An Italian tourist has become the unexpected face of Cuba's energy crisis after a 29-second video of him went viral. In the clip, he describes the ordeal as "shame beyond shame" after enduring a 25-hour power outage on the island.
Shared on Facebook by user Luli Hernandez, the video has garnered nearly 780,000 views, over 17,000 likes, and 803 comments, highlighting its widespread reach.
Hernandez narrated the scene with a blend of humor and resignation: "My guy can't take it anymore, I'm leaving, I don't want to be here, he held on long enough, he looks like a happy child and thanks God because the power came back."
She concluded her post with a heartfelt plea: "God, help my country, I beg you, we need you."
The short clip ended on a humorous note: "Thank you, Lord," the Italian said, clasping his hands and looking skyward, relieved after the prolonged blackout.
The Harsh Reality of Power Outages in Cuba
The video captures a daily struggle for Cubans over recent months. The National Electric System (SEN) has collapsed seven times in the last 18 months, with two major outages in just one week this month: the first on the 16th lasted 29 hours and 29 minutes, and the second on the 22nd, when the failure of Unit 6 of the 10 de Octubre thermoelectric plant in Nuevitas, Camagüey, left more than 90% of Havana without electricity.
In this regard, Deputy Minister of Energy, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, acknowledged that Cuba hasn't received supplies of diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas for three months, describing the situation as the most complex the SEN has ever faced.
Impact on Daily Life and Tourism
Everyone is affected by this situation. For instance, journalist Yirmara Torres Hernández reported power cuts lasting up to 40 continuous hours in the municipality of Colón, Matanzas, describing the experience as "chasing the crumbs of electricity you're given."
Havana resident Arián Alejandro summed up the nation's mood: "You walk through the streets, and there's a tremendous level of sadness, a level of desolation."
When asked about hunger, he bluntly replied, "Denying it wouldn't be logical." He added, "I feel like Cubans have become extinguished."
The crisis has also struck the tourism sector. In January 2026, Cuba welcomed 184,833 international visitors, a 5.9% decrease from the previous year, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information.
Hotel occupancy hovers around 20%, Air Canada has suspended operations until May, and Russia sent empty planes to repatriate stranded tourists. Argentina, Ireland, Canada, and the United Kingdom have issued travel warnings to the island.
The energy crisis has crippled Cuban tourism at a particularly delicate time, exacerbated by reduced flights due to fuel shortages affecting air operations to the island.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why did the Italian tourist's video go viral?
The video went viral because it vividly captured the frustration and challenges faced during Cuba's energy crisis, resonating with both locals and international audiences.
How has the power crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
The power crisis has severely impacted tourism, with a notable decrease in international visitors, low hotel occupancy, and airlines suspending flights due to fuel shortages.
What is the government's response to the energy crisis?
The Deputy Minister of Energy has acknowledged the lack of fuel supplies and described the situation as the most complex faced by Cuba's National Electric System in recent history.