A video from the Instagram profile @el_loco_de_playa_ has taken social media by storm by showcasing an unusual and very Cuban scene: surfing in a puddle in Havana.
The protagonist is Yosmel Rodríguez Sánchez, who, with a board seemingly salvaged from a dumpster, plunges into an improvised "wave" created by his friends as they drag him at high speed through the pool of water accumulated in the street from a drainage overflow.
The peculiar "surfi" has sparked reactions filled with humor and nostalgia. "Creating antibodies the old-fashioned way," "200 miles on a board," and "this is real fun" are some of the phrases that have left users laughing.
It is clearly a game of teenagers and children in Cuba, where the opportunity to practice surfing is not accessible to everyone. The video evokes a childhood without the internet and without electricity, where creativity is the driving force of entertainment.
Several children run after "the puddle surfer", laughing, in a scene that blends humor and ingenuity, while in the background, sad images of litter on the street and bare little feet splashing on the pavement appear.
Entertainment that first-world kids will never have, says one user, and the rest fall silent.
Frequently asked questions about ingenuity and creativity in Cuba
How did the viral surf video in a puddle in Havana come about?
The viral video shows Yosmel Rodríguez Sánchez surfing in a puddle in Havana using a board rescued from a dumpster. His friends create a "wave" by dragging him at high speed through the puddle of water that has accumulated in the street due to a sewage leak.
What does the surfing scene in a puddle reflect about childhood in Cuba?
The scene reflects the creativity and ingenuity of Cuban children, who find ways to have fun despite limitations. In a context of scarcity, games like this emerge as alternatives for entertainment. The scene also carries risks of contracting an infection due to the dirt in the environment.
How does childhood in Cuba compare to that of other countries?
Cuban childhood is often characterized by a lack of material resources, which leads to greater creativity in play. While in other countries children have access to more technology and toys, in Cuba ingenuity prevails to create fun with what is available. This contrast is evident in nostalgic comments from Cubans who now live abroad.
What role does creativity play in Cuban culture?
Creativity is a central element of Cuban culture, especially in a context of resource scarcity. Cubans often find ingenious solutions to everyday problems. This resourcefulness is part of Cuban identity and pride.
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