The persistent shortage of essential resources in Cuba continues to shape the lives of countless families, particularly affecting women who bear the brunt of household responsibilities. One mother took to TikTok to share an unfiltered glimpse into her daily survival amid the island's ongoing economic and energy crisis.
In a video posted on her account @darlingmores, the young woman begins by stating, "I'm going to show you how to survive, to give you an unfiltered view of living with barely the essentials and whatever we can find." She describes how, without access to gas, electricity, or charcoal, she had to venture into the woods early in the morning to gather firewood and build a makeshift stove for cooking.
She narrated, "I started cooking these beans, adding a little bit of sugar to cut the acidity of the black beans, along with some white rice," as she demonstrated the process. Cooking on the ground amidst smoke and ashes, she emphasized, "a mother will do whatever it takes to ensure her daughter doesn't go to bed hungry."
Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in the meal, noting that it "turned out delicious" and remarked that the firewood imparts a unique flavor, even though cooking this way "takes a toll on the lungs." The video concludes with her showing how, besides cooking, she must also fetch water and keep the house clean.
Her account is a vivid portrayal of the everyday struggles faced by many Cuban mothers, who, with scant resources, persevere to ensure their families have a meal on the table.
Understanding the Struggles of Cuban Families
What challenges do Cuban families face in accessing basic resources?
Cuban families often struggle with limited access to essential resources such as gas, electricity, and food due to the ongoing economic and energy crisis on the island.
How do Cuban mothers cope with these challenges?
Many Cuban mothers find creative ways to cope, such as gathering firewood to cook meals and finding alternative methods to ensure their families have food, despite the lack of conventional resources.