Spanish content creator Juan Dalmau, known for his YouTube channel Viajando con Dalmau, was deeply shocked during his recent visit to Havana. He discreetly documented the extreme living conditions faced by many Cuban families. Sharing snippets of his experience on social media, Dalmau exposed the neglect and poverty prevalent in the most impoverished neighborhoods of the capital.
The YouTuber was particularly struck by the deteriorating state of the housing, recounting encounters with families living in buildings on the brink of collapse, where the threat of falling structures is ever-present and government aid is nonexistent. "The government isn't going to do anything for them," he lamented after visiting cracked homes, lacking basic services, and described the conditions as "inhuman."
In addition to the housing crisis, Dalmau also highlighted the severe food shortages. During his stay, he attempted to find powdered milk for a young girl, only to discover it sold in bulk without labels or quality assurances, at exorbitant prices. The widespread scarcity and constant presence of garbage and urban ruins painted a bleak picture that Dalmau described as a painful reality invisible to many tourists. "I don't know what to say. I don't know where to film," he remarked.
To avoid repercussions from the State Security, which prohibits recordings that depict the harshness of everyday life in Cuba, Dalmau filmed discreetly with his phone. "You can't show what the regime doesn't want seen," he stated. Dalmau expressed criticism towards the situation in Cuba but also showed solidarity with the people he met during his visit to the Caribbean island.
"Cuba is a country with a vast history and a resilient people. Even in 2025, they're trapped in a harsh and silent reality. Time seems to have stood still here. There's a lack of medicine and food, but an abundance of dignity, ingenuity, and will to live," he expressed. His trip to Cuba is part of a series of content pieces that offer a personal perspective on the harsh conditions under which the Cuban people survive.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuba Through Dalmau's Eyes
What did Juan Dalmau find most shocking about Havana?
Juan Dalmau was most shocked by the deteriorating state of housing in Havana, where many families live in buildings on the verge of collapse without any government aid.
How did Dalmau manage to document his visit discreetly?
Dalmau filmed discreetly using his phone to avoid repercussions from the State Security, which restricts filming that portrays the harsh reality of life in Cuba.
What additional challenges did Dalmau highlight during his trip?
Apart from the housing crisis, Dalmau pointed out severe food shortages, exemplified by the difficulty of finding safe and affordable powdered milk for children.