What is love in Cuba? A viral message amidst so much disaster

A viral video on Instagram explores how love in Cuba is expressed through small gestures amidst the crisis, highlighting solidarity in difficult times following Hurricane Melissa.

You need to be happy. Poster in HavanaPhoto © CiberCuba

Un video del perfil de Instagram El Proyecto (@_el_proyecto) se ha vuelto viral en las redes sociales de los cubanos al plantear una pregunta sencilla pero con un mensaje poderoso: What is love in Cuba?

The Instagram reel mentions various ways to express love in a country in ruins, marked by emigration, an aging population, lack of freedoms, state repression, inflation, shortages, collapses, and loneliness.

Love in Cuba is expressed through small things, through tiny yet precious details. "It's a peck on the cheek. A chilly moment. A blue unicorn. It's 'Yolanda.' It's lying down on the seawall. It's an embrace. It's being exhausted, lifeless on the road," says the audio from the video.

This brief audiovisual piece went viral during the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which has left the eastern part of the country practically cut off, with regions experiencing more than three days without electricity, and thousands of families who have lost everything due to the flooding and strong winds.

To say "I love you" in Cuba is to share the few things we have with our family, partners, and friends, even when we are far apart. "It’s to dance closely. It’s a text message. It’s 'call me when you arrive.' It’s 'don’t leave, I’m halfway there.' It’s a schedule for the video call. It’s 'I sent you a little money,' 'I added a top-up.' What do you need?"

In the midst of pain, scarcity, and blackouts, Cubans find a thousand ways to show their affection, because even when everything else is lacking, love for one another is the only certainty that never fades in Cuba.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.