A new video by Cuban creator @anita.cubana6 on TikTok has gone viral, showcasing the harsh reality of life in Cuba, characterized by food shortages, high prices, and power outages. In the footage, she can be seen cooking eggs in her kitchen while describing what it means to survive on the island.
"In Cuba, being able to eat has become a daily challenge. Many people wake up with nothing to eat and go to bed with empty stomachs. The daily life of Cubans boils down to one single objective: what am I going to eat today? The high prices make the miserable salaries of each person seem ridiculous. Adding to this are the sleepless nights caused by blackouts; of course, living in Cuba has turned into a real odyssey," he expressed.
The creator added that, despite the difficulties, she remains hopeful that the situation will change: “We work very hard, but I live with the hope that one day everything will change, and I feel very, very proud to be Cuban. Today I can live a little better, but I also know what it was like to have nothing to eat.”
The video has garnered thousands of interactions, with messages of support and solidarity from different countries. Some users pointed out the similarities to the Venezuelan crisis, while others called attention to the lack of basic food supplies. Additionally, many expressed their outrage over the blackouts and low wages in Cuba.
In the comments, many internet users shared similar realities in Venezuela, Honduras, and other countries. Others questioned the precariousness of basic services on the island and expressed critiques of the Cuban government. There were also messages of support and blessings towards the creator and her son, the protagonists of the video.
A reflection of the food crisis
The testimony of @anita.cubana6 aligns with recent reports and complaints documenting the worsening food insecurity in the country.
A study by the Food Monitor Program revealed that one in four Cubans goes to bed without dinner, and that 29% of the population barely manages to eat twice a day. The research also indicated that 64% of the respondents hold the Cuban government as the main responsible party for the food shortages.
This situation is compounded by the milk crisis, a basic product for children. A mother shared on TikTok that "sometimes the milk at the store doesn’t come, there are days when it doesn’t arrive, or they only give half a liter", which forces many families to turn to the informal market.
In parallel, other testimonies indicate that “people go to the street to scrape by for food”, as another young woman stated in a viral video where she denounced that salaries in Cuba are insufficient to buy even the most basic necessities.
The energy crisis worsens the situation: prolonged blackouts are causing food to spoil. “No one cares about the sacrifice it takes to put a meal on the table,” lamented a young man after showing how a pack of sausages spoiled due to lack of electricity.
A salary that is not enough
While Cubans document their shortages on social media, official statistics try to show an improvement. The National Office of Statistics and Information announced that the average salary on the island has risen to 6,649 pesos, but in practice, it amounts to only 16 dollars at the informal exchange rate, which is insufficient to meet the minimum needs in a country where a basic diet requires between 30,000 and 60,000 pesos monthly.
The contrast between official data and citizens' testimonies is evident: social media is filled with stories of families surviving on one or two meals a day, losing food due to power outages, or lacking access to milk for their children.
Videos like the one from @anita.cubana6 not only reveal the intimacy of a Cuban kitchen but also serve as a social chronicle of a country where food has become a daily odyssey.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food and Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is severe, with many people facing the reality of going to bed without dinner and barely managing to eat two meals a day. A study from the Food Monitor Program indicated that one in four Cubans goes to bed without dinner, and 29% can barely manage to eat twice a day. This issue is exacerbated by high prices and low wages, which make access to food a daily challenge for most Cubans.
How do power outages affect the daily life of Cubans?
Frequent and prolonged blackouts in Cuba result in food spoilage due to a lack of refrigeration. Power outages can last over 12 hours, severely affecting the quality of life. Furthermore, blackouts limit the use of basic appliances and increase stress among the population due to the heat and lack of proper conditions for nighttime rest.
What responsibility does the Cuban government have in the food shortage?
A large part of the Cuban population considers the government as the main responsible party for food shortages. 64% of respondents in a recent study blame the Cuban government for the food supply crisis. Economic policies and poor resource management have significantly contributed to the current crisis, exacerbating the situation of food insecurity on the island.
How is the crisis reflected on social media?
Social media has become a crucial platform for Cubans to share their daily reality. Videos from Cuban content creators like @anita.cubana6 have highlighted the harsh conditions of everyday life, showcasing the lack of food, power outages, and the impact of low wages. These testimonies have generated thousands of interactions and have resonated with people in other countries facing similar issues.
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