Despite ongoing power outages and a lack of cooking gas, a Cuban woman found a way to throw an unforgettable birthday celebration for her friend. She shared her experience on TikTok, showcasing how they managed to prepare a special meal using charcoal, amidst the daily hardships faced by many families on the island.
"A birthday in Cuba with power out all day and no gas to cook. I believe Cuba is one of the few places where people still cook with charcoal out of necessity because gas can take up to a year to arrive," the content creator explained in a video posted on her TikTok account.
Cooking was no easy task, yet the effort was worthwhile. The birthday girl's husband took charge of making shrimp creole, served with tomato salad and malanga puree. This special menu is not within the reach of every household in Cuba, as the young woman pointed out.
"Not everyone here can afford this meal on a simple month's salary, because imagine, a pound of shrimp can cost almost as much as a teacher earns in a month," she remarked.
The celebration extended beyond the meal, featuring birthday cake, pastries, croquettes, photos, and the traditional singing of "Happy Birthday" to the guest of honor. The birthday girl's mother decorated the living room for the occasion, making it look "beautiful," as the young woman described, despite spending the day without electricity.
"But as Cubans always find a way, here we are, in a blackout, cooking with charcoal, but still celebrating my friend's birthday," the TikToker expressed, highlighting their determination to enjoy the special day despite the challenges.
This celebration occurred during a severe energy crisis in Cuba. On Monday, the Electric Union forecasted a mere 958 MW availability against an estimated demand of 2,850 MW, resulting in a 1,892 MW deficit during peak hours.
Adapting to Energy Challenges
The lack of electricity has also affected other recent celebrations. On October 31, a group of young people celebrated Halloween in El Vedado after experiencing around 30 hours without power.
In addition to power outages, a shortage of liquefied gas has forced some families to seek alternative methods for cooking. CUPET halted nationwide distribution on September 28 due to depleted inventory, and despite occasional sales, the fuel remains hard to come by.
Using charcoal is not a cost-effective solution for many households either. Previously reported prices indicate a sack of charcoal can range from 3,200 to 5,000 Cuban pesos, a significant amount compared to the island's wages.
The video’s author also reflected on the economic effort required to organize such a celebration.
"Anyone here with a business, extra income, or support from abroad might be able to do this once a month," she noted.
Amidst the smoke from the charcoal, power outages, and difficulties in sourcing ingredients, family and friends managed to organize a celebration filled with food, decorations, and special moments for the birthday girl.
Key Insights into Cuba's Energy and Cooking Challenges
How do Cubans manage cooking without gas?
Many Cubans resort to cooking with charcoal due to a scarcity of liquefied gas, which can take up to a year to arrive.
What are the costs of using charcoal in Cuba?
A sack of charcoal can cost between 3,200 and 5,000 Cuban pesos, which is a substantial expense compared to local salaries.
What is the current energy situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis with significant power deficits, as electricity demand greatly exceeds supply.