Cuba plunged into darkness again last Wednesday after the collapse of the National Electric System, which left the entire country without service for an indefinite period following the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas.
In the midst of uncertainty and lack of communication, a Cuban family once again demonstrated that ingenuity on the island knows no bounds. The TikTok user @rossy_guajira_natural shared a video that quickly went viral by showcasing the makeshift homemade antenna she created to receive a signal on her cell phone.
“I live in Cuba and since the national system went down and we are cut off, I am trying out this little antenna. Honestly, you have to admire how creative Cubans can be; even NASA wouldn’t dare to try this much,” he remarked with laughter while showing off the device made with a base where he places the phone without its case, hoping to “catch the signal and not the thunder” from the storm that was falling that afternoon.
The video, which combines humor with the harsh reality of blackouts, also depicts daily life marked by scarcity. "Since there was no electricity, I decided to go dye my hair... and on the way, I found this cabbage at a kiosk for 450 pesos. I made a little salad that my kids love, and that's how lunch turned out," she recounted.
Ingenuity as a way of life
What would be a rarity for many is part of everyday life in Cuba. It’s not the first time a homemade invention has sparked admiration, as well as jokes, on social media.
In December 2023, another Cuban family went viral for placing their cellphone in a cut bottle with stones to capture the only internet signal that was entering their home.
Months later, an elderly woman amazed everyone with a switch made from a syringe to turn the light on and off, a mechanism that left more than one user saying, “Not even NASA dared to go this far.”
And before that, a coffee lover demonstrated how he managed to make his old coffee maker, practically melted, brew again by attaching a hose to the broken spout, evidence that scarcity cannot overcome the coffee ritual on the island.
These inventions, which evoke tenderness, humor, and amazement on social media, reflect a harsher reality, that of a country where power outages, poor internet connectivity, lack of basic resources, and high prices force millions of Cubans to resort to extreme solutions to navigate their daily lives.
The improvised antenna of @rossy_guajira_natural is just one more example of that forced ingenuity, which becomes a symbol of resistance and, at the same time, a reflection of the shortages that define life in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Sugar Production and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are power outages so frequent in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are due to a lack of fuel, the deterioration of thermal power plants, and outdated energy infrastructure. The national electrical system faces significant deficits, with many plants offline and accumulated maintenance, leading to prolonged and undefined electricity cuts.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of its residents. Blackouts force people to come up with makeshift solutions for cooking, preserving food, and performing basic tasks. Furthermore, the lack of electricity affects the availability of water and the ability to refrigerate food, worsening living conditions, especially for families with young children.
What inventive solutions have Cubans developed to cope with power outages?
Cubans have shown remarkable ingenuity in dealing with power outages. Inventions such as homemade antennas to capture cell signal, improvised systems for collecting water, and creative methods for brewing coffee are examples of how the population seeks solutions in the face of resource scarcity. These inventions reflect the adaptability and resilience of the Cuban people in the face of challenging living conditions.
What is the social and emotional impact of blackouts on Cuban families?
Power outages have a profound social and emotional impact on Cuban families. The lack of electricity not only disrupts daily activities but also generates stress and anxiety. Mothers, in particular, face challenges in trying to care for their children in extreme heat and without basic resources. These situations have led many individuals to share their experiences on social media, showcasing the resilience and creativity needed to cope with daily life.
Filed under:
