Related videos:
Neighbors from the Mulgoba neighborhood in the Boyeros municipality organized a community initiative to invite people who had nothing to eat on Christmas Eve to dinner.
Through posts in a local group on Facebook Barrio de Mulgoba, they offered food and even home delivery for those who were unable to travel.
One of the messages was posted by Alexis Torriente, who wrote: “If anyone does not have dinner, feel free to stop by here on 166th Street in Mulgoba… you will be welcome, don’t be shy… and if there’s someone who can’t make it, just message me privately and I’ll bring some over,” ending with a greeting of “Merry Christmas to all.”
In another post, Deinier Fabelo Martínezannounced that he was preparing a caldosa for those “who have nothing to have for dinner today,” and indicated the meeting point as “Calle 168 between 379 and 385, in La Chusmita, corner of Calle Primera.”
The posts generated a wave of reactions and comments from other Cubans, many of whom expressed gratitude for the gesture and emphasized the importance of solidarity amid difficulties.
"My eyes filled with tears... may God bless you for that and for having such a big heart," wrote a user.
Other comments emphasized "blessings," "humanity," and "beautiful gesture," highlighting the empathy towards those facing hardships.
In the days leading up to Christmas, food prices in Cuban markets had skyrocketed, reflecting the deep economic crisis the island is experiencing.
The reports gathered by CiberCuba showed significant increases in both imported products and those produced domestically.
In private establishments, known as MIPYMES, imported rice is sold for between 690 and 840 pesos per kilogram, while black beans can reach up to 840 pesos per 500-gram bag.
Imported coffee costs around 2,100 to 2,200 pesos per package, and sugar is sold for between 290 and 300 pesos per pound.
As for the meats, pork loin is sold for between 1,150 and 1,300 pesos per pound, the leg at 1,150 pesos, and ground meat at 320 pesos per pound.
Chicken breast—one of the most sought-after products this season—costs between 4,500 and 5,100 pesos for a 2-kilogram package, while a 2.5 kg package is priced at 6,100 pesos. A whole chicken is offered at 2,200 pesos for 1.3 kilograms.
The 30-unit egg carton is sold for 3,000 pesos, or 100 pesos per unit, a price that is unattainable for many Cubans, whose average salary is around 5,000 pesos per month.
On the eve of Christmas Eve, the Cuban table reflects the harsh economic reality of the country, characterized by food scarcity, a salary that barely allows for survival, darkness, and the empty chairs of loved ones.
Filed under: