An Italian resident in Cuba recently went viral after expressing his desperation over enduring 30 hours without electricity. In a video, he lamented that "even the meanest animal" couldn't survive under such conditions, and declared he was eager to leave the island.
The video, shared last Wednesday by Facebook user Luli Hernandez, captures the weary Italian sitting on an outdoor staircase, anxiously waiting for the power to return.
"He's eager to leave now," Luli comments in the video about the Italian, who nods in agreement. Luli herself admits feeling the same frustration at what she describes as an unbearable situation.
Power Outages and Failing Alternatives
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Luli mentions her portable backup battery, known as an ecoflow, which many Cubans rely on during blackouts. "I've never seen the ecoflow run out completely," she remarks in disbelief, pointing out that even expensive private solutions are failing against prolonged outages.
A Nation in Distress
In her post accompanying the video, Hernandez wrote: "I love my Cuba, but who can live like this... it's a matter of humanity, we can't progress like this, everything falls apart, Cuban life becomes stressful." She also highlighted issues like children lacking snacks and prices becoming unaffordable for most.
Back in March, the same user shared another viral clip featuring the same Italian, outraged after 25 hours without power, calling it "the shame of all shames." The fact that such situations have worsened in just a few weeks underscores the depth of the crisis, as leaders urge the public for more "creative resistance."
Public Outcry and Personal Struggles
The responses to the new video reveal the collective suffering of a society on edge. "It's horrible living in Cuba. Doctors no longer want to be doctors, and professions are becoming worthless. Only God can perform a miracle here," one commenter expressed. Another shared, "I have a friend who suffered a heart attack and lives on the ninth floor... I can't imagine how he manages to climb so many stairs." A third was more blunt: "The solution is to end the dictatorship and the communist system."
Energy Crisis Deepens
The video emerged during one of the worst energy days in April, with the previous day seeing a planned deficit of 1,850 MW at peak nighttime, with only 1,200 MW available against a demand of 3,050 MW.
On Friday, another Automatic Frequency Trigger left several Havana municipalities without service, marking the fourth incident of its kind this year.
The 2026 energy crisis in Cuba is the worst in its recent history. The National Electric System has collapsed at least seven times over 18 months, with nationwide blackouts recorded as long as 29 hours and 29 minutes on March 16. In March, the Deputy Minister of Energy admitted to three consecutive months without regular supplies of diesel, fuel oil, and liquefied gas. Cuba produces only 40% of the oil it consumes, and the cessation of Venezuelan supply has further exacerbated the situation. A staggering 80% of Cubans believe the current situation is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
"Cuba hurts. I don't live in Cuba, I live abroad, but I'd rather go to Cuba to help my family because if I don't, they'll die," summarized another commenter, reflecting the tragedy faced by millions who, whether inside or outside, see no way out.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Its Impact
What is causing the prolonged power outages in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing its worst energy crisis in recent history due to a combination of factors including the collapse of the National Electric System, a lack of regular fuel supplies, and the cessation of Venezuelan oil support.
How are Cubans coping with the energy crisis?
Many Cubans are turning to costly alternatives like portable backup batteries, but even these are failing against the extended blackouts. The situation is causing widespread stress and dissatisfaction among the population.
What impact does the energy crisis have on daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is severely impacting daily life, leading to food spoilage, lack of basic amenities, and increased stress. It also affects the economy, with professionals feeling undervalued and services becoming less reliable.