Argentinian journalist and influencer Melina Moriatis has taken to social media to share a video that reveals the decay and destruction of Havana. The footage, dated September 2024, showcases crumbling buildings, streets littered with garbage, water puddles, and rot on the sidewalks, painting a stark picture of the Cuban capital's decline.
Shocking Scenes in Historical Streets
One of the most striking scenes Moriatis captured was a mountain of trash piled up on Compostela Street, right in front of the iconic Museum of Habanese Pharmacy. Founded as a pharmacy in 1886 by Catalan José Sarrá, this historical building, which purportedly still houses a pharmacy, now epitomizes the unsanitary conditions and decay pervasive in Cuba. The scarcity of medicines and the rise in infectious diseases due to an increase in rats and mosquitoes highlight the dire state of Cuba's healthcare system.
Heartbreaking Human Condition
Moriatis also documented the human toll of Havana's decline. She photographed elderly individuals with sores on their legs, others lying on the sidewalks begging for alms, and some scavenging for decomposed food in the garbage. These images serve as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by many Cubans.
Moriatis' Rising Influence
Nominated for the 2024 Influencer Icon Festival in the Best Travel Influencer category, Moriatis has a knack for connecting directly with the people in the cities she visits. Her account became the most viral in Argentina in 2023 and 2024, with some videos reaching up to 18 million views. Her impactful content has been featured on news broadcasts, websites, and TV shows around the world, further amplifying her influence.
Exposing the Failures of Cuba's Public Health System
During her recent trip to Cuba, Moriatis used her platform to highlight the alarming state of the island's public health system. Awarded the Martín Fierro prize in 2024 and boasting over 570,000 followers on TikTok, she shared videos detailing the shortages she encountered while seeking medical attention for an earache, revealing a grim reality.
Contrasting Beauty and Struggle
Known for presenting both sides of the places she visits, Moriatis also shared other aspects of her Cuban journey, showcasing the stunning beauty of the country's beaches, such as those in Cayo Santa María. This balanced portrayal underscores the stark contrast between the natural beauty and the struggles faced by the Cuban populace.