A young Cuban woman has transformed an old saying about leaving the island into a biting critique of the ongoing energy crisis. For years, the joke was that the "last one out should turn off El Morro," but now, she quips, it seems the lights went out before anyone had the chance to leave.
"I didn't even leave, and it's already off," she joked.
Identified on Instagram as @sshantl.avs, she shared a video lamenting, with a mix of irony and resignation, how she never even got the chance to be the one to "turn off El Morro." The frequent power outages plaguing Cuba beat her to it.
"We were worried about who would turn off El Morro. What a shame," she begins.
The Historical Context Behind "Turning Off El Morro"
The phrase "the last one turn off El Morro" has been part of Cuban popular culture for decades, gaining prominence during the migration crisis of the 1990s, during the Special Period. It refers to the lighthouse at the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, one of Havana's most iconic landmarks, and serves as a grim joke about emigration: if everyone leaves Cuba, the last person should turn off the light before departing.
However, the young woman has cleverly adapted this expression to highlight today's severe electrical crisis, a reality that many generations of Cubans are all too familiar with.
"I wish I could have been the one to turn off El Morro. Had I known, I would have wanted to be the one to do it, because they turned it off too soon," she says, laughing.
A Satirical Dig at Cuba's Energy Woes
She then turns her satire toward the crumbling National Electric System (SEN).
"The SEN can't handle two rechargeable lamps, let alone the Morro's bulb. I didn't even leave, and it went dark," she concludes.
Beyond the humor, her words link two of the major crises affecting Cubans today: emigration and power shortages.
At the video's end, she revises the old saying to better suit the current situation in Cuba.
"The question isn't who will turn off El Morro, but who will fix the SEN," she states.
Her followers quickly joined in on the satire.
"It's not about who will turn it off, but who will turn it back on," one user commented, receiving numerous reactions.
Another user brought the joke back to its migratory roots: "For whoever turned off El Morro, there are still Cubans left on the Island."
Humor as a Coping Mechanism Amid Crisis
The satire is especially poignant during one of the most critical periods for Cuba's electrical system. Throughout 2026, the island has experienced repeated SEN collapses and generation deficits exceeding 2,100 MW, with power outages lasting for much of the day in many areas.
In this context, humor has once again become a vital outlet for Cubans to express their frustration over situations largely beyond their control.
Comedians like Ulises Toirac and Otto Ortiz have also recently used satire to depict endless days without electricity and the government's explanations for a crisis that seems to have no immediate solution.
The video by @sshantl.avs is part of a long-standing Cuban tradition of turning adversity into humor, though the underlying issues remain unresolved.
In another recent post, the same content creator sarcastically and unfilteredly addressed the deterioration of law enforcement. The clip deconstructs the image of the feared "Black Wasps," portraying today's officers as figures lacking respect and authority.
FAQs on Cuba's Energy Crisis and Cultural Satire
What does "turn off El Morro" signify in Cuban culture?
The phrase is a metaphorical expression used to describe emigration from Cuba, suggesting that the last person to leave should turn off the Morro's lighthouse light as a symbolic gesture of finality.
How have power outages affected daily life in Cuba?
Power outages have significantly disrupted daily life, causing prolonged periods without electricity, impacting homes, businesses, and essential services across the island.
How do Cubans use humor to cope with national crises?
Humor serves as a coping mechanism for Cubans, allowing them to express frustration and maintain morale amidst challenging circumstances, often through satire and comedy.