A Mexican tourist has gained attention on social media after sharing a video that describes his recent trip to Cuba as an experience he enjoyed "every minute, every second," despite facing power outages, mosquito bites, and a shortage of basic goods.
The video, featured on the Facebook page Martin y la Cubana, runs for just one minute and 36 seconds and has already garnered over 134,000 views, 13,194 likes, and 805 comments. This reflects the interest that such testimonials generate among Cubans and other Latin Americans.
"I enjoyed every minute, every second while I was in Cuba, even when I ran out of 'michiflín' (electricity), even when I got bitten by mosquitoes, 'EGN,' and 'santanica,' I enjoyed even the bites," the traveler enthusiastically stated, using Cuban slang to refer to electricity and the various mosquitoes that troubled him during his stay.
The Mexican tourist visited Varadero, attended parties, and explored camps, expressing profound gratitude towards the people he met. "I loved the people, I am truly thankful to all the Cubans who treated me so well," he commented.
He also highlighted the local cuisine: soups, roasted eggs, and mojitos were a significant part of his experience. When Crystal beers—or "cristales" as Cubans call them—or Havana Club rum, known as "mayave," were scarce, the visitor happily resorted to "planchados" and "alco colado," informal and artisanal beverages that are part of Cubans' everyday ingenuity amidst shortages.
"Cuba is very beautiful, despite everything, you enjoy it a lot," he summarized, ending the video with a hopeful note of returning someday.
This account comes at a time when Cuba is enduring one of its worst energy crises, with power outages lasting over 20 hours a day in many areas and a generation deficit reaching 2,369 MW as of this Tuesday, according to the National Electric System. The country has faced at least four total collapses of its power grid so far in 2026.
Additionally, Cuba is dealing with an active epidemic of dengue and chikungunya. The country closed 2025 with nearly 81,900 combined cases and 65 associated deaths, and the outbreak continues in 2026 with active alerts in several provinces. The power outages exacerbate the situation by hindering water pumping and promoting the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, precisely the type of insect the Mexican tourist described so casually.
This isn't the first time a Mexican traveler has sparked debate with a positive view of the island. In March 2026, another tourist, identified as "Cristopher Ar," faced criticism from Cubans for stating that "Cuba is not for the demanding" and that power outages "are a reality" one must live with. Many island residents questioned why visitors "romanticize" a crisis that is not just a travel anecdote but their everyday reality.
The Facebook channel where the video is posted seems dedicated to content about the relationship between Mexico and Cuba, which could explain the use of Cuban slang and the affectionate tone of the narrative. The presenter himself mentioned a "second season" of his content about the island, suggesting he had visited Cuba before.
"I hope I can return someday," concluded the Mexican, a sentiment that resonated with those who appreciate the warmth of Cubans and those frustrated by the island's hardships being turned into a tourist novelty.
Exploring Cuba's Challenges and Attractions
How do Cuban power outages affect daily life?
Cuban power outages severely impact daily activities by disrupting essential services like water pumping and complicating food storage and preparation. These outages, lasting over 20 hours daily in some areas, are a significant challenge for residents.
What is the current situation of mosquito-borne diseases in Cuba?
Cuba is currently dealing with an active outbreak of dengue and chikungunya, with nearly 81,900 cases reported by the end of 2025. The situation persists in 2026, with ongoing alerts in several provinces, exacerbated by power outages that aid mosquito proliferation.
Why do some tourists overlook Cuba's hardships?
Some tourists may overlook Cuba's hardships due to the warmth and hospitality they experience from locals, as well as their enjoyment of the island's natural beauty and cultural richness. However, this often leads to criticism for romanticizing the challenges faced by everyday Cubans.