Spanish YouTuber José María Pastor, known online as @topeadosdeviaje, has once again stirred social media with a compelling new video shot in Cuba. In this footage, he follows a homeless man whose story highlights the severe deprivation on the island. "I invited this gentleman for a sandwich; he has been living on the streets for years since his house collapsed, killing his mother and brother," Pastor explains at the start of the video shared on his TikTok account.
Throughout the video, Pastor documents the man's struggle to find food across various locations in Havana, despite receiving a meager pension of just 5 dollars a month. He captures the chronic shortages of basic goods, stating, "Either there was no bread or no meat." In one striking moment, a store clerk is asked if there is any type of bread available, only to respond with a resounding no. "That's when I realized that in Cuba, even if you have money, it doesn't mean you'll be able to eat," the YouTuber reflects. The video then shows the man scavenging for food in a trash bin.
The video has sparked a wave of outrage and empathy online, amassing numerous comments. "You are the most truthful in describing the reality the corrupt communist mafia has imposed on the Cuban people," a TikTok user commented. Others expressed their sorrow with emojis and statements like "The sad reality of Cuba" or "Literally like this."
The Unseen Realities of Cuba
This video is part of a series Pastor has been sharing since his arrival in Cuba, where he claims the most shocking observation has been "the hunger." He recounts, "I've walked through Havana neighborhoods, seen empty markets, met teachers earning 10 dollars a month, and elderly individuals with nothing to eat. Here, they didn't ask me for money. They asked for rice, milk, medicine, bread... or the last sip of a soft drink."
The story of the homeless man is just one of many stark social depictions the YouTuber has broadcasted through his platforms. In previous videos, he also featured a teacher who, through tears, revealed she earns 3,000 pesos but lacks food to survive. "I saw people begging for the last sip of a soda, people crying out of helplessness," he noted.
Documenting Cuba's Harsh Realities
Pastor, a journalist and content creator, launched his channel "Topeados" after the pandemic, initially intending to showcase Cuban culture. However, it evolved into a testament of what he describes as "one of the harshest realities I've ever documented." His posts have resonated widely on social media, with many users expressing gratitude for spotlighting the Cuban people's struggles. Other foreign creators, like Adventure Elliot and the Black Mango Podcast channel, have also reported similar situations, depicting long lines for non-existent products, crumbling homes, and heartrending pleas for help as a "last resort."
"This isn't propaganda. This is humanity," Pastor stated. His series of videos continues to be published, presenting an unfiltered look at the less touristy side of Cuba: a nation where dignity persists amidst scarcity, power outages, and despair.
FAQ: Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What triggered the economic and food crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's economic and food crisis has been exacerbated by a combination of longstanding government policies, U.S. sanctions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has crippled the tourism sector—a major source of revenue for the island.
How are Cuban citizens coping with food shortages?
Cuban citizens often rely on government rations, remittances from family abroad, and bartering to cope with food shortages. Some resort to queueing for hours or scavenging for food, as depicted in Pastor's video.
What has been the international response to the situation in Cuba?
The international response has been mixed, with countries and organizations expressing concern and offering humanitarian aid, while others emphasize the need for political reform within Cuba to address systemic issues.