A tense night unfolded in Old Havana as two foreign influencers staying in the area found themselves in the midst of a dramatic confrontation. Documented by content creator @danalucia.s in an Instagram reel, the scene highlighted the worsening social conditions in Cuba.
The incident took place right outside the influencers' accommodation in the heart of the historic district. According to their account in the video, the commotion continued for hours into the early morning, disrupting their sleep.
"You could hear threats like: 'I saw you with the knife, I saw you with the knife,'" one of them recounts in the footage.
The influencers explained that the entire dispute revolved around money: "The whole fight was about money. The woman insisted, 'I'm not leaving until you give me my money.'"
They admitted feeling fear at times, worried that the situation might escalate into something more severe.
The amount in question was 5,000 Cuban pesos, which the influencer pointed out was equivalent to "between 10 and 12 dollars." With the informal exchange rate on Thursday being 670 Cuban pesos per dollar, this sum translated to just about $7.46.
"The amount of money that fueled this hours-long chaos last night... 5,000 Cuban pesos, between 10 and 12 dollars," the influencers summarized, underscoring the country's dire economic situation.
Rather than viewing the episode as an isolated event, the content creators presented it as a clear reflection of the island's ongoing crisis. The video even showcased streets overflowing with garbage in the end.
"This is the old quarter in Havana. Look at these streets, look at these buildings. It's the old quarter, but regular people live here. And all of this happened right outside," the influencer concluded in the video.
This video contributes to a rising trend of foreign content creators documenting the realities of Cuban life. Recently, a YouTuber ventured into a Havana neighborhood to report his findings, and three Spanish YouTubers from the Black Mango channel faced interrogation by State Security after posting about Cuba's crisis in May 2025. In this instance, however, there was no formal complaint—just a firsthand account of the social unrest they witnessed.
Understanding Cuba's Social and Economic Challenges
What triggered the confrontation witnessed by the influencers in Old Havana?
The confrontation was triggered by a dispute over 5,000 Cuban pesos, approximately equivalent to $10-$12, highlighting the economic struggles in Cuba.
How did the influencers document the incident?
The incident was documented by influencer @danalucia.s in an Instagram reel, which captured the chaotic and tense atmosphere of the event.
What broader issues does this incident reflect about Cuba?
The incident reflects the severe social and economic challenges facing Cuba, as evidenced by the prolonged dispute over a relatively small amount of money and the depiction of deteriorating public spaces.