The Cuban content creator Maray Dana, known on social media as @mara_dana23, shared a heartfelt video showcasing how she managed to prepare a delightful Christmas Eve dinner, despite facing challenging conditions and frequent power outages in Cuba.
"We had only two hours of electricity that day, but I wasn't going to let that ruin Christmas for my family," the young woman explained in her video, where she is seen cooking with a blend of creativity, love, and festive spirit. Every family member contributed in some way, and for them, that was the highlight.
Maray made the most of the brief electricity window to get a head start on the meal preparation.
The table featured traditional Cuban dishes: black beans, white rice, tomato salad, and pork steaks. They also prepared tamales, a treat they hadn't indulged in for years, according to Maray.
The power cut out in the midst of cooking, but instead of giving up, the resourceful Cuban fired up her two charcoal stoves to finish the task. Using charcoal, she not only prepared flan but also cooked a pot of rice pudding and even a sponge cake.
The end result was a genuine Cuban feast. They had to enjoy it without showers or dressing up due to water shortages and the blackout.
"I know many celebrate differently during these times, but this simple way is ours," the young woman remarked. Her message captures the essence of Cuban cooking: creating magic with limited resources and turning it into a family celebration.
Challenges of Celebrating Christmas in Cuba
How did Maray Dana prepare a Christmas Eve dinner during power outages?
Maray Dana utilized two hours of electricity to start cooking and then used charcoal stoves to complete the meal after the power went out.
What traditional Cuban dishes were included in the Christmas Eve feast?
The feast included black beans, white rice, tomato salad, pork steaks, tamales, flan, rice pudding, and a sponge cake.
What message did Maray Dana want to convey with her Christmas Eve dinner?
Maray Dana wanted to emphasize the importance of making the most of limited resources and turning it into a memorable family celebration.