Cuban influencer Milenita (Milena Sánchez Rodríguez) shared a touching video on Instagram this Monday featuring her and her husband, known as "Puti," as they support children selling sweets on the streets of Cuba. They encouraged their followers to follow suit in this act of kindness.
"Supporting these children selling sweets in Cuba. If you see them, buy all their sweets. The 'orejones' were really good. Blessings to them," Milenita captioned the two-minute and 16-second video.
The couple's gesture caught the attention of their followers, resulting in thousands of reactions across the platform.
Child Vendors: A Growing Reality in Cuba
The video sheds light on a growing issue in Cuba: young children selling candies, bread, avocados, peanuts, and other goods on the streets and at traffic lights. This is a means to support their families amidst the severe economic crisis the country faces.
Despite Cuban laws banning child labor, the harsh economic conditions have normalized these scenes in busy areas of Havana and other cities, sometimes even during school hours.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations, such as the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and the Press (ICLEP), have highlighted the presence of child vendors as a direct consequence of inflation and poverty. These realities starkly contrast the official claims by the regime that child labor has been eradicated on the island.
The Sweet Gesture
The "orejones," which Milenita mentioned, are a popular sweet among these young street sellers. They offer them to drivers and passersby in hopes of earning a few pesos to bring home.
Milenita, who resides in the United States while studying nursing, is one of the most beloved Cuban influencers among the diaspora. She is recognized for her genuine personality and connection to the realities of life on the island.
Her husband, "Puti," frequently appears in her content and is much appreciated by their community of followers. The couple has created several moments in recent months that have sparked positive reactions from their audience.
A Call to Action
This compassionate gesture adds to Milenita's history of showing her humanitarian side, like when she returned to Cuba on December 31, 2025, to reunite with her family—a moment she described as "the best New Year's Eve of my life because I spent it with them."
Milenita's call to buy all the sweets from these children resonated with her followers as a reminder that, in the face of the crisis imposed by the Cuban dictatorship, small acts of solidarity can make a real difference in the lives of the island's most vulnerable families.
Understanding Child Street Vendors in Cuba
Why are children selling sweets on the streets of Cuba?
Children in Cuba are selling sweets and other goods on the streets to help their families cope with the severe economic crisis affecting the country.
What are "orejones" that Milenita mentioned?
"Orejones" are a type of candy popular among street vendors in Cuba. They are often sold by children at traffic lights and on busy streets.
How is child labor in Cuba addressed by the government?
Although Cuban legislation prohibits child labor, the economic hardship has led to an increase in such activities, contradicting official claims of its eradication.