Michel Crónicas, a Cuban YouTuber residing in Mexico, has released a video from the island illustrating his home and neighborhood shrouded in darkness due to a blackout that struck at 7:30 PM. Visiting Cuba to accompany his mother and stepfather back, Michel shared his frustration over the frequent power cuts plaguing the country. "This is Cuba, the real Cuba. Blackout at 7:30 PM, some neighbors have their rechargeable lamps, but look at the yard, it's all blackout, blackout, blackout," he narrates while walking through his home.
During the video, he mentions that he was about to make hamburgers when the power went out, expressing his helplessness over the situation. "This happens daily, daily, daily; these damn outages prevent you from doing things at home," he adds. The video has sparked a wave of comments on social media, with many expressing sympathy and shock over Cuba's energy crisis. "Come back to Mexico and bring your parents and Don Manolo," suggested a follower, referring to his stepfather. Others compared their experiences: "In Mexico, blackouts only happen during severe storms," wrote another user.
While some proposed temporary solutions like using rechargeable lamps or generators, others highlighted the severity of the issue. "Where could that be? Cuba is in a more severe crisis than before," pointed out a user. "This is what everyone should see and know," added another. The persistent lack of electricity in Cuba has led to numerous protests over the years. The island's energy crisis affects not only power supply but also various aspects of daily life. Social media outrage continues to mount as Michel Crónicas keeps documenting his experiences on the island.
Apart from the power outage issue, Michel has shared other videos from his stay in Cuba, including one that exposes the harsh reality of food prices. In a trip to buy groceries with his father, he highlighted the struggles Cubans face in accessing basic goods and revealed the exorbitant costs in the market.
Michel explained to his followers that 1 dollar equals 330 Cuban pesos, and the average monthly salary for a professional in Cuba is 4,500 CUP, an insufficient amount to meet basic needs. He showcased some of the products available and their prices: small, unripe pineapples sell for 200 CUP each, cucumbers cost 150 CUP per pound, and lemons, a kitchen staple, are priced at 600 CUP per pound, a staggering figure for most Cubans. Green peppers are priced at 250 CUP per pound, and small tomatoes, some still green, are sold at 250 CUP per pound.
Michel emphasized the difficulty in finding quality food at reasonable prices, sparking another intense debate on social media. His followers reacted with astonishment and concern about the economic crisis in the country, comparing prices with those in other nations and expressing solidarity with Cubans facing this harsh reality daily.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Economic Challenges
Why are power outages so common in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are frequent due to the country's outdated infrastructure, insufficient maintenance, and economic constraints, which hinder the ability to consistently provide electricity.
How does the economic crisis impact daily life in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba affects daily life significantly by limiting access to basic necessities, causing inflated prices for food and other goods, and reducing the overall quality of life for residents.
What are some temporary solutions to Cuba's power outages?
Temporary solutions to combat power outages in Cuba include using rechargeable lamps, solar panels, or generators, though these may not be accessible or affordable for all residents.