A Cuban emigrant known on TikTok as Arianne-cala-diary (@lartigue05) shared a poignant video this Tuesday, filled with nostalgia and heartache. In the video, she reminisces about the festive traditions of Cuba's past, comparing them to the harsh realities faced by the island in 2026, a time deeply affected by a severe food crisis.
“Folks, I'm sitting here thinking, missing, and feeling nostalgic about the Cuba of yesteryears, knowing those times will never come back,” the young woman begins her three-minute and 42-second video, her voice trembling with emotion.
Memories of Christmas Past
One of her strongest memories is the aroma of roasted pork wafting through neighborhood streets on December 24th and 31st: “You would walk down any street in your neighborhood, in your city, and see the smoke, the smell of roast pork in every home, families united, sharing and enjoying their beer.”
She fondly recalls the traditional accompaniments of those family dinners: congrí, yucca, yam, and tomato and lettuce salad, meals where even the humblest neighbor contributed something to the table.
Vibrant Carnival Celebrations
She also reminisces about the carnivals, with their lively congas, salsa, and merengue music, the roasted chicken, and fried eggs with bread as part of the popular feast. Cándido Fabré and Polo Montañez were the soundtrack of those days.
“Those were the times in Cuba when, despite all the hardships, at least Cubans lived more peacefully, and they always had a plate of food on the table, for better or worse,” she asserts.
Present-Day Struggles
The stark contrast with the present is what pains her most. She laments that many families will struggle to put food on the table during upcoming celebrations, having to save every last peso to prepare something for Christmas Eve and New Year's.
Her story aligns with the growing food insecurity in Cuba. Christmas 2025 was already marked by a shortage of pork, forcing many families to replace traditional roast pork with more affordable options.
According to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) reported by CiberCuba, the maximum price of a pound of pork shoulder in Havana rose from 580 Cuban pesos (CUP) in December 2023 to 980 CUP in February 2025, a staggering 68.9% increase. Pork production has also dramatically declined in recent years.
By 2026, the food crisis continues to hit Cuban households hard. Government officials admitted in June that products like oil and chicken had not been distributed through the rationed basket for the entire year.
The "Hunger in Cuba 2025" survey, conducted by the Food Monitor Program (FMP) and Cuido60, documented a severe decline in food security based on 2,513 valid responses collected between May and July 2025. Among other findings, 33.9% of surveyed households reported at least one member going to bed hungry.
Further data from the Food Monitor Program in 2026 indicates that 96.91% of the Cuban population lacks adequate access to food amid inflation, declining purchasing power, and deteriorating national production.
Arianne-cala-diary's video joins a chorus of voices from Cuban emigrants using social media to express nostalgia for the island, recalling family traditions and reflecting on the country's changes.
“Today, my Cuba is not even a shadow of what it once was,” the young woman concludes her reflection. Despite acknowledging that the country has always faced shortages, she insists the current situation has made it even harder for many families to ensure a meal.
She closes her emotional video with a heartfelt message: “Long live my free Cuba, homeland and life for my Cubans.”
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Food Crisis
What are the main factors contributing to Cuba's current food crisis?
Cuba's food crisis is primarily driven by a combination of economic challenges, including inflation, reduced national production, and declining purchasing power, exacerbated by long-standing systemic issues within the country's socialist framework.
How have Cuban family traditions been affected by the current situation?
Traditional Cuban family celebrations have been severely impacted, with many families struggling to afford the food necessary for festive meals. This has led to significant changes in how celebrations such as Christmas are observed, with families having to replace traditional dishes with less expensive alternatives.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the food crisis?
While the Cuban government acknowledges the food distribution issues, specific measures to resolve the crisis remain limited. The situation persists with ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate food supply through rationed systems.