A Spanish tourist, David, has stirred an intense discussion on social media after posting a video from Havana's Malecón, showcasing the spectacular view from the Paseo del Prado hotel.
"Good morning, greetings today from Havana's Malecón, Cuba. It's such a beautiful day. Look at this amazing hotel, you can see the entire Malecón from here at Paseo del Prado. Many greetings from Cuba," the visitor remarked in the clip shared on TikTok.
Yet, beyond the scenic beauty and the upbeat tone of his message, the sparse vehicle traffic on the famous Havana avenue caught the attention of many viewers. The footage reveals only a couple of cars moving along the Malecón, a detail many online users quickly linked to the fuel crisis that has plagued the nation for months.
"How does it feel to be almost the only free person on such a large island?" one user quipped. Others were more direct: "Are you the only one in the hotel? Is there electricity?" and "You can see the fuel shortage, there aren't even cars on the Malecón. Just two vehicles along the whole stretch!"
Comments also took on a sarcastic tone, inviting the tourist to explore Havana's less-touristic neighborhoods like Mantilla, La Güinera, Centro Habana, or Guanabacoa, highlighting the stark realities faced by many Cubans beyond the tourist hotspots.
The juxtaposition of the clear Malecón view with inquiries about power outages, gasoline scarcity, and dwindling hotel occupancy reignited social media discussions about the country’s economic struggles. While tourism strives to remain a key revenue source, the economic hardships continue to burden the Cuban population.
Understanding the Current Situation in Cuba
What is causing the low traffic on Havana's Malecón?
The low traffic is attributed to a severe fuel crisis in Cuba, which has led to a significant reduction in the number of vehicles on the road.
How is the fuel crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The fuel crisis affects daily life by limiting transportation options, causing power outages, and impacting the availability of goods and services.
Why is the economic situation in Cuba so severe?
Cuba's economic struggles are largely due to the socialist regime's policies, compounded by external sanctions and limited access to resources.