The content creator Ari de La Habana (@ari_delahabana), who recently touched the hearts of many Cubans by revealing her grandfather's death from chikungunya, has once again sparked significant attention. In her latest viral video, she highlights the meager purchases a Cuban retiree can make with their monthly pension of 3,000 pesos, roughly equivalent to just $6.70.
“This is the monthly pension for a retiree in Cuba. Join me to see what we can buy with it,” Ari states at the beginning of the video as she explores various shops in search of "affordable" prices.
After a brief search, Ari enters a small private business—known as a Mipyme by the regime—and reveals her purchases:
- Two small bags of bread (600 CUP)
- A small butter (600 CUP)
- Shampoo (900 CUP)
- Dishwashing detergent (650 CUP)
- A bar of soap (200 CUP)
The total is 3,000 Cuban pesos, or $6.70 at the informal exchange rate. “This is all a retiree can afford in Cuba with their pension,” Ari concludes, displaying the limited assortment of essential goods she managed to buy.
Posted on Instagram, the video has garnered numerous comments and reactions from Cubans both on the island and abroad, many lamenting that the pension doesn’t even cover basic foods like rice, eggs, or oil.
“It’s humiliating to see a lifetime of work end like this,” one follower commented.
In a nation where prices are rising daily and the average salary hovers around 4,200 pesos, Ari’s account starkly illustrates the harsh reality faced by elderly Cubans, who are forced to survive on pensions that fall short of covering even a week's essential expenses.
This is yet another portrayal of the social collapse that the regime tries to hide, but which social media makes impossible to silence.
Understanding the Economic Struggles of Cuban Retirees
What is the current monthly pension for retirees in Cuba?
The monthly pension for retirees in Cuba is 3,000 pesos, which is approximately $6.70 according to the informal exchange rate.
What essential items can retirees purchase with their pension in Cuba?
With their pension, retirees can buy limited essential items such as bread, butter, shampoo, dishwashing detergent, and a bar of soap. These purchases total the entire pension amount.
How does the pension compare to the cost of living in Cuba?
The pension is insufficient to cover basic living expenses in Cuba, as the cost of essential goods far exceeds the pension amount, making it difficult for retirees to afford necessities such as food and hygiene products.