In a recent video shared on TikTok, the Cuban María Montenegro (@mariamontenegroofficial) offered a poignant reflection on the effects of blackouts in domestic life in Cuba. Her testimony, in black and white and with a calm yet powerful tone, encapsulates a common concern: even when food is available, the constant threat of losing it due to electricity outages looms large.
"In Cuba, it’s not just about having food; the problem arises later when you store it and know that at any moment it could spoil due to blackouts," he says in the video.
The young woman also highlights the effort to obtain food amidst an energy crisis, where it is not always possible to preserve it. "Then you ask yourself, what's the point of having it if you're going to lose it?" she states.
It also refers to power generators as a seemingly viable solution, but admits that they are beyond reach: “Where am I going to get a generator? Nowhere. I end up doing the same thing: a constant struggle between having and not having. In the end, even what you manage to obtain becomes fragile because nothing is guaranteed.”
This is not the first time Maria Montenegro has shared her daily life on social media. Days earlier, she had mentioned that her motivation for creating content on TikTok is to generate income to help her mother and grandmother. “I'm not seeking fame, just trying to earn money so we can eat,” she said at that time. Despite the unstable connection and the costs of internet access on the island, she continues to post videos where she combines music, reflection, and personal routines.
Beyond these reflections she shares on social media, María Montenegro is a singer-songwriter, music producer, photographer, and audiovisual creator. Passionate about music and artistic creation, she recently clarified that she does not earn a living from TikTok, but rather works hard and strives to excel with her art to support her family.
On her YouTube channel, she describes herself as an "independent Cuban singer-songwriter." "My main style is pop, but I blend various genres such as Cuban music, gospel, Latin, tropical, reggae, and reggaeton, creating unique and experimental sounds. My songs are inspired by true stories, aiming to connect emotionally with my audience," reads her introduction. She also publishes vlogs where she shares her life on the island. "Here I showcase my Cuba, the one I live every day," she adds.
"Currently, María is working on her upcoming album, a work that promises to be an even deeper exploration of her distinctive sound. To date, she has released 14 songs, 2 of which are Cover Versions," reads the artist's review on Spotify.
Montenegro's testimony adds to a wave of similar posts that have gone viral on Cuban social media. One citizen published an open letter to the Minister of Energy in which she questioned the mistreatment of Cuban families due to power outages and the lack of gas. Another user demonstrated how she has to cook with charcoal because her home has neither gas nor electricity, and stated: “Cubans never have a day of joy.”
In other testimonies, women have documented how they wash clothes by hand without running water or a washing machine, adapting to power outages, while a mother recounted that she lights firewood in the early morning to prepare milk for her daughter. Videos have also circulated where young people show spoiled food due to lack of refrigeration.
Official reports reflect the background of this situation. La Unión Eléctrica reported this Wednesday that the national system recorded deficits of over 1,700 megawatts and continuous disruptions for 24 hours. Generation remains limited due to breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, maintenance of key units, and fuel shortages.
In Matanzas, a young woman documented power outages lasting over 30 hours and displayed spoiled eggs and defrosted refrigerators. “It takes quite a lot of effort to obtain them, and they are quite expensive, only for them to go bad afterwards,” she said in her post. Like her, other users have stated that in Cuba, people do not choose what they eat, but rather what is available.
Maria Montenegro's video, for its part, is a reflection on the everyday, on what is experienced behind closed doors in many Cuban homes. Her voice, like that of many others, does not need scandal to be heard. It is enough to expose the routine: having something to eat, but not knowing if it will last long enough. Because in Cuba, even the little that is achieved can be lost during a blackout.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Daily Life in Cuba
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba severely impact the daily lives of citizens. The lack of electricity not only makes it difficult to preserve food, but it also hinders everyday tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, and maintaining a comfortable temperature in homes. This forces families to seek alternative solutions such as using charcoal stoves or generators to manage their daily routines.
What solutions are Cubans seeking in response to power outages?
In response to power outages, Cubans turn to various solutions to mitigate the effects. Some families use generators, although these are expensive and not accessible to everyone. Others choose to cook with charcoal, and at times, they rely on assistance from neighbors with additional resources such as rechargeable fans or access to generators.
How does the energy crisis affect the food supply for Cuban families?
The energy crisis has a direct impact on the food supply for Cuban families. The lack of electricity causes food to spoil quickly, forcing families to cook whatever they can find immediately or lose those foods. Additionally, the scarcity of gas and electricity limits cooking options, increasing the use of methods such as charcoal.
What do Cubans think about the current energy situation?
Cuban citizens express deep discontent with the current energy situation. Many feel that the sacrifices they make to obtain food and other basic resources are in vain due to the lack of effective solutions from the government. Frustration is evident on social media, where citizens share their daily experiences and denounce the authorities' ineffectiveness in resolving the crisis.
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