YouTuber Explores Hidden Trailer Park Village in Cuba, Uncovering Its Current State

The Cuban YouTuber behind the channel JSant TV recently unveiled the dilapidated condition of a nearly unknown coastal settlement located approximately 49 miles from Havana.

This unique Cuban village, notable for its trailer homes reminiscent of American style, is situated in Playa La Herradura, in the province of Artemisa. However, nowadays, it rarely attracts visitors. The YouTuber himself remarked, "it's not even on the maps."

Reaching this location was quite the challenge. The content creator rented an electric tricycle for 2,000 Cuban pesos to reach the Playa stop, then caught a truck to the intersection of Playa La Herradura, and waited over an hour for another electric tricycle. The distance from the main road to the beach spans more than 5.5 miles, making it a difficult trek on foot.

"You really need a strong desire to swim at this beach to come so far with a trailer," he commented during the journey.

The Evolving Landscape of Playa La Herradura

Upon arrival, he discovered a community that retains the outline of what once was a trailer park. Most of the original trailers have vanished or undergone structural changes.

"One of the first things that struck me was the aesthetic of a trailer park town, even though there are hardly any original trailers left. Most have been altered and mixed with cement structures," he observed.

A witness in the video explained the origins of the settlement: "These trailers were originally in Varadero and some in Guanabo, and they were moved here. From Varadero, they went to Playa Salado and Playa Baracoa before being relocated to this site."

A Glimpse into History: The Trailers' Journey

According to the same account, the first trailers arrived in 1984, gradually forming the current village. During its heyday, these vehicles had their own registration and electric lighting.

Initially, it was a vacation destination for families with access to these vehicles, typically linked to state entities. Over time, it transformed into a semi-permanent settlement. Today, it functions as a small beachside village with families from various parts of the country staying temporarily, as noted in the video testimony.

JSant TV: Unveiling Cuba Beyond the Surface

JSant TV is among the most popular YouTubers in Cuba, showcasing facets of the country that state television ignores. His previous reports include an exploration of a quarry in Matanzas where workers manually extract limestone using 19th-century tools.

Another viral piece featured the hanging fisherman huts in Risco Alto, structures suspended above the sea since the 1980s.

Trailer homes are a rarity in Cuba. This video captures a specific era in the island's social history. Economic stagnation and systemic restrictions transformed these temporary vacation homes into semi-permanent residences that now scarcely resemble their former selves.

"An exclusive paradise with a unique beach that rivals Varadero and the eastern beaches," the YouTuber summarized, describing a place slowly fading from memory due to time and neglect.