Last Wednesday, Cuba was plunged into darkness once again after a nationwide power outage caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas. Amidst the chaos and lack of communication, a Cuban family showcased the limitless ingenuity of the island's residents. TikTok user @rossy_guajira_natural shared a viral video revealing a makeshift antenna she crafted to connect her phone to the internet.
"Living in Cuba, with the national system down and us cut off, I'm trying out this little antenna. Folks, Cuban creativity knows no bounds, not even NASA dared to go this far," she joked, demonstrating her device, which involved placing her phone without a case on a makeshift base, hoping to "catch the signal, not the storm" during the thunderstorm that afternoon.
The video, blending humor with the harsh reality of power outages, also highlights a daily life dictated by scarcity. "Since there was no electricity, I decided to dye my hair... and on my way, I found a cabbage at a kiosk for 450 pesos. I made a little salad my kids love, and that's how lunch turned out," she recounted.
Resourcefulness as a Way of Life
What might seem unusual to many is commonplace in Cuba. It's not the first time a homemade invention has sparked admiration and jokes on social media.
In December 2023, another Cuban family went viral after placing their phone in a cut bottle with stones to capture the only internet signal available at their home. A few months later, an elderly woman amazed social media users with a light switch made from a syringe, prompting comments like, "Not even NASA dared to do that."
And earlier, a coffee enthusiast demonstrated how he brought his nearly burned-out coffee maker back to life by attaching a hose to the broken spout, proving that scarcity can't disrupt the coffee ritual on the island.
These inventions, which evoke tenderness, humor, and amazement online, illustrate a harsher reality: a country where blackouts, poor internet connectivity, lack of basic resources, and high prices force millions of Cubans to resort to extreme solutions just to get by daily.
The improvised antenna by @rossy_guajira_natural is just another testament to this enforced creativity, symbolizing resilience while also reflecting the stark shortages that define life in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Challenges During Blackouts
Why do power outages occur so frequently in Cuba?
Cuba experiences frequent power outages due to its aging infrastructure, limited resources, and economic challenges under the socialist regime. These factors contribute to the instability of the national power grid.
How do Cubans cope with frequent blackouts?
Cubans often rely on their ingenuity to manage frequent blackouts, creating homemade solutions like makeshift antennas, alternative light sources, and inventive cooking methods to adapt to the challenges posed by power outages.
What are some examples of Cuban ingenuity during shortages?
Examples of Cuban ingenuity include crafting antennas to capture internet signals, using syringes as light switches, and repairing broken appliances with unconventional materials to overcome shortages and maintain daily life.