Numerous Cubans have expressed outrage over a sign painted on a wall in Bayamo that seems to mock the widespread frustration regarding constant power outages and the dire economic situation on the island. The sign, which has gone viral on social media, reads: "A smile lights up more than electricity and it's free."
The comments of indignation from people enduring up to 12-hour blackouts were swift. "We're laughing at home to see if we can cook," remarked one Cuban woman, clearly referencing the frequent power cuts plaguing the country.
The Cuban government's calls for maintaining a positive attitude amid the energy crisis often backfire, highlighting a lack of empathy with the public's suffering. "According to the dictatorship, we should smile and stoically endure the blackouts. It's outrageous," commented the media outlet La Tijera on X.
Influencer Edmundo Dantés Junior sarcastically posted on his Facebook page: "Financial sacrifice or financial sacrifice... Smiles."
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent months, with power outages impacting both rural and urban areas. Many families are forced to delay cooking and often lose food due to lack of refrigeration. This situation has led to growing frustration among citizens, who feel powerless in the face of escalating hardship and the absence of solutions.