Renowned Cuban actor Andy Vázquez, famous for his character Facundo Correcto on the comedic show "Vivir del Cuento," recently shed light on the harsh realities faced by many families in Cuba by sharing a poignant image on social media. The photo, uploaded to Facebook on Monday, depicts a family, including at least one child, sleeping on their balcony. This desperate situation appears to be a result of the persistent nighttime power outages plaguing the nation.
Now residing in the United States, Vázquez, who is a vocal critic of the Cuban regime, expressed his frustration with the situation by captioning the image: “This breaks my heart. Cuba 2025 and Canel is worried about the Middle East,” highlighting the worsening domestic issues in Cuba.
Since its posting, the image has sparked widespread reactions online. Many have drawn parallels to the hardships of the "Special Period" in the 1990s, a time marked by severe economic crisis in Cuba. This scene is seen by many as a stark representation of the ongoing misery and neglect on the island, exacerbated by the lack of essential services such as electricity.
One social media user, Amor HR, nostalgically recalled the harshest years of the Special Period: “Reminds me of the 90s... we used to sleep under the open sky in our neighborhood. And that doesn't compare to today's Cuba,” she reflected. Aymara Hernández added more context, emphasizing that the image represents a harsh reality compounded by hunger and a lack of medicine.
Laritza Fuentes Lora delivered a scathing critique of the government's priorities: “The greatest hypocrisy in the world is in this government, so concerned with global issues while their own country collapses due to their poor decisions.” Meanwhile, Yunisbel Fernández succinctly captured the daily struggle faced by many across the island: “This is how many of us sleep from east to west: kids, the elderly, pregnant women... and at dawn, we must face the day exhausted and unmotivated.”
Tingui Rodríguez further emphasized the dire situation: “We are all trying to sleep on sidewalks, rooftops; it's disrespectful for children who can't sleep due to mosquitoes and heat, and then go to school with a meager snack. The saddest part is there is no hope.”
While it may seem unbelievable, the sight of a family sleeping on a balcony is not unusual. The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba continues to produce scenes that, in the 21st century, seem unimaginable: Cubans resorting to sleeping on their rooftops to endure the relentless power cuts.
Daniel Ross Diéguez, a young filmmaker residing in Guantánamo, shared his own testimony on Facebook, revealing that he has spent nearly a month "camping" on his rooftop, trying to rest amidst the darkness, oppressive heat, mosquitoes, and even Sahara dust.
Understanding Cuba's Current Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
Cuba is currently experiencing an energy crisis due to outdated infrastructure, lack of investment, and resource shortages, leading to frequent power outages.
How are Cuban families coping with the power outages?
Many Cuban families are forced to sleep outside on balconies or rooftops to escape the heat and darkness caused by the outages, despite the discomfort and risks involved.
What parallels are being drawn with the 1990s Special Period?
The current situation is reminiscent of the 1990s Special Period, a time of severe economic hardship in Cuba, as shortages and deprivation are again becoming widespread.