"Havana is falling apart," declares Cuban content creator @kary_y_jony as she walks through the streets of the capital in a video recently shared on TikTok. Her footage captures scenes of collapsed buildings, trash-strewn corners, and a pervasive feeling of hopelessness that she describes as the harsh reality of everyday life on the island. "Finding food has become a challenge," she states firmly. "Trying to make a month's salary last even three days is the toughest task," she adds, highlighting the empty markets or those with exorbitant prices.
The young woman brings attention to the widening social inequality and the influence of the dollar's value on the informal economy, which dictates the availability of essential goods. The video illustrates a reality where some Cubans, as she describes, "resort to selling items they find in the trash" to survive. "This is the real Havana today, experienced by ordinary Cubans, not the one shown in tourist ads," she asserts, inviting her followers to share if this reality is mirrored in other parts of the country.
The content sparked immediate reactions on social media. "And what about the revolution?" questioned one user, while another sarcastically remarked, "They still have plenty of May Days... let them keep marching." Emotional responses also appeared, such as a user posting broken-heart emojis alongside Cuban flags.
Some criticized the manipulation of official language, mocking the term "informal exchange": "Informal exchange? It's just the black market as always," one user commented with laughter.
@kary_y_jony is no stranger to documenting the decline of public spaces in Cuba. Last March, she posted a video of Havana's Chinatown, showcasing empty restaurants and painted facades that conceal structural decay. "Prices are not at all affordable for a worker's wage," she commented at that time.
Just days before, she had shared images of the Ciudad Deportiva, highlighting its neglect: "Grass grows on the track while the sporting spirit fades like the stadium's color."
These reports align with other accounts of the housing crisis and urban collapse. In Old Havana, a young man revealed how he has lived with his mother among rubble for four years since part of their home collapsed. "I'm afraid it will fall on me while I sleep, but I have nowhere else to go," he stated in a video shared by @creadorcubano.
Official figures claim that 35% of homes in Cuba are in poor condition, though independent sources suggest the percentage is even higher. The state housing plan barely achieved 39% of its target in 2024.
Additional stories, such as @anita.cubanita64's from Matanzas, reveal sanitary concerns in communities where trash accumulates for years without intervention. "The houses are full of flies and mosquitoes," she said in one of her videos. Despite the circumstances, the young mother strives to maintain optimism by growing food and helping other neighbors.
Narratives from various provinces converge on a common theme: a nation caught between decay, lack of governmental solutions, and the daily resilience of its citizens. Havana, a historical and cultural symbol of Cuba, now stands as an emblem of neglect and inequality.
"This is Havana today, the one rarely talked about," concludes @kary_y_jony, adding her voice to the many Cubans who, through their phones and social media, tell a story unseen in postcards or official speeches.
Understanding Havana's Struggles: Key Questions Answered
What challenges are faced by ordinary Cubans in Havana?
Ordinary Cubans in Havana struggle with collapsing infrastructure, scarcity of food, and exorbitant prices. The informal economy, driven by the dollar's value, exacerbates social inequality.
How has the housing situation deteriorated in Cuba?
The housing situation has worsened, with 35% of homes reportedly in poor condition. Efforts to meet housing plan targets have fallen short, contributing to a widespread crisis.
What impact does the informal economy have on daily life in Cuba?
The informal economy, heavily influenced by the dollar, dictates the availability and pricing of essential goods, leading to greater inequality and hardship for ordinary Cubans.