The high exchange rates in the informal market in Cuba have reached prices that are unattainable for many Cubans; some have come up with an unusual way to voice their complaints about the situation, dedicating a prayer to the one who is "above in the skies": the "Saint Dollar".
In a video shared on the Facebook profile of WOW VIP, a group of young people gathered in a "ceremony" in front of the Banco de Crédito y Comercio (BANDEC) to offer a prayer for the dollar in hopes that its value decreases.
The boys have parodied the "Our Father," replacing the object of invocation with the Holy Dollar.
Thus, instead of the traditional "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," one hears "Holy dollar that is in the skies, hallowed be CADECA, let the euro come to us, may your will be done both in BPA and in BANDEC".
And with the opening of dollar stores, Cubans have seen their monthly salary reduced to only a few USD in order to be able to purchase some products (or at least attempt to) in the new establishments opened by the regime to collect foreign currency.
The prayer implores the Holy Dollar in order to be able to shop at La Gran Piedra and at the market on 3rd and 70, in Havana, which have recently been converted into foreign currency stores.
It is also asked of that saint to forgive "the remeseros," who have the dollar at 350, according to figures gathered by the independent media El Toque.
"Just as they forgave those who placed products in MLC and continue to pay in national currency, don't let cash get lost as they exchange it at 20 on the street," they continued.
Finally, they called upon the holy currency so that "it doesn't let the MLC keep rising": "Bless the currency that will never return. Hallelujah to you, Lord, the king of America!"
In February, the supermarket at 3rd and 70 was inaugurated in the capital, described by some as "the Cuban Walmart," where prices as high as 146 dollars for a piece of Serrano ham or more than 70 for a cheese have been documented. In this same store, a bag of national potatoes was recently seen on sale for 8.85 dollars.
The phenomenon is framed within the official recognition of a "partial dollarization" of the economy, confirmed by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel in recent statements.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) has announced the opening of more than 50 stores of this type, as part of a strategy aimed at attracting foreign currency amid rampant inflation and the collapse of the distribution system in pesos.
Frequently asked questions about dollarization and the economy in Cuba
Why do Cubans pray to the "Holy Dollar"?
Cubans pray to the "Holy Dollar" as a satirical way to express their discontent with the high exchange rates and the partial dollarization of the economy that makes it difficult for them to access basic goods. This parody reflects the desperation and ingenuity of the Cuban people in the face of a critical economic situation.
What is the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy?
Partial dollarization in Cuba is the process by which the use of the US dollar is allowed and promoted in certain transactions and stores, while the Cuban peso remains the official currency. This measure aims to attract foreign currency but has created inequalities and exclusion for those who do not have access to dollars.
How does dollarization affect the Cuban population?
The dollarization affects the Cuban population by increasing inequalities, as only those with access to dollars can shop in exclusive stores, while the rest must deal with shortages and unaffordable prices in pesos. This exacerbates the economic and social crisis on the island.
What are the implications of the opening of dollar supermarkets in Cuba?
The opening of supermarkets that only accept dollars has led to an increase in the demand for foreign currency, which has driven up exchange rates in the informal market. At the same time, these establishments reflect and exacerbate inequality, being inaccessible to the majority of Cubans who receive their salaries in pesos.
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