A video posted on TikTok by the user Kenny Rossell has generated numerous reactions by showcasing the unusual image of Old Havana almost deserted on the eve of Valentine's Day.
In the images, recorded at night on February 13, empty streets can be seen in one of the historically busiest areas of the Cuban capital.
According to what is heard in the video, the recording was made around 9:00 p.m., a time when the area typically sees activity from residents, tourists, and couples celebrating February 14th.
"Gentlemen, look at this, it's incredible. In the past, on the 13th, waiting for February 14th, this place would be filled with people. Look at the time, it's around 9 p.m. and look at this, it's empty; there's no one in Havana. It looks like a ghost town, it's unbelievable. Not even a fly is moving," comments the video creator as he walks through the area.
The images show streets with public lighting, but there is no visible presence of pedestrians or any noticeable commercial activity at that moment.
The scene contrasts with what had been customary for years in the days leading up to celebrations like Valentine's Day, when restaurants, bars, and public spaces in the historic center typically experienced a higher influx of visitors.
The video has sparked comments on social media, where several users expressed concern about the lack of activity in one of the most iconic areas of the capital.
Others interpreted it as a reflection of the difficult economic situation the country is experiencing, marked by shortages, inflation in Cuban pesos (CUP), and the loss of purchasing power among the population.
Old Havana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, has been one of the main tourist and cultural hubs of Cuba for decades. However, in recent years, the decline in tourism and the internal crisis have impacted the commercial and social dynamics of the area.
The audiovisual material continues to circulate on digital platforms, fueling the debate about the current state of the Cuban capital and the contrast between its recent past and the reality that its streets face today.
Filed under: