Dayami, a Cuban resident, shared a video on TikTok on Tuesday expressing her overwhelming joy at being able to purchase beef openly at an agricultural fair in Sancti Spíritus for 1,250 Cuban pesos per pound, without fear of being targeted or persecuted.
"We are relieved to no longer have to hide or run from anyone just to buy our food," Dayami declares in the 47-second clip, showcasing the beef available at the fair's stall.
The woman's reaction is understandable. For decades, obtaining or selling beef from unauthorized slaughter could lead to imprisonment in Cuba. Since 1963, the regime prohibited private cattle slaughter without state approval. The 1979 Penal Code categorized it as a crime, punishable by four to ten years in prison. Later amendments in 1999 increased penalties, which could extend to several years when various offenses related to cattle slaughter and illegal sales were combined.
The Legacy of Beef Restrictions in Cuba
Strict penalties for violations related to cattle slaughter and illegal beef trade turned beef restrictions into one of the most notorious symbols of Cuba's absurd system. In 2024, 1,615 people faced charges for cattle-related offenses in Cuba, with 90% receiving prison sentences.
Legal Reforms and Changing Times
The change Dayami celebrates comes with legal backing: the Ministry of Agriculture's Resolution 162/2026, published in the Official Gazette on September 9, 2026, expanded the conditions under which private and cooperative owners could slaughter cattle for consumption or sale. The regulation eased rules on cattle slaughter and sales, allowing beef to be sold at agricultural fairs, markets, tourist entities, and other government-approved venues, provided requirements for registration, animal health, minimum weight by category, and authorized slaughterhouse use are met.
Despite the legal availability, the price of 1,250 pesos per pound remains high for most Cubans, whose average monthly salary is around 6,800 pesos, making a pound of beef cost nearly a fifth of a worker's monthly income. For instance, at a fair in Camagüey in August 2026, beef was sold for 600 pesos per pound, while in Cienfuegos, steak reached 1,000 pesos per pound in April fairs, highlighting significant price differences across provinces.
Nevertheless, for Dayami and many others, the legal availability of beef in a public market marks a substantial shift from the decades of restrictions that hindered its commerce. "The much-coveted beef that we couldn't eat before is now available for sale at the agricultural fair," she comments in the video, which quickly garnered over 67,000 views and 859 shares, underscoring the emotional weight this issue carries for Cubans both on and off the island.
The video concludes with a phrase that encapsulates decades of deprivation: "Thank God they're now allowing us and opening the doors to the world to provide a better life for our residents in this country."
Cuban Beef Trade: Key Questions Answered
Why was beef purchasing restricted in Cuba for so long?
Since 1963, the Cuban government banned unauthorized cattle slaughter, deeming it a crime punishable by imprisonment, to control cattle resources and prevent private sales.
What changes were made in the 2026 regulation regarding beef sales?
Resolution 162/2026 allows private and cooperative owners to slaughter cattle for sale under specific conditions, enabling beef sales at fairs, markets, and other approved venues.
How do beef prices vary across Cuban provinces?
Beef prices in Cuba differ significantly by region. For example, in Camagüey, beef was sold at 600 pesos per pound, while in Cienfuegos, it reached 1,000 pesos per pound in 2026.