A Cuban woman living on the island, known on TikTok as Izzy (@izzys33), recently shared a video highlighting the challenges she faces while trying to cook during a blackout. This video has sparked various reactions on social media concerning the ongoing energy crisis and food scarcity in Cuba.
Izzy begins her video by saying, "I'm going to show you what my evening in Cuba has been like, making my meal during a blackout," as she demonstrates lighting a makeshift stove with alcohol to cook a simple omelet with three eggs. "Here in Cuba, eggs cost 300 pesos each, meaning I ate 900 pesos," she remarks, underscoring the exorbitant price of food on the island.
She also showcases her kitchenware, which has turned black from smoke and ash: "I don't know if tourists find this amusing, but for me, it's a disgrace that my pots look like this. It's not my fault; it's the blackouts in Cuba forcing me to cook with wood and charcoal." Izzy also shows how she heats water using a sawdust stove and ends her meal with beans gifted by a neighbor.
The video quickly drew responses on TikTok. One user commented, "It's very tough living in Cuba. My greatest wish is for all Cubans to have the dignified life we deserve." Another advised her, "Don't worry about the pots; the most important thing is to have food." Some praised her resilience: "You're a warrior, I admire you. It's clear you're a homemaker," while another reflected, "It's sad, but the important thing is you were able to eat your meal."
Other comments suggested solutions like solar panels or electric generators, though many replied that these options are unaffordable for most Cubans due to their high cost.
Izzy has previously shared glimpses into her everyday life in Cuba, illustrating the scarcity of food and the high prices of essentials like cheese and beef. Last December, she voiced her frustration over the lack of access to basic necessities, expressing a wish that she had been born in Italy, as the foods she enjoys are nearly unattainable in Cuba. She has also sparked online debates after showing a meal donated by a neighbor, which fueled discussions about perceptions of poverty on the island.
Izzy's video, among others that reveal the harsh realities many families face in Cuba—not just in acquiring food but in preparing it amid long-lasting power outages—revives the conversation about the energy and food crisis in the country, where electricity cuts and basic goods shortages continue to plague the populace.
The Challenges of Cooking During Blackouts in Cuba
What challenges do Cubans face when cooking during blackouts?
Cubans often struggle with cooking during blackouts due to the necessity of using alternative fuel sources such as wood or charcoal, which can damage kitchenware and increase the difficulty of meal preparation.
How do food prices in Cuba impact the daily life of its residents?
High food prices in Cuba limit access to basic necessities, forcing residents to spend a significant portion of their income on food, which exacerbates the hardships of everyday life.
Why are solar panels and generators not viable solutions for most Cubans?
Solar panels and generators are often too expensive for the average Cuban, making them inaccessible as practical solutions to power outages and energy shortages.