A Cuban identified as @soy_thalyholguin shared a video on TikTok showing what she has in her refrigerator amid the food crisis affecting Cuba. Her post, which quickly went viral, reflects the hardships faced by thousands of families on the island.
"I live in Cuba, and this is what I have in my refrigerator," the young woman begins in the video, which has garnered thousands of views. "Like everyone else is doing, and since I’m a bit of a character, I'm here to show you what I have. My dear ones, excuse my appearance, but I just got up," she adds, laughing.
In the images, the Cuban woman shows various dry sweets that she buys for breakfast, priced at 50 Cuban pesos each. “That's what I have for breakfast, because there's nothing else,” she comments resignedly. She then shows an avocado—one whole and two cut in half—a nearly empty container of mayonnaise, and a glass of soda, which she claims isn't hers because she doesn’t like sweets.
It also shows a small "cacharra" with sauce from the previous day, some refrigerated medications, Chinese sauce that is not used "because there's nothing to pair it with," and basic spices like garlic and pepper. In the freezer, the only visible items are two containers of water and four sausages.
"And that is all I have in my refrigerator living in Cuba," concludes the young woman, highlighting a daily reality marked by food shortages and the rising cost of basic products.
The video has generated numerous comments on TikTok, where many Cuban users identified with the situation. "That's exactly how mine is," wrote one user, while others lamented the deterioration of living conditions in the country.
The scarcity of food and the high cost of basic products are recurring topics on Cuban social media, where more and more users share their daily experiences to raise awareness of the crisis affecting the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of food in Cuba?
Food scarcity is an everyday reality in Cuba, with high prices making it difficult to access basic products. Many Cubans, as reflected in the video by @soy_thalyholguin, face a limited diet due to the lack of availability and the rising cost of food.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the purchasing power of its citizens?
The economic crisis has significantly reduced the purchasing power of Cubans, making their salaries insufficient to cover basic needs. According to testimonies, even considerable amounts of money barely suffice to buy food, due to inflation and the partial dollarization of the market.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts are frequent and severely impact the daily life of Cubans, compromising food preservation and causing economic losses due to spoiled stored products. These power outages exacerbate the already challenging economic and social situation on the island.
How do Cubans cope with the lack of water and electricity?
Cubans face the lack of water and electricity with creativity and resilience, although this increases daily stress and difficulties. Many resort to buying water at high prices or improvising temporary solutions to mitigate the shortages of basic services.
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