Cuban creator Elianys Echazábal has sparked thousands of reactions on TikTok after posting a video in which she lists several customs and “quirks” that are very common in Cuban households, many of which are shaped by the need to reuse and make the most of every resource.
“Let me know in the comments if you are Cuban and if you do any of these things,” the young woman wrote alongside the video, which quickly resonated with hundreds of users inside and outside the Island.
In the footage, the Cuban woman showcases objects and common practices found in many homes: from folding the coffee package and sealing it with a clothespin to reusing glass jars to store oil behind the stove.
It also mentions the nylon bags from rice, chicken, or sugar that are washed and kept for reuse; empty bottles that remain as "decorations"; and the classic toothpaste tube that is squeezed until the last drop.
The video continues with scenes that are equally familiar to many Cubans: the blackened "ollita" from frequent use for frying, the soap shavings that are saved until they can be combined, the empty bottle in the bathroom for mixing shampoo with water to stretch it, as well as recycled containers that end up being used to store sugar or salt.
One of the moments that sparked the most comments was when he showed a traditional coffee maker and, especially, when he stated that the most essential thing that cannot be missing in a Cuban home now is "charcoal."
"A charcoal and some children, because that's how we cook now here," he commented, clearly alluding to the frequent blackouts and the energy crisis that forces many families to resort to alternative methods for preparing food.
With a carefree tone, the young woman managed to blend humor and reality, portraying practices that are part of the daily lives of millions of Cubans and reflecting their ability to adapt to the persistent scarcity in the country.
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