A video posted by the user @sheyreyes032 on TikTok has sparked a wave of reactions by showing how her family sleeps in Matanzas when the electricity goes out in Cuba, amidst the intense heat of August.
"This is how we sleep in Cuba when there’s no power," reads the overlay text on the clip, which has garnered over 16,000 likes on the platform. In the video, the young woman explains that, despite having a generator and rechargeable fans, they cannot use them continuously due to the cost of fuel: "It's not feasible to endure 72 hours of blackouts with the generator running."
They report that they prioritize using the plant to power the fans and preserve food: "To connect the freezer and the refrigerator, to spoil as little food as possible."
"And believe me, we are not the only ones who sleep like this; if you come to my neighborhood, you will find everyone sleeping just like that, even on rooftops and in doorways," he claims, while pointing to a mattress spread out on the floor with a mosquito net above it.
The video has sparked dozens of comments ranging from empathy to political criticism. One user commented, "Friend, they sell solar-powered lamps on Temu," while another wrote, "And yet they still vote for communism?" In response to the latter, someone replied, "In Cuba, there are no elections; there is only one communist party, and it is the only one recognized."
"I understand you, I’m Venezuelan too, it happens here as well, not as many hours, but they do cut power almost every day for 4 hours," said another woman. Others recalled past experiences: "Your video took me back to my youth... when there were no power plants or anything rechargeable."
The condition of the mattress and the mosquitoes visible in the video also caught attention. "My mom thought it was the dog’s bed," one user joked. "That's a feast for the mosquitoes," another added.
The video adds to a series of viral posts that document how blackouts impact daily life in Cuba. In July, CiberCuba reported images of people sleeping on the streets in Holguín, and in Santiago de Cuba, scenes of children resting in doorways due to the sweltering heat have been shared.
So far this summer, power outages of up to 20 hours a day have been recorded in several provinces, despite the official promise to limit blackouts to four hours, a measure that has not been fulfilled and has led to new waves of public criticism.
The situation has pushed many to seek alternatives for outdoor relaxation. In Guantánamo, a young man recounted that he has been sleeping on the roof of his house for weeks to escape the heat and blackouts, as he publicly denounced on his social media.
Social media has become a channel for venting, reporting, and testimony. Videos like the one from sheyreyes032 reflect a situation that, beyond the number of hours without electricity, directly impacts the rest, health, and dignity of many Cuban families.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
How do blackouts affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba significantly impact people's daily lives. Many Cubans are forced to sleep on porches or rooftops due to extreme heat and the lack of electricity to use fans. They also face challenges in preserving food due to the absence of refrigeration, leading to spoilage. The energy crisis has prompted families to seek alternatives such as using generators, which are expensive to maintain, or cooking with charcoal.
What solutions have Cubans found to cope with power outages?
To cope with the blackouts, many Cubans have turned to makeshift solutions. Some use rechargeable fans, LED lamps, and generators to mitigate the lack of electricity. However, the cost of fuel and the difficulty in obtaining it make these solutions unsustainable in the long run. Additionally, social media has become a space for sharing tips, such as using natural mixtures to repel mosquitoes.
Why are there so many blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are due to a combination of factors, including a power generation deficit and a lack of fuel. More than 70 power plants are out of service due to a lack of maintenance and resources, leading to prolonged power outages. Despite official announcements regarding new renewable energy installations, the situation has not shown significant improvements.
How is the energy crisis affecting families with children in Cuba?
The energy crisis is seriously impacting families with children in Cuba. Children are suffering from the heat, mosquitoes, and the lack of adequate conditions to rest. Mothers are facing the challenge of keeping their children comfortable and fed, as blackouts hinder food refrigeration and complicate meal preparation. These conditions have created significant stress for families, who are struggling to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their daily lives.
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