A video shared by content creator Azúcar de Cuba (@www.tiktok.com.azucar) has caused a significant stir online, showcasing an agricultural market on the outskirts of Havana that seems almost foreign. The footage, available on her TikTok account, features an array of agricultural products and foods imported from the United States, a rare sight in the Cuban context.
Among the items displayed in the video are avocados, large garlic bulbs, onions, peppers, tomatoes, limes, apples, melons, mamey, various beans, sweets, smoked and fresh meats, drinks, and other foods, many of which originate from the American market. According to the TikToker, she stumbled upon this place "by chance" while traveling through a suburban area of the Cuban capital.
The Social Media Debate: Is It Really in Cuba?
The video quickly sparked reactions from social media users, with many questioning its authenticity and suggesting it wasn't filmed in Cuba. This wave of skepticism prompted the content creator to record a follow-up video, firmly addressing the doubters.
"First of all, I didn't provide the address because I don't know it exactly. I had to make this video to explain how to get there because I stumbled upon it purely by accident," she explained. "Secondly, if you haven't been to Cuba in years, don't call a person who lives here a liar. I have no reason to post a video that isn't from Cuba. Stop the nonsense and open your eyes. Stop the foolishness; there's everything here in Cuba, but it's very expensive," she added, visibly irritated.
Finding the Market: A Local's Directions
Regarding the location of this private food market, the influencer clarified: "It's going up 114, after you pass the CUJAE, cross Avenida Rancho Boyeros, take the central road, and about a kilometer further, you'll find it right there, visible from the street."
The Cost of Eating: A Luxury for Few
While the variety of goods amazed many, the prices sparked another wave of criticism. Azúcar de Cuba made it clear that these foods are available "for people who have money," yet they remain out of reach for most Cuban workers.
The images depict a Cuba of stark contrasts, where abundance and severe scarcity coexist. While some can afford imported foods at exorbitant prices, the majority of Cubans struggle to put even a simple meal on their tables. This reality highlights the failure of the regime's economic policies, which have only deepened the divide between those with access to foreign currency and those surviving on state salaries paid in Cuban pesos.
As the creator herself pointed out, in today's Cuba, "there's everything... except money."
Understanding the Market Phenomenon in Havana
Why did the video of the Havana market go viral?
The video went viral because it showcased a rare sight in Cuba: a market with a variety of imported goods from the United States, which is uncommon due to the country's economic situation.
What items were featured in the market video?
The video featured a range of items including avocados, large garlic bulbs, onions, peppers, tomatoes, limes, apples, melons, mamey, various beans, sweets, smoked and fresh meats, and drinks.
How did Azúcar de Cuba respond to the skepticism about the video?
Azúcar de Cuba addressed the skepticism by posting a follow-up video, insisting that the market was indeed in Cuba, and provided directions to its location.