A video shared this Friday on Instagram has become one of the most touching portrayals of Cuban childhood. Content creator Yeison López, known by his handle @hermandadtmph, presented a group of children with a choice between a Cartier watch valued at approximately 8,400 to 9,000 euros or some candy. Every single child chose the sweets without a moment's hesitation.
Yeison, who enjoys a following of over 800,000 on Instagram for his documentaries on the lives of rural Cuban families and workers, approached the children on the street with the proposition, holding the watch in his hand.
Not one child hesitated: candy was the unanimous decision. "No one took the watch," Yeison summarized in the video, which quickly garnered over 9,100 likes and 169 comments.
In his post's description, Yeison offered his perspective: "They chose based on what fits. If you think about it, it was a wise decision. Why carry a watch that doesn't fit when you can enjoy some candy?"
Yeison explained in the comments that he acquired the watch during his modeling days: "I got it from a job I did with Cartier back when I was a model, but it usually costs between 8,400 and 9,000 euros."
The audience's reaction was swift and largely emotional. Many users pointed out that the children's choice wasn't whimsical but rather a direct reflection of their reality: in Cuba, sweets are a scarce and cherished commodity, often brought in by relatives from abroad.
"The kids didn't choose based on price; they picked the joy and thrill of something as simple as candy. Growing up with so many shortages, small pleasures become precious treasures," commented one viewer.
Another user humorously summarized, "Candy: 1. Cartier: 0." "A Cartier isn't worth the smiles of those kids. Seeing things like this gives me hope," another commenter noted.
The scarcity highlighted in the video is backed by hard statistics: according to the World Food Program's 2026 data, over 48.5% of Cuban schoolchildren aged six to 11 did not receive meals or snacks at school. UNICEF reported that the same year, 9% of children under five suffered from severe nutritional deprivation.
This video is part of a series that has established Yeison López as a unique figure in Cuban digital content. In July, the story of Dainer, a 12-year-old boy who climbed 20-meter palm trees barefoot in Bahía Honda, Artemisa, surpassed 450,000 views and led to the donation of a bicycle, sneakers, and financial assistance for his family.
In September, the tale of Miguel, a child selling candy on the beach to avoid asking his mother for money, sparked thousands of reactions. His followers nickname him "the Cuban MrBeast," and many agree in the comments of his latest video that his content is "the healthiest thing in Cuba right now as a content creator."
Understanding Cuban Childhood Realities
Why did the children choose candy over the Cartier watch?
The children chose candy because it represents an immediate source of joy and satisfaction, especially in a context where such treats are rare and cherished. It reflects the scarcity of basic pleasures in their daily lives.
What does the video reveal about the economic situation in Cuba?
The video highlights the severe shortages and deprivation that many Cuban children face, as evidenced by their preference for candy over a luxury item. It underscores a broader issue of scarcity affecting the country's youth.
Who is Yeison López and why is he significant?
Yeison López is a content creator who documents the lives of Cuban families and workers, gaining a large following for his heartfelt and genuine portrayals. His work sheds light on the realities of living in Cuba, earning him the nickname "the Cuban MrBeast."