Amid the prolonged blackouts affecting Cuba, a man came up with a homemade invention to alleviate the stifling heat: a small rechargeable fan made from recycled materials and the battery of a walkie-talkie.
The video, posted on TikTok by the user @yubel.pino.hernan, shows the Cuban — affectionately called "el puro" — showcasing his creation, while the text overlaying the recording reads: "El puro surviving the blackouts in Cuba."
While demonstrating how his invention worked, the man explained: “This is a small rechargeable fan designed to tackle the electricity issues we face in the country: a strip of aluminum, a small recording device motor, an improvised base, and a battery from a walkie-talkie. What do you all think? Let me know if you like it or not. Or just take a look, see, this is no lie, alright.”
The recording quickly generated reactions among users, who highlight the man's ingenuity in finding solutions in a context marked by resource scarcity and the energy crisis affecting the island.
In recent years, Cubans have turned to similar inventions to mitigate the daily challenges caused by power outages, which sometimes last more than 10 hours.
The homemade fan adds to the long list of survival strategies popularized on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, showcasing everything from makeshift kitchens to alternative lighting systems.
This type of initiative reflects, once again, the creativity with which many citizens seek to cope with the constant blackouts that disrupt both rest and daily life in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis and creativity in Cuba
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to prolonged blackouts that significantly impact the quality of life for citizens, limiting access to basic services such as electricity and water, and forcing people to seek creative alternatives for everyday tasks like cooking and refrigerating food.
What solutions have Cubans found to cope with power outages?
Cubans have turned to creative solutions such as homemade fans made from recycled materials, solar panel systems to generate electricity, and cooking with firewood or charcoal when other fuels are scarce. These strategies reflect their ability to adapt and be resilient in the face of resource shortages.
What impact does Cuban creativity have on social media?
The testimonies of Cuban creativity are going viral on social media, showcasing the citizens' ability to find ingenious solutions to everyday problems. These videos generate empathy and admiration, highlighting the resilience of the Cuban people in the face of the energy crisis.
How do Cubans organize themselves to make the most of the limited hours of electricity?
When there is electricity, Cubans quickly organize their household tasks to make the most of their time. They cook for several days, do laundry, and carry out all possible activities before the power goes out again, reflecting the pressure and stress of living under constant blackouts.
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