A statement made by Cuban content creator Elieser El Bayardo has ignited a storm of reactions on social media by drawing a parallel between the diet of 19th-century slaves and the current nutrition of the average Cuban. "Would you believe me if I told you that slaves in Cuba ate better than most Cubans today?" El Bayardo questioned in a video shared on July 11. In his analysis, he referenced historian Manuel Moreno Fraginals and his work, "El Ingenio."
El Bayardo highlighted that slaves were provided daily rations that included half a pound of meat (beef, jerky, or cod), yucca, cornmeal, pumpkin, plantains, congrí, and even goat stew. "It was a diet designed to endure the intense labor required in the fields," he explained.
He further emphasized that in 1850, with a population of merely one million, Cuba imported over 25,000 tons of meat annually. This equated to almost five pounds per person each month, not including local production. "Nowadays, having meat on the table is a miracle for many Cuban families," he added.
The post sparked a flurry of responses, with thousands of comments largely agreeing with the young creator's analysis. "And now you get jailed for eating beef; it's terrible... even a bread with sugar is a luxury," remarked one user. Another noted, "We were lied to all our lives, being told slaves only ate bread with water and sugar."
Some Cubans echoed these sentiments, stating, "Now we are slaves without food..." The debate escalated when El Bayardo released a second video featuring an interview from the Spanish YouTube channel Black Mango Podcast, showcasing a Cuban family that can afford only rice and boiled pumpkin.
"Today's food situation in Cuba is disgraceful. The difference is that slaves were fed to be productive, whereas now, Cubans merely survive," summarized one of the most widely shared comments.
This historical comparison has served as a stark mirror for many Cubans, who see in the past diet an unsettling reflection of their current reality.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
Why is there a food shortage in Cuba today?
Cuba's food shortage is primarily due to economic mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, and the inefficiencies of the socialist regime, which have led to limited production and importation of food.
How does the current Cuban diet compare to the past?
The current Cuban diet is significantly less varied and nutritious than in the past. Historical records indicate that even slaves in the 19th century had access to a more balanced diet than many Cubans today.
What role does the Cuban government play in the food crisis?
The Cuban government, with its centralized control and inefficient policies, has been a major factor in the ongoing food crisis. Its inability to reform the economy and agricultural sector has exacerbated shortages.