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A chalkboard at the Cafetería Guanima, located on Playa Yugoslavia in Matanzas, starkly summarizes what the Cuban regime refers to as "varied offerings" for the summer: slices of mango and pineapple for 10 Cuban pesos each, soup for 40 pesos, and boiled corn for 50 pesos, as part of the state campaign .
The kiosk, operated by the Provincial Accommodation Company Guanima —a state entity—, operates under a rustic structure of red canvas and palm decor on the beach also known as "El Tenis."
The official post on Facebook invites the public to come for "your Sunday dip and a delicious caldosa," with the hashtag #MatancerosEnVictoria.
The complete menu on the board includes croquettes for 20 pesos, a plate of hamburgers for 60 pesos, coconut water for 60 pesos, and Tinajito soda for 20 pesos.
The more elaborate dishes are yellow rice with hamburger and boiled root vegetables for 95 pesos, and yellow rice with croquette and boiled root vegetables for 55 pesos.
For those looking for something more, the stand offers Yucayo rum in 700 milliliters for 900 pesos and coffee for 375 pesos. A set of dominoes can also be rented for 100 pesos per hour.
The offer is presented in a festive tone, but it contrasts sharply with the economic reality facing the island. The average monthly salary in Cuba is around 6,930 pesos, equivalent to less than 13 dollars at the informal exchange rate, while meeting basic needs requires at least 96,060 pesos per month, about 14 times that salary.
The fruit sold in slices for 10 pesos at the state stand has a different price in the informal market: mango is priced at 200 pesos per pound, highlighting the disparity between the planned economy and the reality of supply in Cuba.
The campaign "Summer with My People" was launched on June 29 on Avenida del Rosario in Matanzas and includes nautical activities, raffles, and karaoke. The authorities present it as a distinct internal tourism alternative to Varadero, aimed at the local population.
In this context, state-run campgrounds and popular beaches represent virtually the only accessible summer recreation option for the majority of Cubans.
Other camping sites in the country, such as San Pedro in Artemisa, show neglect and minimal or nonexistent dining services, making the offer from Cafetería Guanima —though modest— seem relatively active in comparison.
The minimum wage has been increased to 3,210 pesos starting July 2026, an adjustment that does not suffice to cover even a tenth of the monthly basic basket, highlighting what it means for a Cuban family to afford a day at the beach with the offerings from Cafetería Guanima.
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