A Cuban resident on the island shared on TikTok how she has to resort to charcoal for cooking due to the lack of gas in her home, a situation that reflects the deep domestic crisis that many families in Cuba are facing.
“Good morning with joy, well for us Cubans, we never have a day filled with joy,” begins user @sarasleybi.alfons in a video posted on August 22. In it, she recounts how she attempted to make coffee in the morning, but realized too late that she didn’t have any gas. “My mom told me yesterday and I forgot; since we live such hectic lives, it completely slipped my mind,” she explains.
Faced with the impossibility of using her conventional kitchen, the woman had to light an improvised stove with coal. “You know it's coal time now, the coal era, we’re back to square one,” she laments while demonstrating how she prepares yellow rice with plantains and a canned food item she had stored away to "bulk up" the meal.
In the video, he also mentions that he planted bananas in the yard to help support himself and that he recycles utensils to be able to cook over charcoal. “Here I am getting ready to perform culinary art in the kitchen over the charcoal,” he says. At another moment, he expresses resignation and exhaustion: “Being Cuban is one calamity after another because it’s the same issue; nothing changes at all.”
The post received dozens of comments, many praising her ingenuity and ability to "manage" despite the difficulties. "I always find a way," the creator replied to a user who said, "What a struggle! But she gets it done." Others referred to her as a "warrior," "admirable," and wished her blessings. One follower emphasized, "Here interacting so that another Cuban mom can earn some money on TikTok for herself and her family."
This testimony adds to many others that have gained visibility on social media and highlight the energy shortages in the country. The national electrical system is facing a generation deficit of over 1,800 megawatts, with prolonged outages that extend throughout the day and night. Some provinces, such as Havana, have experienced interruptions of up to 10 consecutive hours, while several thermal power plants remain out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance.
This is compounded by the recommendation from the Electric Company not to connect all devices when power is restored, arguing that it would prevent damage to the transformers. This message has been met with backlash from citizens who experience constant blackouts and find it unfair to be held responsible for the system's deterioration.
In Camagüey, a mother recounted how her son has to do his schoolwork under a rechargeable lamp, repeating the same hardships she experienced as a child during the Special Period.
The cutting down of trees for cooking with firewood has increased in various areas of the country, exacerbating deforestation and posing a serious environmental risk. The price of charcoal, unaffordable for many, has driven the population to improvise stoves and use wood for cooking.
Other testimonies are also circulating, such as that of a mother who recounts how she has to light the firewood early in the morning when her daughter asks for milk, despite the smoke, the exhaustion, and the soot that accumulates in her home.
Amid this reality, social media has become a platform to highlight the crisis and, in some cases, generate income through interaction with followers. However, beyond the viral moments, testimonies like that of @sarasleybi.alfons reflect a routine marked by scarcity, improvisation, and everyday fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Domestic Crisis in Cuba
Why are Cubans turning to coal for cooking?
Cubans are turning to coal due to the lack of gas and electricity. The chronic scarcity of these resources has forced many families to improvise coal or wood stoves in order to cook their food. This situation is a direct consequence of the collapse of the national energy system, with prolonged blackouts and generation deficits exceeding 1,800 megawatts.
What are the main difficulties faced by Cuban families due to the energy crisis?
Cuban families face multiple difficulties due to the energy crisis, notably the lack of electricity and gas for cooking, forcing them to use alternative methods like charcoal or firewood. Prolonged blackouts also impact food refrigeration, access to drinking water, and the use of appliances, further complicating daily household tasks. Additionally, the burning of firewood and charcoal creates environmental and health issues.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis deeply affects daily life in Cuba, forcing the population to develop survival strategies for basic tasks. The shortage of electricity and gas limits the ability to cook, do laundry, and keep food refrigerated. Many people have to cook with charcoal or firewood stoves, generating smoke and soot in their homes. Moreover, the lack of electricity impacts rest due to heat and mosquitoes, and complicates the completion of school tasks in homes without light.
What role do social media play in highlighting the crisis in Cuba?
Social media plays a crucial role in highlighting the crisis in Cuba. Platforms like TikTok allow Cubans to share testimonies and showcase to the world the daily struggles they face. These testimonies, which often go viral, document the creativity and resilience of the population in the face of basic resource shortages and help raise international awareness about the situation on the island.
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