The Spanish YouTuber José María Pastor, known as @topeadosdeviaje, shared a new video on TikTok about his visit to Cuba, where he stated that "today I experienced a Cuba that doesn't appear in brochures." In the clip, which has already gained thousands of views, he describes his experience: "Today I went to a popular cinema, a local market, and a shopping mall. What I found made me understand much more about this country than any travel guide."
During his journey, he recounted that "first I went to a popular cinema, with a symbolic admission price, and which only screens a film once a day." Later, he visited a lively local market, but there was one detail that left him out: "Many places only accept digital payments among Cubans, so I, as a tourist, was excluded."
Finally, he stated that he entered a shopping mall with "shelves full of products that an average Cuban could never afford. The prices are in dollars and the average salary is $12 a month." In his reflection, he added: "Sometimes the most basic needs are the most inaccessible because in Cuba, progress doesn't always reach everyone, and what seems like an advancement is sometimes just a display."
In the material description, he remarked: “Today I’m showing you three different worlds within Cuba. A retro cinema, a local market, and an almost ghostly shopping center. All in one city: Havana.” He further detailed that these are “cheap tickets but empty rooms, markets where I couldn’t buy even a tomato because I’m a tourist, and modern stores… filled with nothing. This isn’t a critique; it’s what I saw. Because Cuba has many faces. And some… don’t appear in the brochures.”
The video generated numerous reactions, including messages of gratitude and calls for freedom. One user commented, "Thank you for showing the reality; freedom is what we need," while another pointed out, "That's not new; it's a shame that it’s being published now when this has been happening since 1990."
There were also warnings about potential restrictions on creators: "Soon they won't allow influencers into Cuba... or they might prohibit using cameras. The documented reality is slipping away in the perspective of a visitor." Other comments included phrases such as "Free Cuba now," "Down with the dictatorship," "Thank you, sir, blessings, HOMELAND AND LIFE, FREEDOM," and reflections like: "The lack of freedom is worse than the extreme poverty of the population."
A series that portrays the Cuban crisis
This clip is part of a series of publications by Topeados de Viaje that documents the precariousness and inequality in Cuba. In previous videos, the creator stated that “what has impacted me the most is hunger. I have walked through neighborhoods in Havana, strolled through empty markets, met teachers who earn the equivalent of ten dollars a month, and elderly people who have nothing to eat.”
He also emphasized that “here they didn’t ask me for money. They asked for rice, milk, medicines, bread… or the last sip of a soft drink.” In other testimonies gathered on the streets of Havana, a Cuban said: “There is no future at all, I am in a prison, where am I going to get out?,” and added: “I’ve never been to Varadero or to a cay… you go to the hotels and they line you up for being a local.”
The creator himself summarized the impact of that conversation by stating: “That’s why many prefer to remain silent, not because they have nothing to say, but because they are afraid. And in the end, they resign themselves, sit down, lower their heads, and let everything remain the same.”
In another of her reports, after following a homeless man in search of food, she pointed out, “That’s when I understood that in Cuba, even if you have money, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to eat,” after documenting how the man ended up rummaging through a garbage container.
Other creators also denounce the precarious situation in Cuba
The complaint from Topeados de Viaje aligns with that of other creators like Black Mango Podcast, who have also showcased scenes of hardship in Havana neighborhoods, crumbling hospitals, and testimonies from citizens lacking food and medicine. In one of their reports, they stated: “Behind the paradise beaches, the vintage cars, and the forced smiles… there is a country that suffers in silence. We walked through its streets, talked with its people, saw hospitals in a state of neglect, shelves devoid of food, and eyes filled with broken hope. This is not propaganda. This is humanity. This is Cuba.” You can find more information in “The Cuban people deserve to be heard”.
These contents have generated a strong impact on social media, where thousands of users are calling for the Cuban reality to "reach the world," while messages of support and gratitude for bringing attention to the situation continue to multiply.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban reality presented by YouTubers
What aspects of Cuba are shown in the Topeados de Viaje videos?
The Topeados de Viaje videos highlight the precarity and inequality in Cuba, depicting scenes of poverty, rationing, and hopelessness. José María Pastor, the creator, documents empty markets, low wages, and the struggle to access food and basic products, exposing a reality that contrasts with the island's tourist image.
What is the economic situation in Cuba according to José María Pastor?
According to José María Pastor, the economic situation in Cuba is critical, characterized by low wages, food shortages, and constant blackouts. Through his videos, he has demonstrated how even those with money face difficulties in obtaining food, reflecting a collapsing economy and a society struggling for daily survival.
Why is tourism in Cuba in crisis?
Tourism in Cuba is in crisis due to the low quality of services, food shortages, and energy issues. Additionally, the perception of insecurity and the deterioration of infrastructure have led to a significant decrease in international visitors, severely impacting the local economy.
What reactions have the Topeados de Viaje videos about Cuba generated?
The "Topeados de Viaje" videos have generated reactions of gratitude and calls for freedom, as well as warnings about potential restrictions on content creators. Many users have expressed support for bringing attention to the Cuban situation, while others fear that the government will impose more restrictions to prevent the dissemination of these realities.
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