The content creator Tuny López from Santiago de Cuba shared a poignant story highlighting an increasingly visible reality in Cuba: the rise of extreme poverty and the pressing need for religious or private initiatives to fill the void left by the state.
On her Instagram account, López disclosed that her Christmas was dedicated to community service, as she volunteered at a lunch for the underprivileged hosted by the Church of San Francisco and organized by the community of Sant Egidio, a Catholic organization focused on prayer, aiding the poor, and promoting peace.
"I hope you had a wonderful Christmas; mine was spent serving others, which is one of life's pleasures," the young woman wrote alongside a video documenting the charitable day.
Volunteers Bring Humanity and Respect to the Table
In her account, López explained that more than 500 vulnerable individuals received meals and care during an event characterized by organization and respect.
López detailed how volunteers were assigned to specific areas and tasks. She started by preparing the cutlery and then moved on to distributing caldosa, which was served as the first course to attendees.
The demand was so high that multiple rounds of food were served, new spaces within the temple were opened, and even the church pews were used to accommodate everyone present.
The event was accompanied by music and cultural activities, but most importantly, it fostered a human atmosphere that prioritized dignity and respectful treatment.
A Festive Day for Everyone
"It was a gala day, and everyone had to look nice; many of my fellow volunteers helped with grooming and dressing everyone up," she noted.
The influencer pointed out that a fundamental rule was for each volunteer to act with patience and sensitivity.
"It was an environment of pure love, without discrimination or mistreatment," she emphasized.
After finishing her shift, she sat down to chat with some elderly women who, visibly moved, thanked her for the way they were treated. "I just wanted to cry," Tuny confessed.
San Egidio Community: A Tradition of Giving
Each year, the community of Sant Egidio welcomes the poor of Santiago de Cuba to celebrate a Christmas meal. The aim is to share not only food but also friendship.
"Where no one is excluded, but welcomed. Because we don't want anyone to be alone," the group expressed on Facebook.
"This year, we know there are special reasons why many might not have a dignified Christmas, so we want to invite all the poor not to be alone; there's a place for you," they added in another post.
According to the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba, over 700 people attended the event this year.
Growing Poverty in Cuba: A Structural Issue
Beyond the gestures of solidarity, the testimonies of Tuny López and the Catholic Church expose a worsening structural problem on the island.
The increase in homelessness and the inability of countless families to afford special meals during festive times are direct consequences of a prolonged economic crisis marked by inflation, shortages, and inadequate wages and pensions.
In this context, private businesses, churches, and ordinary citizens are stepping into roles that should belong to the state: ensuring basic food security and social protection.
Similar initiatives multiplied during the recent Christmas Eve in Havana. Restaurants, artists, and entrepreneurs distributed hundreds of meals to neighbors and passersby, aware that without such support, many would have gone without a hot meal on the holiday.
These actions, while invaluable and touching, also highlight the absence of effective public policies and the lack of a system to truly protect the most vulnerable sectors of society.
In a country where begging is on the rise, and Christmas has become an unattainable luxury for a significant portion of the population, these efforts not only speak of solidarity but also serve as an implicit indictment: if not for the goodwill of citizens and independent organizations, hundreds of Cubans would have nothing to eat, even on one of the most meaningful dates on the calendar.
Understanding the Growing Poverty in Cuba
What prompted the Christmas lunch event in Santiago de Cuba?
The event was organized by the community of Sant Egidio to provide meals and companionship to over 700 underprivileged individuals, highlighting the growing poverty in Cuba.
How did Tuny López contribute to the Christmas event?
Tuny López volunteered by preparing cutlery and distributing caldosa during the event, contributing to the organized and respectful atmosphere.
What challenges do ordinary Cubans face during the holiday season?
Many Cubans struggle with poverty, unable to afford special meals during holidays due to economic issues like inflation and shortages, prompting initiatives by private sectors and citizens to fill in the gaps.