In a TikTok video that has gained significant attention, a Cuban mother demonstrates how she copes with extended power outages in her country while trying to prepare meals for her young child. The video, which has garnered thousands of interactions, highlights the everyday hardships Cuban families endure amid the ongoing energy crisis gripping the island.
"Stay with me in this little video as I show you how I cook while living in Cuba after hours without electricity," begins the user, identified as @anita.cubanita64. She explains that on that particular day, the power was cut off as early as 6 a.m. and returned for only an hour before another long blackout.
Without electricity, she resorted to using a charcoal stove to prepare basic foods such as rice and chicken. In the video, she details how she seasoned the chicken with garlic and onion, ingredients she has to ration due to their exorbitant prices in Cuban markets. "This onion has to last me for at least six or seven meals because it's incredibly expensive," she notes.
The mother also shares how the puree she had prepared for her child the previous day spoiled due to the heat and lack of refrigeration, forcing her to redo it manually without a blender. "I had to make the puree again and mash it because there was no power," she explains with resignation.
The video has sparked a wave of supportive comments from users worldwide, many praising the resilience and strength of Cuban mothers. "Cuban mothers deserve a medal," one user commented, while another admired her bravery, saying, "You are a warrior." Others lamented the situation in Cuba, describing it as "a trip back in time" and sending blessings to the young mother and her child.
"It's not easy living like this, but the important thing is that the baby ate his mashed potatoes," another user remarked, emphasizing the priority these mothers place on ensuring their children's well-being, even under dire conditions.
Prolonged Blackouts: A Constant Struggle in Cuba
Power outages have become a routine challenge for thousands of families in Cuba, who must find ways to cook, preserve food, and carry out basic tasks. Despite promises from authorities to improve the electricity supply, the situation remains dire. These interruptions severely impact the quality of life and have led to growing discontent across various sectors of society.
This video, more than just a personal account, has become a symbol of the daily struggle Cubans face in contending with an unending energy crisis. Meanwhile, the resilience and ingenuity of mothers like @anita.cubanita64 stand as a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
Cuba's power outages are primarily due to the country's aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and inefficiencies within its energy sector.
How do Cuban families cope with frequent blackouts?
Cuban families often use alternative cooking methods like charcoal stoves and ration ingredients to manage food preparation during blackouts.
Has the Cuban government taken steps to address the energy crisis?
While the Cuban government has promised improvements, many citizens report ongoing challenges and little progress in resolving the energy crisis.