A young Cuban woman recently shared her experience on TikTok as she explored La Candonga, a well-known informal market located near the hospital area in Santa Clara, Villa Clara province. This bustling hub of non-state commerce is one of the most active in the central region, drawing visitors from nearby cities like Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus.
The TikToker, who goes by @kary_y_jony, captured the variety of stalls at the market, showcasing everything from food, hygiene products, and household items to footwear, electronics, and automotive parts. She described the site as consisting of two large fairs adjacent to hospital institutions.
Despite the range of goods available, she criticized the market conditions, stating, "The prices, like in all businesses in Cuba, don't align with a worker's salary." Furthermore, she pointed out the lack of cleanliness, which is especially concerning given its proximity to healthcare facilities. "There are various food vendors, including cafeterias and street stalls, but the notable issue is the poor hygiene," she remarked in her video.
Previous Reactions and Content
This isn't the first time the user has stirred reactions online with such content. Recently, she posted about her visit to La Cuevita, another popular informal market in Havana, where she also highlighted the high prices and neglected urban environment. "The streets are broken, littered with trash, there's a lack of visible bins, and even less awareness about maintaining cleanliness," she noted in that instance.
The Market's Background
La Candonga in Santa Clara has been spotlighted on social media before. In September 2023, an influencer known as "matrioshkacubana" dubbed it "the Amazon of Cuba," referencing the wide array of goods imported by Cubans for resale. "Generally, it's low-quality merchandise sold cheaply abroad, but here it's priced excessively," she stated, criticizing the erratic pricing: "One week prices are one way, and the next week everything could be more expensive."
Back in 2020, the market was at the center of a protest by local entrepreneurs demanding permission from the regime to import products directly. This demonstration, which reached the Communist Party headquarters in Santa Clara, highlighted the entrepreneurs' push for fairer and more legal operating conditions.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Markets
What is the significance of La Candonga in Santa Clara?
La Candonga is a significant informal market in central Cuba, known for its diverse range of goods and attracting visitors from nearby cities. It reflects the challenges and dynamics of non-state commerce in Cuba.
Why are prices at La Candonga criticized?
Prices at La Candonga are often criticized for being misaligned with the average Cuban worker's salary, making goods unaffordable for many despite being sourced as low-cost items from abroad.
What issues have been reported about the market's environment?
The market's environment has been criticized for poor hygiene, particularly concerning given its location near hospitals, and for the general lack of cleanliness and infrastructure maintenance.