A Russian woman residing in Cuba, known as Poli on her Instagram account, shared a video yesterday revealing that she named her newborn daughter "Apagonia." This choice directly references the chronic power outages plaguing the island.
In the brief 26-second clip, Poli humorously explains her reasoning: "When my daughter was born, my Russian mom was here. She didn't understand why I chose that name. But I see nothing wrong with naming her Apagonia. When she was made, the power went out. And when she was born, the power went out again."
Poli also mentions that her daughter holds dual nationality, adding a touch of irony: "She's one and a half Russian because she has a blue passport and a red one. She doesn't have the blue one yet because there's no ink," referencing the widespread shortages in Cuba.
Towards the end of the video, Poli poses a question to her followers: "What if it had been a boy? Apagón or Alumbrón?" This sparked even more engagement in the comments section.
The name "Apagonia" originates from a popular joke in Cuba amidst the severe electrical crisis, where humor about naming babies "Apagón," "Generator," or "Fuse" has taken root. Poli took this joke and made it a reality.
Understanding the Energy Crisis
Cuba is experiencing one of the most severe energy crises in its history. The entire National Electric System collapsed for a staggering 29 hours and 29 minutes on March 16, 2026, with a generation deficit exceeding 2,000 MW earlier that month. Blackouts have lasted up to 24 continuous hours in Havana and other provinces.
The causes are deeply rooted: outdated thermoelectric plants, lack of investment, fuel shortages, and frequent breakdowns—issues the regime has neither resolved nor addressed for decades.
Embracing Cuban Resilience
Poli's case highlights how foreigners living in Cuba have embraced the resilient Cuban humor that helps people cope with everyday hardships. The Russian community on the island numbers over 3,500, including about 2,500 Russian citizens, with historical ties dating back to the Soviet era.
The video quickly garnered more than 241,000 views and nearly 29,000 reactions within 24 hours, making little Apagonia an unintentional symbol of the crisis affecting daily life in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Energy Situation
What is the significance of the name "Apagonia"?
The name "Apagonia" is a humorous nod to the frequent and prolonged power outages in Cuba, reflecting the resilience and creativity of its people in the face of adversity.
How severe is the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is one of the worst in its history, with power outages lasting up to 24 hours and a significant collapse of the National Electric System in March 2026.
What factors contribute to Cuba's energy problems?
The crisis is attributed to outdated infrastructure, lack of investment, fuel shortages, and frequent technical failures that the government has failed to address over the years.