In the midst of prolonged blackouts, a record-breaking energy deficit, and an economy clouded by uncertainty, a Cuban journalist has managed to add a humorous twist to the daily struggles faced by countless families, all thanks to a chubby little pig.
From Nueva Gerona in the Isle of Youth, Yuliet Pérez Calaña, also known on social media as Yuliet PC or "La Yuli de Cuba," introduced her followers to the pig that will grace her table as this year's New Year's Eve dinner. She explained that this pig is far more than just a future meal; it stands as a living symbol of the national economy.
In a Facebook video, Yuliet showcases the pig, comfortably resting in its pen, looking robust and healthy despite its young age.
The journalist noted that she only celebrates two significant dates annually: her birthday and December 31st. Regardless of circumstances, she ensures she has the necessary protein to end the year.
However, what truly sets her pigs apart is not their size or diet, but the meaning she attributes to them. Each pig bears the name of an economic concept that has recently impacted Cuba.
"You've met MLC, Inflation; last year was Reorganization, and now, let me introduce you to Floating Rate," she announced.
The new name humorously encapsulates the complex monetary challenges the country is facing.
Yuliet calls the piglet, presents it to the camera, and humorously notes its slightly messy appearance due to a recent relocation, while emphasizing its healthy look and unique "presence."
Through this everyday scene, she transforms a domestic act into a social commentary that many recognize as a creative way of recounting economic realities from her backyard.
This isn't the first time she has blended humor, daily life, and national context. Recently, she shared another viral anecdote, this time related to the widespread blackouts affecting the country.
One evening, after setting water to heat for a bath, a power outage caught her with a dead cell phone and a completely dark home. Her partner brought her a bucket of water she assumed was hot, and she proceeded to bathe in total darkness.
Although she emerged "sparkling clean and fragrant," she felt a peculiar sensation on her skin, initially attributing it to a new lavender gel.
Only later, when the power returned and she entered the kitchen, did she discover that the water she'd left heating was untouched. The water she used had actually come from a pot in which her mother had been boiling bananas for dinner's fufu.
The story, recounted with humor, ended with a joke about the supposed "effects" of bathing with banana water and an ironic comment about starting 2026 on a closed note.
These domestic scenes unfold against a backdrop of significant national hardship for most of the population.
In this setting, the tale of "Floating Rate" and the dark fufu water baths become more than mere anecdotes; they are snapshots of a daily life characterized by scarcity, ingenuity, and laughter as a means of survival.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges Through Everyday Stories
What is the significance of the pig named "Floating Rate"?
The pig named "Floating Rate" serves as a humorous symbol of the complex monetary issues currently affecting Cuba, reflecting how ordinary citizens cope with economic hardship.
How does humor play a role in Yuliet Pérez Calaña's storytelling?
Yuliet uses humor to transform everyday situations into social commentary, providing a creative lens through which to understand the economic struggles and resilience of Cuban families.