A young Cuban mother, known on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, has once again captured attention on social media by sharing a video explaining why she considers herself wealthy in a country where even basic necessities like water, coffee, or electricity are luxuries. “I live in Cuba and yes, you might not believe it, but having water in Cuba is a luxury, because we don’t always have it, even though it is essential for life,” she begins in the video.
She highlights other everyday scenarios, such as cooking with coal, enjoying coffee with loved ones, or having light during power outages. “Having a meal on my table every day is a super luxury, as many people go days without eating,” she adds.
She further expresses, “Having something to light my way during these blackout days, having health, having my baby with me, my beautiful baby, full of happiness, full of health, growing big and enjoying every moment of his life is a super luxury for me.”
The video ends with an invitation to reflect: “I invite you to look around, to see the precious things life puts in your path. Yes, you are wealthy, you are wealthy even if you don’t realize it.”
Reactions: Solidarity, Admiration, and Debate
Her testimony has sparked a strong emotional response among netizens. Many shared empathetic messages, particularly from Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other countries with similar contexts. “I understand you perfectly, I lived it in 2016/2017 Venezuela,” commented one user. Another noted, “You're right, sometimes we complain even when we have.”
However, there were also criticisms and skepticism. “Oh my, how you Cubans cry, I go to Cuba and don’t see what you say,” wrote one user. Others questioned how she accesses TikTok from the island or the disparity between her narrative and more favorable images of Cuba. “Are you a rich Cuban? Your house looks very different from others in different parts of Cuba,” another user questioned.
A Sustained Narrative on Cuban Reality
This is not the first time the young woman has used her social media to reflect on what it means to feel fortunate in a country with material shortages. In previous posts, she described herself as “wealthy in Cuba” for having a home, food, and family, emphasizing the value of basics amidst material scarcity.
She has also engaged in impactful acts of solidarity, such as cooking for homeless seniors in her community, aware that many go hungry for days. At other times, she has documented deficiencies in the healthcare system, like the need to bring syringes to the Faustino Pérez hospital in Matanzas due to a lack of basic supplies, or the inability to refrigerate baby food during prolonged blackouts that directly affect her child's well-being due to the continuous absence of electricity.
Through each account, this mother has blended social commentary, everyday life, and a sense of gratitude that resonates with many Cubans both inside and outside the country. Her narrative has become a direct reflection of how living with the bare minimum can be, for some, a form of wealth.
Understanding Wealth in Cuba
Why does the Cuban mother consider herself rich?
The Cuban mother considers herself rich because she appreciates having basic necessities like water, food, and electricity, which are luxuries in Cuba. She also values having her family and good health.
What has been the response to her video?
The video received emotional responses from viewers, with many expressing empathy and understanding, especially from countries with similar struggles. However, there were also criticisms and skepticism about her portrayal of wealth in Cuba.
How does she address the healthcare system issues?
She documents issues like the need to bring supplies to hospitals due to shortages and the challenges posed by blackouts that affect medical care and food preservation.