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A Day in Cuba: "I Woke Up Without Chikungunya Thanks to Creative Resilience"

Sunday, October 19, 2025 by Samantha Mendoza

The Cuban actress Danay Cruz Estupiñán has once again captivated audiences. This time, her iconic character, Lola Mento Guasimita, takes center stage by parodying influencer reels that depict daily routines, but with a distinctly Cuban crisis twist.

Lola, a rural Cuban character, starts her day free from chikungunya "thanks to creative resilience," brews her coffee from a small private business, and tends to sheep under threat from butchers. Additionally, she humorously laments her financial situation with the "menstrual salary" joke: "It arrives once a month and lasts for five days."

Her day continues with attempts to "reload the Bandec card," requesting money from a cousin abroad, and dodging the mosquito, dubbed "the national bird." Her satirical take on the harsh Cuban daily reality has gone viral on social media, garnering over fifty thousand likes and sparking thousands of comments.

One user commented, "I loved the cable dish in sauce... but what I liked most was the banana leaf apron. You nailed it, Lola!" Another remarked, "Cubans are really struggling, and Lola Mento knows it."

Infusing Influencer Trends with Cuban Reality

This isn't the first time the actress has merged influencer trends from developed countries with the Cuban reality to create humor. Last August, she portrayed a content creator "influencer-style," but with conditions unique to Cuba.

The story began with a spa-like morning: two cucumber slices over her eyes, which were quite expensive, and a makeshift robe from leftover curtain fabric. Her skincare routine rivaled high-end brands, featuring a piece of cassava across her face for the "cassava-acid" touch and matcha tea brewed over charcoal, proving elegance can coexist with power outages.

With her sharp wit and nods to Cuban reality, Lola Mento Guasimita proves you don't need to live in New York to stand out—just a clever idea, a camera, and a whole lot of creativity.

Exploring Lola Mento's Impact and Humor

What makes Lola Mento Guasimita's parodies so popular?

Lola Mento Guasimita's parodies resonate with audiences due to their sharp humor and relatable depiction of the Cuban reality, blending influencer culture with local challenges.

How does Lola incorporate Cuban culture into her routines?

Lola infuses Cuban culture into her routines by using local humor, referencing common struggles, and adapting influencer trends to fit the unique Cuban context.

Why is the "menstrual salary" joke significant?

The "menstrual salary" joke highlights the financial hardships faced by many Cubans, using humor to address the infrequent and insufficient nature of their income.

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