A cold soda, some snacks, and a bench under the shade of a park. With this simple scene, a young Cuban woman known as @yaneisycanta_98 on TikTok defines what she considers her true luxury: spending time with her son in her homeland. The video, depicting a daily moment filled with nostalgia and warmth, resonated with many Cubans. "I walked the same old streets, those that, though broken, remind me of my childhood... I sat with a cold drink while he ran, laughed... And in that moment, I was enjoying a luxury that cannot be found in Paris," she narrates in an intimate tone.
While her message was met with empathy by many, it also sparked a debate about what can be considered a luxury in Cuba, and who can truly afford it. "That's happiness, feeling good with what you have," wrote one follower. Other comments emphasized the importance of appreciating simple moments with family, despite the challenges.
The Dual Nature of Perceived Luxury
However, alongside the supportive messages, there were reactions that grounded the idealization of the moment: "For that luxury, dad must be abroad, right?" "Not all mothers can afford such luxuries for their children. Not even a glass of cold water." "With a salary in Cuba, if you buy a soda, you can't afford food."
Some even criticized the scene as appearing "very empty," with deserted streets and little activity, which for others, reflects a country where discouragement and emigration are felt at every turn.
Peeking into Everyday Life in Cuba
This isn't the first time Yaneisy has shared snippets of her daily life in the port town of Manatí, Las Tunas. Recently, she was praised for singing a cappella during a power outage, showcasing her talent despite technical limitations. She also posted a video displaying what she could purchase with 1,500 Cuban pesos, the island's minimum pension: a bag of noodles and a bottle of oil. "If it were up to the 1,500 pesos, the soup would be plain and clear," she remarked in that video, which sparked thousands of reactions.
Yaneisy has also detailed the cost of a day spent with her family at a Las Tunas hotel: over 12,000 pesos, equivalent to several weeks of the average salary. While she defended her right to enjoy time with her loved ones, she did not shy away from acknowledging the high cost for an average Cuban.
Reflecting on Inequality
Yet, her recent video touches sensitive nerves as it appeals to the emotional, while also stirring discomfort in a deeply unequal society. For some, it represents a small daily victory; for others, it is a stark reminder of what they cannot afford, not even the basics.
Understanding the Concepts of Luxury in Cuba
What does Yaneisy consider a luxury in Cuba?
For Yaneisy, luxury in Cuba is defined by spending cherished time with her son and enjoying simple pleasures like a cold soda and snacks in a park.
How did people react to Yaneisy's video about luxury?
Reactions were mixed; while many empathized and appreciated the simplicity of her luxury, others criticized it by pointing out the socioeconomic inequalities in Cuba.
What other content has Yaneisy shared that gained attention?
Yaneisy has also been noted for singing a cappella during a blackout and showing what she could buy with the minimum pension in Cuba, highlighting the financial struggles faced by many.