Mercedes Rojas beams like a child. Despite her age, this Cuban grandmother has just achieved one of her simplest yet most challenging dreams in today's Cuba: experiencing the cultural bar Yellow Submarine in Havana's Vedado district. This heartwarming moment was shared on social media by Cuban musician Dagoberto Pedraja, a former guitarist of the band Los Gens, who celebrated the occasion with poignant words: “See how love creates wonders.”
In one photograph, Mercedes stands with a broad smile in front of the iconic yellow entrance; in another, she holds a sign listing her three modest wishes: “Ride in a car, visit the Yellow Submarine, and eat chicken breast.”
The Significance of a Simple Dream
What might seem like an ordinary desire to many is nearly a luxury for a retiree in Cuba. Pensions in the country are barely enough to survive, prompting initiatives like Aliento de Vida, which has spent a decade advocating for the elderly in Cuba, to make small dreams come true for seniors who can't afford even an ice cream, a latte, or a plate of fried chicken.
Mercedes' dream was born in this context, and thanks to the generosity of Cubans both on the island and abroad, she was able to sit at the Yellow Submarine, enjoy music, and, if only for a day, experience the joy of what once seemed unattainable.
A Smile That Speaks Volumes
Mercedes' image quickly touched the hearts of hundreds on Facebook, who responded with warmth and admiration. Her smile has become a symbol of what solidarity can achieve amid a severe economic crisis that harshly affects the most vulnerable.
Stories like hers reveal a painful truth: in Cuba, reaching old age often means dreaming of what should be basic necessities. Yet, they also demonstrate the power of love and community, which can transform a person's life with a simple act of kindness.
Understanding the Impact of Economic Struggles on Cuban Seniors
Why is visiting a cultural bar a luxury for Cuban retirees?
For Cuban retirees, limited pensions make it difficult to afford even basic luxuries, such as a visit to a cultural bar, which many outside Cuba may take for granted.
What is Aliento de Vida's mission in Cuba?
Aliento de Vida aims to fulfill the modest dreams of older adults in Cuba who struggle to afford small pleasures, by providing them with opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.