This week, a striking white convertible Ford Mustang GT was spotted cruising along Havana's iconic Malecón, as captured in photos and videos shared on TikTok by user @descubriend0cuba.
In the images taken in front of the Grand Aston La Habana hotel, the powerful American vehicle, with Cuban license plate P277962, has caught the attention of many online. The presence of such a high-end model, which can fetch upwards of $70,000 internationally, has surprised numerous onlookers.
Displayed prominently against the backdrop of the famous Malecón, the sports car is accompanied by the caption, “Achieving my goals,” added by the content creator.
The Mustang, a symbol of wealth and status, stands out sharply in a nation where the average state salary barely exceeds 4,000 Cuban pesos (approximately $15 on the informal exchange market). Meanwhile, most citizens face significant challenges in securing basic necessities like food, fuel, and transportation.
The appearance of this vehicle has sparked discussions on social media about Cuba's widening inequality, highlighting how a small elite linked to political power or thriving private businesses prospers while the majority of the population endures blackouts, inflation, and a lack of opportunities.
Although the car's owner remains unidentified, this incident underscores the island's growing economic divide, where luxury cars starkly contrast with streets filled with vintage American cars, bicycles, and Soviet-era vehicles from over fifty years ago.
Mustang GT in Havana: Economic Disparities and Public Reactions
Why has the Mustang GT in Havana become a topic of conversation?
The presence of the luxury Mustang GT in Havana has stirred discussions due to its stark contrast with the economic hardships faced by the majority of Cubans. It highlights the growing inequality in the country.
What does the Mustang symbolize in the context of Cuba?
In Cuba, the Mustang represents wealth and status, standing in sharp contrast to the economic struggles of the average citizen, thus highlighting the divide between the elite and the general population.
How have social media users reacted to the sighting of the Mustang?
Social media users have reacted by voicing concerns about the deepening economic disparity in Cuba, as the luxury car symbolizes the prosperity of a few amidst widespread poverty.