The street trade in a variety of goods is booming in Havana, bypassing the upscale stores the government established to dollarize the economy. A video posted on Instagram by user Dayán (@dayan_81__) captures a scene increasingly common in the Cuban capital. Young people are selling items directly on the street, using inventive methods to navigate Cuba's dire economic conditions.
This particular instance involves the sale of athletic shoes. Vendors display a single shoe from different models to potential buyers. If a customer shows interest and agrees to purchase, the seller retrieves the matching shoe from another location, completes the transaction, and collects the money. A pair of supposedly "original" branded sneakers in Cuba fetches around $180. Several commenters on the post speculate these are likely knock-offs produced in China.
"This is the heat of the moment," said the vendor, referring to the impulsive nature of street buying. "Some customers haggle, but others pay the price," the seller explained, highlighting the dynamics of these spontaneous street deals.
Alternative Street Markets in Havana
Meanwhile, another form of street commerce is spreading across Havana. A video on TikTok by the profile Cuba.Live (@cuba.live2) showcases central street portals transformed into informal marketplaces. Here, vendors sell everything from broken appliances to items salvaged from trash.
These makeshift markets underscore the severity of the crisis. Sellers offer goods that might initially seem worthless but are invaluable for those seeking spare parts or more affordable alternatives to prohibitively expensive new products. Common items include old cell phones, computer cables, appliance parts, and other goods, many lacking documentation to verify their origin.
The occupation of public spaces by street vendors was initially controversial but became a government-sanctioned practice. Authorities have ignored the criticism. This activity has altered the urban landscape in the capital and other major cities, illustrating the urban decay in Cuba. The streets, cluttered with debris and disordered merchandise, obstruct pedestrian movement and exacerbate the decline of the environment.
Understanding Cuba's Informal Economy
What are the common items sold in Havana's informal markets?
Common items include old cell phones, computer cables, appliance parts, and various other goods, often without documentation of origin.
How do street vendors in Havana sell shoes?
Vendors display a single shoe to potential buyers. If interested, the buyer agrees to purchase, and the vendor retrieves the matching shoe from another location, completing the transaction on the spot.
Why did the Cuban government allow street vending?
The government sanctioned street vending as an economic measure, despite initial controversy and public criticism, in response to the ongoing economic crisis.