A Cuban woman was amazed to come across a homemade raft on the beach and decided to share her discovery on TikTok. “A Cuban boat, look at the Cuban engineering. With this, someone made it to this country. What a level of ingenuity Cubans have!” comments @yaimacfonseca while recording the video, which has already garnered thousands of views.
The vessel, built with metal tanks, recycled sheets, and what appears to be a Lada car engine, is a pure example of creativity in times of need. "Leaving a country like this with water tanks... that's what a government forces you to do," the woman says, moved.
The video quickly filled with comments from other Cubans who have lived the experience. "That gave me the opportunity to escape from the prison island, I did it," shared a user. Later, they added, "We were 17 people." Many agreed on the sentiment: nostalgia, respect, and admiration.
“A gas engine… they took a chance,” commented someone else, while others simply wrote: “Blessings” or “Wow!”
These types of rafts, popularly known as "tanqueros," are a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who choose to venture out to sea in search of a new life. As @yaimacfonseca clearly stated in their post: "The ingenuity of a Cuban knows no bounds."
Frequently asked questions about the Cuban sugar industry and makeshift rafts
What does the raft found on the beach represent in terms of Cuban ingenuity?
The raft found on the beach is an example of Cuban ingenuity, showcasing how people turn to creative and risky solutions to escape the challenging conditions on the island. Built from recycled materials and a car engine, it reflects the desperation and inventiveness in the face of limited safe options for emigration.
Why do Cubans build makeshift rafts to emigrate?
Cubans build improvised rafts to escape the island due to the economic and political situation in Cuba, which drives many to seek a better life in other countries. These vessels, known as "tanqueros," are a desperate response to the lack of legal and safe ways to emigrate.
How is Cuban creativity perceived on social media?
Cuban creativity is widely admired on social media, where videos and images of inventions and ingenious solutions go viral. These contents showcase both the adaptability of Cubans and the need for structural improvements in the country, sparking debates and reflections on the situation on the island.
What other examples of Cuban ingenuity exist in times of need?
The Cuban ingenuity manifests through various creative solutions, such as adapting vehicles to increase fuel capacity, transforming everyday objects for new uses, and improvising in fishing and trading. These actions are responses to the scarcity of resources and the limitations imposed by the economic crisis in Cuba.
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