A young Cuban has caused a stir on TikTok after sharing a brief video on her account @zol.arias where she shows how, after leaving the gym, she has to stand in line to get her rationed bread. “Look at the line there was to be able to have breakfast,” she says, while showing two small loaves of bread and explaining that each person is allowed only one. “They write it down so you can't take double the bread.”
The video has already surpassed 500 thousand views and has sparked a flood of comments from different countries. "Thank God I wasn't born in Cuba," wrote several users. Others reacted with phrases like "Here, bread is thrown away" or "In my country, that doesn't happen." The responses range from sadness and shock to comparisons with similar situations experienced in Venezuela.
In addition to the bread, the young woman reports that she bought a small cup of beans for 200 Cuban pesos. And as she walks under the sun, clearly weary, she mentions that she is heading home to have breakfast. There are no explicit complaints, but there is a direct insight into what life is like today in Cuba.
One of the strongest comments was made by her in response to a follower who mentioned the beauty of Cuba: “Beautiful things that tourists have access to, while the people are dying from shortages.” In a few words, she summed up the inequality between what is presented to the world and what Cubans face daily.
The scene of bread, the ration book, and the line is not new for those living on the island, but on social media, it continues to surprise those who cannot imagine that in the year 2025, such levels of rationing still exist. Most comments reflect empathy: “How sad,” “That’s not a life,” “God bless Cuba.”
The video also raised questions: how is it possible to have a gym but not bread? Why can't they grow their own food? How much does it cost to live this way? To which the young woman responded casually, defending her right to look good and to express her experiences without filters.
Amidst scarcity and control, social media has become a window to showcase what many Cubans face every day. And even if it's just 30 seconds long, this video once again placed Cuba at the center of the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Shortages in Cuba
How does food rationing affect the daily life of Cubans?
The food rationing in Cuba profoundly affects the daily lives of its citizens, who must endure long lines to purchase basic products such as bread. Furthermore, the shortage has resulted in other foods also being difficult to obtain or having exorbitant prices, which limits the diet of many families and creates inequalities in access to food.
What role do social media play in showcasing Cuban reality?
Social media has become a window to showcase the everyday reality in Cuba. Through videos and testimonies, Cubans share the challenges they face due to food shortages and other issues, creating empathy and international debate about the situation on the island.
What solutions is the Cuban government proposing in response to the food crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the supply issues and has promised to manage more supplies, but has not offered effective and sustainable solutions thus far. The population continues to face daily difficulties in accessing basic food items, highlighting a lack of proper planning and management.
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