being happy, feeling good with what you have," wrote a follower. Other comments highlighted the importance of enjoying simple moments with family, despite the difficulties.
But alongside the messages of support, there were also reactions that brought the idealization of the moment back down to earth:
"For that luxury, dad must be out of the country, right?"
"Not all mothers can provide their children with those luxuries. Not even a glass of cold water."
"With the salary in Cuba, if you buy a soft drink, you can't afford food."
Some even questioned the scene for appearing "too empty," with deserted streets and little activity, which for others reflects a country where discouragement and emigration are felt at every turn.
This is not the first time that Yaneisy has shared moments from her daily life at the port of Manatí, Las Tunas. A few days earlier, she was praised for singening a cappella during a blackout and for showcasing her talent despite technical shortcomings.
He also published a video where he showed what he can buy with 1,500 Cuban pesos, the minimum pension on the island: a bag of noodles and a bottle of oil.
“If it were up to the 1,500 pesos, the soup would come clear and easy”, he said in that video, which sparked thousands of reactions.
Yaneisy has also shared how much a day with her family at a hotel in Las Tunas cost: over 12,000 pesos, equivalent to several paychecks at the average salary. While she defended her right to enjoy time with her loved ones, she did not hide the high cost for an average Cuban.
However, the recent video strikes a sensitive chord as it appeals to the emotional, but it also evokes discomfort in a deeply unequal society. While for some it represents a small daily victory, for others it serves as a reminder of what they cannot even afford in the most basic aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Perception of "Luxuries" in Cuba
What does "luxury" mean in Cuba according to viral videos on social media?
For many Cubans, a "luxury" in Cuba can be something as simple as a cold soda or a moment of leisure with family, according to testimonies shared on social media. These videos reflect the reality of a society where what is commonplace in other places may be considered a privilege in Cuba due to the scarcity of basic goods and services.
Why do videos about lifestyle in Cuba generate so much debate?
The videos showcasing the lifestyle in Cuba generate debate because they highlight the inequalities and contrasting realities of the island. While some celebrate the small moments of happiness, others criticize the lack of access to basic necessities, leading to a discussion about the perception of wealth and poverty in the country.
How does emigration relate to the concept of "luxury" in Cuba?
Emigration plays a crucial role in the perception of "luxury" in Cuba, as many Cubans rely on remittances sent by relatives abroad to access goods and services that would otherwise be unattainable. This economic dependency influences social dynamics and creates tensions between those who emigrated and those who stayed on the island.
What do Cubans think about access to basic products like coffee or electricity?
Access to basic products such as coffee or electricity is limited and is considered a luxury in Cuba, according to testimonies shared on social media. The scarcity of these products reflects the structural crisis affecting the country, which generates frustration and a constant debate about the quality of life on the island.
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