"I live in a town in Cuba, and having water and electricity at the same time is something that never happens, because there's never any water, and even less electricity," says Cuban user @yaneisycanta_98 in a video posted on TikTok that depicts closely and vividly how a typical day unfolds in her life.
In her testimony, she recounts how she and her family took advantage of one of those rare moments when both water and electricity were available to wash clothes, fill tanks, and cook. “We started washing the clothes, along with other things, because when there is water and electricity, you have to put in the effort, even from places where you have none,” she explains while showing the hustle of the day.
"In the pressure cooker, lunch was being prepared, a delicious rice soup. I always add salt, lemon, and hot sauce—lots and lots of hot sauce," they add casually. "But the rain interrupted our plans: 'It started to rain, and you know, that set us back a lot.'"
The video ends with a common scene in many homes on the island: without electricity, they turned to coal to end the day. "Our reliable friend," he calls it. "And that’s how my day went living in Cuba, or rather surviving, because here you don’t live, you survive," he concludes.
The comments on the video range from messages of support to reflections on precariousness. "Every day there is a new battle," wrote one user. Others compared the situation to life in other parts of Latin America, while some harshly criticized the Cuban government or expressed frustration over the repetition of these stories: "It's getting boring with the same things all the time."
From different parts of the country, other testimonies have revealed similar routines, such as that of a Cuban mother who prepared charcoal coffee while her son slept with a rechargeable fan, or another woman who described her race against time to wash and cook before the blackout returned.
Some have even suffered material losses, such as a neighbor from Havana who reported the burning of several household appliances after a voltage surge. Other accounts emphasize the daily uncertainty, like that of a mother who is constantly worried about power outages and prioritizes the purchase of generators or portable fans to ensure at least a minimum level of comfort.
In a similar video, another young mother shared how electricity and water never coincide, forcing her to constantly change her routine for cooking or personal hygiene. Meanwhile, in another case, a woman explained how every return of electricity is a race to do everything she couldn't during the blackout.
Social media posts reflect a reality that goes beyond personal anecdotes: the combination of prolonged blackouts, water shortages, inflation, and scarcity has made basic necessities—cooking, washing, storing food, sleeping with a fan—dependent on the electricity available at any given moment.
As another young Cuban summarizes: “You have electricity but no water; the electricity goes out and the water comes on... what a crazy situation.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crisis of Basic Services in Cuba
Why is the lack of water and electricity so common in Cuba?
The lack of water and electricity in Cuba is due to a combination of factors, including deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and management issues within the electrical system. Additionally, the country's thermoelectric plants are often offline for maintenance or breakdowns, which exacerbates the situation.
How does the electricity shortage affect the daily life of Cubans?
The shortage of electricity profoundly affects the daily life of Cubans, forcing them to reorganize their routines to make the most of the few hours of electrical service. Everyday activities such as cooking, washing, and refrigerating food turn into logistical challenges that depend on the availability of electricity.
What alternatives do Cubans have for cooking during power outages?
During power outages, Cubans turn to the use of coal or firewood for cooking. This traditional method has resurfaced due to the lack of gas and electricity, although it also represents a return to past practices and can be costly and unsustainable in the long term.
What do testimonies on social media say about the energy crisis in Cuba?
Testimonials on social media reflect deep discontent and frustration among Cubans, who document their daily struggles to cope with the lack of basic services. These accounts, often shared on platforms like TikTok, showcase stories of resilience and creativity in overcoming the crisis.
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