Melanye Sánchez, a young Cuban known on social media as @im____melanye, has captured the attention of thousands after sharing a video depicting her daily meals while living in Cuba. Her video has been praised for its honesty, with many commenting, "This is the first credible video I've seen of this trend."
In her straightforward video, Melanye details her meals, characterized by improvisation and scarcity—a common reality for many Cubans. "First, the milk went bad, so my mom made dulce de leche, and we bought pound cake and a small soda for breakfast," she narrated.
She expressed gratitude to her mother for "always finding a way" to ensure there's something on the table. Lunch was simple, consisting of sardines in sauce with white rice and bananas grown in their yard.
In the afternoon, she joined a friend for a snack, enjoying bread with macabí (a type of fish) and cherimoya juice—a unique combination she described as "divine."
The day concluded with dinner featuring a casserole of meat, fried plantains, white rice, and cabbage. "I hope you liked the video," Melanye concluded with a smile, emphasizing that her goal was to share a slice of her everyday life, not to stir controversy.
Many viewers appreciated the authenticity of her post, contrasting it with other content that, they claim, idealizes life on the island or fails to reflect the real struggles faced by a significant portion of the population. "Thank you for showing the unembellished truth," one user commented. Another added, "I love how you don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. I wish there were more people like you in this world."
One person remarked, "You're lucky to have all that there because many don't." Melanye replied, "I am grateful for even the smallest things and always try to help. I don't have the best or worst situation in Cuba."
Melanye's post highlights not only the creativity many families employ to cope with the food crisis on the island but also the desire among young people to express themselves freely on social media, without fear of showing both the bright and dark sides of where they live.
Understanding Daily Life in Cuba Through Social Media
What makes Melanye Sánchez's video stand out?
Melanye Sánchez's video is praised for its authenticity and straightforwardness, offering an honest depiction of daily life in Cuba that resonates with many viewers.
How do Cubans deal with food scarcity?
Cubans often rely on creativity and improvisation, as demonstrated by Melanye's family, to make the most of limited resources and ensure meals are available daily.
Why do people appreciate Melanye's content on social media?
Viewers appreciate Melanye's content for its genuine portrayal of life in Cuba, free from embellishments, which offers a realistic perspective that many find refreshing and relatable.