Cuban photographer and content creator Iván Daniel Calás Navarro has once again touched the hearts of social media users through a series of videos posing a deceptively simple yet profound question: "Are you happy?"
In these videos, Iván engages with individuals on the vibrant streets of Havana, capturing their candid responses. The answers paint a poignant picture of the sorrow, disillusionment, and hopelessness that define life in Cuba today.
"No, I'm not happy," many confess, attributing their discontent to shortages, power outages, inflation, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty that steals away their joy. Yet, there are those who speak of faith, family, and hope as vital sanctuaries, enabling them to persevere amidst the country's turmoil.
Through his channel, Voz De Verdad, Iván Daniel aims to inspire Cubans to turn towards spirituality and find inner peace amidst the chaos of daily life. His content serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking solace in trying times.
Back in 2023, Iván faced harassment from the State Security due to his religious posts, highlighting the challenges he encounters in his mission.
In his latest videos focusing on Christmas in Cuba, he illustrates that happiness, during times of adversity, can become an act of resistance against imposed ideologies, the rise of poverty, and the repression faced by the Cuban people.
Exploring Happiness in Cuba
What question does Iván Daniel Calás Navarro ask in his videos?
He asks the deeply personal question, "Are you happy?" to people on the streets of Havana.
How do people in Cuba respond to the question of happiness?
Many express unhappiness due to shortages, power outages, inflation, and uncertainty, while others find solace in faith, family, and hope.
What is the purpose of Iván Daniel's videos?
His videos aim to motivate Cubans to seek spiritual peace and maintain hope amid the country's ongoing crises.