Images of Cuban farmers roasting a rodent over a wood fire for their New Year's Eve meal have taken social media by storm, leaving hundreds of users stunned and disturbed.
The footage was shared by Cuban content creator Hermes Yasell (@hermesyasell_cubaface) on Instagram. In the video, the men refer to the animal as a "curiel," though several viewers have speculated that it might be a small hutia or even a large rat.
The images, which quickly went viral, have sparked an outpouring of sadness and concern over the deep poverty affecting numerous families across Cuba. Comments have flooded in, painting a bleak picture of a nation struggling with food insecurity.
"It's heartbreaking to eat that on New Year's Eve because there's nothing else," one user lamented.
The video has become emblematic of Cuba's food crisis, characterized by severe shortages of essential goods, rampant inflation, and dwindling purchasing power. Increasingly, Cubans are being forced to rely on unconventional food sources or resort to hunting to make ends meet.
This scene underscores the declining living standards in rural areas, where resource scarcity and lack of agricultural support exacerbate the hardship. "It's sad, but that's the reality for many," another commenter noted.
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
Why are Cuban farmers resorting to unconventional food sources?
Cuban farmers are turning to unconventional food sources due to severe shortages of essential goods, rampant inflation, and diminishing purchasing power, forcing many to find alternative means to secure food.
What does this incident reveal about rural life in Cuba?
This incident highlights the dire living conditions in rural Cuba, where resource scarcity and the absence of agricultural assistance programs exacerbate poverty and hardship.
How has the Cuban food crisis impacted families?
The Cuban food crisis has deeply affected families, leading to increased reliance on non-traditional food sources and hunting as a means of survival due to the scarcity of basic necessities and rising prices.