A video posted on TikTok by a young woman in Matanzas has sparked a wave of reactions on social media by starkly exposing the daily reality that millions of Cubans face. In the recording, the author (@briana_matancera) shares a personal reflection on life on the island: “Living in Cuba these days has become a great challenge, and yet you wake up early with hopes that your day will be better, but with the certainty that this will be impossible.”
"Day to day boils down to getting up early to work, because even though the salary doesn't stretch to cover anything, you can't die of hunger," the young woman continues, describing how people rush to the markets or stores when they hear that a product has arrived, even knowing that "the line will be endless."
He also reports on the water and electricity cuts that "drive you crazy," the lack of sleep for children due to "the heat and mosquitoes," and the situation of the elderly, who "have to find ways to survive when they should be enjoying a peaceful and happy old age."
The young woman also laments that, after a long day of work without having eaten, many return home hoping to buy bread, only to find that “there isn’t any, for any number of reasons,” forcing families to “improvise in order to buy the most basic things and thus maintain a home that depends on you.” “Wherever you go, there’s an air of sadness and loneliness. This is what life has become for Cubans,” she concludes.
The post generated a wave of responses filled with sadness, indignation, and solidarity. Cubans abroad shared their pain upon seeing what their compatriots still endure on the island. Others expressed frustration and hopelessness over the lack of change. There were also questions raised about the future of the new generations and open criticism of the Cuban political system.
The testimony of this young woman from Matanzas reflects a reality that has been widely documented by independent media. In provinces like Camagüey, the shortage of wheat flour has left the population without regulated bread for weeks, a situation that authorities have yet to resolve despite repeated promises. Bread, which is an essential part of the basic food basket, has become an unattainable product in several regions of the country, and in places like Guantánamo its distribution has been restricted exclusively to those under 13 and prioritized centers, a decision that has generated a strong wave of criticism on social media for excluding adults, the elderly, and other equally vulnerable groups.
The same author of the video has starred in other publications, including a recent one in which she showcased the products she received through the supply booklet for a month: rice, beans, peas, brown sugar, and a compote. All intended for two people. That scene, as everyday as it is disheartening, sparked an intense debate among users both inside and outside the country, with some comparing the situation to that of other nations in crisis, and others highlighting the deterioration of the rationing system as a symbol of economic failure.
One of the most striking aspects of the testimony was the mention of the elderly, who, instead of enjoying a dignified old age, must find ways to survive amidst the crisis. This complaint resonates in a recent report by the state-run newspaper Girón, which portrayed the harsh reality of retirees in Matanzas who are forced to sell on the streets to supplement pensions that barely reach 1,500 pesos a month. Among the cases presented is a former engineer who works early under the sun, a former sugar industry worker who survives by selling cigarettes, and a retired administrator who, along with his wife, can barely meet their basic needs.
More than 39% of retirees in Cuba currently survive on the minimum pension, which amounts to about five dollars at the informal exchange rate. This situation has worsened with the transfer of responsibilities from the National Social Security Institute to the provinces, leaving the elderly even more vulnerable amid shortages and uncontrolled inflation.
The video that generated this impact is not an isolated case, but rather part of a growing trend: Cubans using social media to showcase their daily lives, highlight the deterioration of life on the island, and emit a silent yet powerful cry from everyday resistance. As official promises fade away, citizen testimonies solidify as vivid portrayals of a reality that can no longer be hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Cuba and Its Impact on Daily Life
How does the scarcity of basic goods affect the Cuban population?
The scarcity of basic products in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of citizens. Cubans face long lines to acquire essential foods, such as bread, rice, and beans, which are insufficient to meet their daily needs. Furthermore, the lack of essential products has led to situations where families must "improvise" to be able to buy the basics, particularly affecting the elderly who should be enjoying a peaceful old age.
What are the main complaints from Cubans regarding the blackouts?
Cuban citizens are reporting that power outages are frequent and prolonged, severely impacting their quality of life. These electricity cuts hinder cooking, food preservation, and getting proper rest, especially in homes with children and the elderly. The outages also force families to resort to means such as generators or charcoal stoves to carry on with their daily activities.
How do retirees in Cuba survive on such low pensions?
Surviving on a low pension in Cuba is a significant challenge for retirees. Many have to find creative ways to earn extra income, such as selling products on the street, as monthly pensions, which are around five dollars at the informal exchange rate, are insufficient to cover even the basic monthly needs. This situation is exacerbated by rising inflation and product shortages on the island.
What impact does the accumulation of garbage and the lack of sanitation have on public health?
The accumulation of garbage and the lack of sanitation in Cuba have a significantly negative impact on public health. Unhealthy conditions lead to swarms of flies and mosquitoes that can transmit diseases, while the lack of state intervention in waste collection worsens the situation. These conditions are a breeding ground for diseases and pose a risk to the health of the population, especially in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
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