Cuban comedian Mario Sardiñas, known for his iconic character Chequera from the TV show "Vivir del Cuento," recently shared a humorous video on Instagram. In this clip, Chequera decides to leave Cuba for the Moon, fed up with the relentless 16-hour power outages plaguing the island.
In the sketch, Chequera boards a spacecraft humorously named "Artemisa" — affectionately nicknamed "Temisa." With unwavering resolve, he declares, "Not one more day here. The next 16-hour blackout can hit someone else. I'm outta here."
When asked why he wants to head to the Moon, Chequera's response is both simple and cutting: "Because the Moon is the only place where the power never goes out at night."
Chequera also humorously addresses potential challenges of lunar life: "Worried about the cold? I've got a thick coat. And if you're talking about the craters, I'm already used to the potholes," referencing the poor condition of Cuban streets.
The video concludes with a punch of dark humor, highlighting another of Cuba's everyday woes: just as the spacecraft is about to take off, the mission is aborted because "the fuel was stolen," a nod to the endemic fuel theft that exacerbates the island's energy crisis.
This video accurately captures the desperation felt by millions of Cubans amidst an unprecedented electrical crisis.
In the first week of April, Cuba experienced daily power generation deficits ranging from 1,600 to 1,945 MW, with blackouts affecting the entire country for up to 24 continuous hours.
Recently, an Automatic Frequency Trip left several Havana municipalities without power, with 1,676 blackout reports and an average duration of 24 hours.
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, one of the nation's key facilities, suffered consecutive breakdowns in February, March, and April, further worsening the national electricity system's collapse.
Chequera's Comedy and Cuban Energy Crisis
Living in Dallas, Texas, since late 2025, Sardiñas continues to create comedic content from exile that resonates deeply with both the Cuban community on the island and in the diaspora.
This isn't the first time the comedian has targeted the energy crisis: on March 30, he released another viral video where Chequera "sold" a pot as an ironic solution to the power outages. On April 7, he sarcastically commented on low-denomination bills, saying, "Get ready for the inflation that's coming, buddy."
"Vivir del Cuento," the show that made Chequera a beloved figure on Cuban television, has been on air for over 14 years. Its humor about daily hardships remains one of the few outlets for many Cubans facing an increasingly stifling reality.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Crisis
Why is Cuba experiencing such severe power outages?
Cuba's power outages are primarily due to aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages exacerbated by systemic issues and theft.
How does Mario Sardiñas use humor to address Cuba's issues?
Mario Sardiñas leverages his character Chequera to satirically highlight and critique Cuba's societal problems, providing comic relief and social commentary through humor.
What is the significance of the "Vivir del Cuento" show in Cuba?
"Vivir del Cuento" is a significant cultural touchstone in Cuba, offering laughter and reflection on the daily struggles of life on the island, serving as a critical outlet for expression.