A Spanish tourist who has been traveling around Cuba in recent days claims that the island reminds him of North Korea, due to the omnipresent political propaganda in the streets and cities.
The traveler, who documents his journey on TikTok, ironically questioned the Cuban government's insistence on maintaining banners with leaders and political slogans, despite the fact that nobody seems to pay them any attention.
"Just like in North Korea, we didn't see any advertisements, only slogans and political leaders. What do you think, should we replace our Ikea, Renault, and Mediamark posters with these?" she expressed in a video.
The comparison does not overlook the fact that Cubans, based on their observation, seem indifferent to propaganda, which is more of a reminder of state control than an effective communication tool.
During their journey to Trinidad, the visitor once again noted that politics dominate every corner of the city.
"There's a lot of political signage because there are no more posters," he pointed out, highlighting the Cuban government's obsession with maintaining symbols of its regime, even when they have little real impact on the population.
During his journey through Havana, he highlighted the evident poverty in the daily lives of Cubans.
"We were handing out the first little gifts around Havana... it was much more difficult than we expected," he commented while giving lollipops to children in the public street.
The videos show that many Cuban parents are neither surprised nor alarmed by the fact that a stranger gives food to their child. On the contrary, "the adults were asking us," the young man clarified.
The tourist was also impressed by the city's deteriorating infrastructure, with old buildings and outdated elevators: "It was all like a museum piece," he commented.
The scene he witnessed is that of a Havana that is falling apart: "I'm going to show you a pharmacy. Look at how the pharmacies are. Look at how they are, and that's how all the pharmacies in the entire city are," he lamented.
Despite the deteriorating streets and houses, he enjoyed his interaction with the people.
"Within the possibilities available to Cubans, they treated us wonderfully," he added, referring to the kindness of the people in the face of the scarcity that surrounds them.
The account of this Spanish tourist highlights a country where political propaganda takes precedence but lacks credibility, and where the population daily faces poverty, scarcity, and the destruction of their urban environment, creating a stark contrast between the image the government wants to project and the reality that Cubans experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba
Why did a Spanish tourist compare Cuba to North Korea?
The Spanish tourist compared Cuba to North Korea due to the omnipresence of political propaganda in the streets and cities of the island. According to his observation, Cuban propaganda, like in North Korea, is dominated by slogans and political leaders, with little to no attention from the citizens, reflecting state control rather than an effective communication tool.
How does political propaganda affect daily life in Cuba?
Political propaganda in Cuba is present in every corner, occupying spaces where, in other parts of the world, one would see commercial advertising. This propaganda seems more like a reminder of state control than an effective communication, as Cubans appear indifferent to it, living in a context of scarcity and urban decay.
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a serious economic crisis, characterized by evident poverty, shortages of basic products, and deteriorating infrastructure. The Spanish tourist who visited the island highlighted the lack of commercial advertising, the outdated infrastructure, and the poverty in daily life, elements that paint a discouraging picture for Cubans.
What impact does the economic situation have on tourism in Cuba?
The economic situation has severely impacted tourism in Cuba. Tourist destinations like Varadero are empty due to the economic crisis the country is facing, which includes fuel shortages, high prices, and deteriorating infrastructure. This has led to a significant decrease in the arrival of both foreign and local tourists.
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