The Cuban-Mexican actor César Évora recently made the journey back to Cuba to see his ailing mother, María Díaz, who resides in Havana at the age of 90. Upon his return, the famed star of Mexican soap operas expressed his heartbreak over the stark reality he faced on the island during an interview with the "De Primera Mano" program on Imagen Televisión.
Évora explained that the visit, delayed due to his commitments with a new telenovela, was driven primarily by his mother's health condition. "I went to see my dear mother who is in a difficult situation... she's sick, and I went to be with her above all else," stated the actor, acknowledging that traveling to the island is not an easy decision.
What he encountered left a deep impression on him. "The situation in Cuba is extremely dire, overwhelmingly difficult, and I truly feel for what Cubans are enduring today. It's heartbreaking," he asserted.
A Dire Struggle for Basic Needs
Évora was particularly emphatic about the absence of basic services affecting the populace. "Living without electricity or water is a stark reality. Arriving at a home, pressing a button to light up a room, or turning a tap to get water—these are basic things that might be completely normal for you. There, it's impossible," he described.
The reality Évora highlighted is backed by stark statistics: by 2026, Cuba had experienced at least eight nationwide blackouts. The most recent blackout, on September 18, left over nine million people without electricity. The following day, only 3% of Havana's residents had power after the electrical system collapsed.
The water crisis is equally severe. By July 2026, more than half a million Havana residents were suffering from irregular water access, while nationally, around 2.7 million Cubans lacked consistent access to potable water, according to data from the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, the UN warned that power outages threaten the vaccination of 70,000 children.
Urgency for Change
In light of these dire circumstances, Évora was clear about the necessity for change: "Change has to happen. The people need it. The needs are urgent."
Reflecting on his role as a son, Évora left no doubt: "If she protected me as a child, now that she is 90, my greatest and most challenging role, which I am fully committed to, is to protect her. And that is what I am doing, day and night."
Having spent decades building his career in Mexico since emigrating from Cuba in the early 1990s, Évora concluded with a poignant statement encapsulating the gravity of his visit: "It's incredibly painful to be in Cuba."
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
What motivated César Évora's visit to Cuba?
César Évora visited Cuba primarily to see his mother, María Díaz, who is 90 years old and in poor health.
What challenges did Évora highlight about life in Cuba?
Évora emphasized the severe lack of basic services such as electricity and water, which he described as nearly impossible to access on the island.
How has the situation in Cuba affected its residents, according to Évora?
Évora noted that Cubans are experiencing extreme difficulties due to frequent power outages and water shortages, affecting millions across the nation.