A young Cuban mother, known as @matancera_2009 on TikTok, has shared an emotional video exposing the harsh realities faced by the island's population, while directly challenging the official narrative that blames all of Cuba's issues on the U.S. embargo. The video, ironically titled “Cuba is in trouble because of the blockade,” turns this oft-repeated slogan on its head by sharing her personal experiences.
“That’s what they tell us to justify the situation we’re living in. Every day, the life of Cubans dims more; the streets are filled with sadness and loneliness. You don’t even find anyone on the corner to talk to, because they’ve taken away even our desire to speak,” she expressed.
The Daily Struggle of Cuban Survival
The young mother elaborates on how daily life in Cuba has become an exercise in creativity: “Our lives revolve around worries and inventions. We invent ways to eat, to clean ourselves, to dress, and that’s how we live. Despite that, we don’t tire of fighting, and every day we wake up with the hope that things will change.”
She also highlighted the disparity between those who have access to goods and those who do not: “Here, private businesses (mipymes) have everything, things that ordinary Cubans cannot afford due to low wages.”
A Call for Reflection and Change
She concluded her message with a poignant call for reflection: “This is our life, full of ups and downs, mostly downs, but we keep surviving and enduring this worsening situation. Here’s a brief glimpse of what Cubans live through daily. Tell me what you think.”
The video sparked a range of reactions on TikTok, from supportive comments and expressions of sadness to criticisms of the system. Some users pointed out that despite available land, many cannot farm due to water shortages or government control over produce. Others lamented that “communism is the curse” or stated that “Cuba is suffering because of the communists.”
Voices of Despair and Hope
Her words stirred not only denouncements but also comments filled with sadness, faith, and resignation, underscoring the emotional weight of her message. “My Matanzas, how I long for you. Cuba hurts,” one user wrote, while another confessed, “I believe they will die of hunger, loneliness, madness, and misery. No one will save them except themselves.” Among the most touching were pleas and words of encouragement: “I pray to God that Cuba will be free again,” “May God have mercy on Cuba,” and “Sad reality, you are absolutely right.”
Others compared the situation to that in other countries: “They tell us the same thing here in Venezuela. And every day the situation worsens.”
A Broader Picture of Cuban Hardships
The testimony of @matancera_2009 adds to a growing number of voices depicting the widespread despair on the island. In a previous report by CiberCuba, many citizens expressed having no hope for improvement, citing power outages lasting up to 40 hours and food shortages.
Additionally, a Cuban man, filmed by Spanish YouTuber Topeados, declared he saw no way out: “I’m in a prison, where am I going to go?” he stated, with his face blurred, denouncing discrimination and a lack of future in his own country.
From Matanzas, another young Cuban named Sheyla showed how she spent 1,700 pesos on a small purchase of roots, more than half of a state salary. She also highlighted that many elderly people survive on banana peels.
The severe food situation has been documented by other voices like Izzy, who stated that the main dish for Cubans is no longer rice, but low-quality pizza and spaghetti, due to scarcity and prohibitive prices.
Another poignant account comes from young Julio César, who showcased cooking with wood after two months without water and highlighted that children grow up without dreams, while the elderly struggle to survive.
Outside of Cuba, people like Robelcasa have refuted attempts to gloss over the reality, asserting that “in Cuba, there isn’t even toothpaste,” nor stable electricity or dignity. His denouncement aligned with numerous comments calling the official narrative, which claims “there is everything” on the island, a lie.
The video by @matancera_2009 is essentially an intimate and realistic snapshot of what millions of Cubans endure daily, in a country where the official discourse often fails to match reality, and where more people are choosing to speak out, even if from a place of pain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life in Cuba
What are the main challenges Cubans face in their daily lives?
Cubans face numerous challenges including food scarcity, low wages, power outages, and a lack of basic necessities like clean water and electricity.
How do the Cuban people cope with these challenges?
Cubans often resort to inventing solutions for their day-to-day needs, showing resilience and creativity in the face of adversity, while hoping for change.
What impact does the U.S. embargo have on Cuba?
The U.S. embargo is often cited by the Cuban government as the cause of the country's problems. However, many argue that internal issues and mismanagement also play significant roles.