A video produced with artificial intelligence, envisioning a modern viaduct in Santiago de Cuba as part of the Central Highway, has gone viral on TikTok, stirring a wave of emotional responses among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Shared by the account @historiamerica, the clip has garnered nearly 15,000 views in under 24 hours.
This 30-second video showcases hyper-realistic visuals of a multi-lane viaduct bustling with traffic, featuring arching metallic structures in golden hues, the bay of Santiago de Cuba, the colonial cathedral, and the Sierra Maestra mountains under a dramatic sunset sky. A visible sign in the sequence welcomes viewers with "WELCOME TO SANTIAGO DE CUBA." However, these images are purely fictional as Santiago de Cuba lacks such modern infrastructure.
The clip has amassed 580 likes, 27 comments, and 27 shares, numbers that underscore the emotional impact of this content, which starkly contrasts with the reality of Cuba's road infrastructure. Last Friday, the same account released another viral video depicting a fictional Havana-Miami bridge, also attracting thousands of views.
The Historical Significance of the Central Highway
The Central Highway, symbolically featured in the video, holds immense historical value for Cubans. Constructed between 1927 and 1931 during Gerardo Machado's presidency, it connects Pinar del Río to Santiago de Cuba over 1,139 kilometers, beginning at kilometer zero in Havana's Capitolio. Its construction employed around 11,000 workers, cost 111 million pesos, and was undertaken by the Compañía Cubana de Contratistas and the Warren Brothers Company from Boston. It is celebrated as one of the seven marvels of Cuban civil engineering.
The Stark Reality of Cuba's Infrastructure
The chasm between this historical legacy and the present is vast. By 2025, only 29% of Cuban roads were deemed in good condition, according to official statistics. Deep potholes and impassable sections are common, and authorities admit lacking the technology and resources for the necessary extensive maintenance. Recently, an accident in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, on the Central Highway resulted in 18 injuries.
This gap between imagined and real Cuba fuels the trend. In January 2026, @ilovecubita digitally transformed Havana's ruins into restored buildings, sparking a wave of nostalgia. That same month, a video used AI to recreate the capture of Raúl Castro and Díaz-Canel, garnering tens of thousands of views and comments like "Today AI, tomorrow reality!" and "I'll save this to visualize daily."
This phenomenon emerges amidst an unusual moment of political anticipation, with talks of potential Cuba-U.S. rapprochement sparking hopes for change among the diaspora and island residents. As one Cuban summed up in a video about the highway's current state: "Between the blackouts and the road's potholes, it's a total problem."
The trend of AI-generated videos imagining a modern, prosperous Cuba shows no sign of waning, with each new release eliciting thousands of reactions from a community that has long awaited the realization of infrastructure that AI can only simulate.
Understanding the Impact of AI on Cuban Infrastructure Perception
What is the significance of the Central Highway in Cuba?
The Central Highway is a historical landmark constructed between 1927 and 1931, connecting Pinar del Río to Santiago de Cuba. It's considered one of the seven wonders of Cuban civil engineering.
How does the current state of Cuban roads compare to the AI-generated visions?
The current state of Cuban roads is poor, with only 29% reported in good condition. This contrasts sharply with the AI-generated visions of modern, well-maintained infrastructure.
Why are AI-generated videos about Cuba gaining popularity?
These videos resonate with many due to their portrayal of a modern and prosperous Cuba, contrasting with the current reality and fueling hope and nostalgia among viewers.