A Cuban man by the name of Yendry García has found a unique way to cope with life's challenges by transforming his broken refrigerator into a makeshift jacuzzi. Filling it with water and setting it up in his yard, Yendry took a dip, inviting his followers to "not stress over life."
Yendry shared a video on Facebook that quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 584,000 views, 36,000 likes, and 1,293 comments. The message of his video is succinct, delivered with a grin from inside his unconventional jacuzzi.
"Folks, don't stress over life in Cuba, don't stress over the power outages. If your fridge breaks down like mine, turn it into a jacuzzi, or as I call it, a 'refrigiricuzzy.' Don't let these blackouts give you a heart attack! Look at me, I'm enjoying myself. It's great!" he exclaimed while submerging himself.
The Harsh Reality Behind the Laughter
The backdrop to this comedic relief is a grim one—Cuba is enduring one of its worst electrical crises in history in 2026, with power outages lasting up to 50 hours a day in some areas and a generation shortfall exceeding 2,100 MW in May.
Under these conditions, refrigerators are breaking down frequently. Prolonged power cuts, voltage fluctuations, and abrupt system restarts are destroying them, and without parts for repairs or electricity to run them, many end up in the yard as useless furniture.
Yendry García found the perfect solution: water, sunshine, and a positive attitude. His audience responded in kind.
"Do you rent out the 'refrigiricuzzy'?" one user humorously asked. Another suggested "putting some beers on ice in the freezer section," and several declared outright, "I'm coming over."
Turning Troubles into Fun
This isn't the first time Cubans have turned a breakdown into an attraction. In 2024, a man in Holguín converted a hole left by a water company into his personal swimming pool, and that same year, a poorly maintained pothole became a children's pool in another viral video.
In February of this year, a Cuban woman showcased her broken refrigerator, out of service since December 31, forcing her to live "day by day" without being able to store any food.
Humor serves as a pressure valve in the face of a burdensome reality. A study published in 2026 documented the psychological impact of blackouts, finding that 55.4% of Cubans surveyed experienced extremely severe depression and 66% severe anxiety, directly linked to disruptions in daily routines like cooking, sleeping, and food preservation.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the electrical crisis in Cuba?
The electrical crisis in Cuba is driven by severe power outages, with some areas experiencing up to 50 hours without electricity daily, and a significant shortfall in power generation.
How are Cubans coping with the power outages?
Cubans are using humor and creativity to cope, such as turning broken appliances into makeshift pools or jacuzzis, despite the severe impact on their daily lives.
What are the psychological effects of the power outages on Cubans?
Many Cubans are experiencing significant mental health issues, with studies showing high levels of depression and anxiety due to the disruption of everyday activities.