Anarelys Abascal, a Cuban content creator, recently shared a reel titled "A Day with Me Living in Cuba," which showcases her daily routine after voluntarily returning to the island from Costa Rica. The video has sparked a wave of criticism from her followers.
In the clip, Abascal candidly highlights the challenges she endures, such as spending an entire night without electricity, enduring sweltering heat that forced her to fan herself with a piece of cardboard, and the uncertainty of when the power will return so she can wash her sheets.
"Well, there's no point in telling you we had no power all night, because you already know that. And no, I'm not complaining," she remarks with ease in the video.
She also mentions having to wait for the electricity to come back to do laundry: "There's nothing I can do but leave them there until I can turn on the power to wash them."
Amid laughter, Abascal shared that she brought household items, bathroom accessories, and even decorations from Costa Rica: "How did the golden goose come from Costa Rica to here? Imagine, she was the first to board the plane."
At the video's conclusion, Abascal cheers for having access to water that day: "The good news is we have water and it hasn't been cut off, otherwise I'd be in trouble."
Her followers have had mixed reactions. Some commend her for feeling content back in the island alongside her family, free from nostalgia and longing, emphasizing that everyone should be where they feel most comfortable.
Others, however, harshly criticized her decision to leave behind a country with stable electricity, water, and peace to return to Cuba.
"Leaving Costa Rica to go back to Cuba is something I'll never understand," one follower commented.
Another expressed concern for her child: "Some people just get used to living in misery, how sad. Change isn't easy, but just living better and offering a quality life for your baby is worth fighting for."
A third user was more blunt: "Unfortunately, she had the chance to experience freedom and give that to her child, but she didn't seize it. Poor kid, having to grow up in hardship because his mom couldn't step out of her comfort zone."
Some even decided to unfollow her: "I'm sorry, I neither add nor subtract from your life, but I don't want to follow you anymore... I can't understand or accept those unfounded excuses."
"And to think you enjoy that life, how sad," summarized another follower, encapsulating the sentiment of those baffled by her choice.
Abascal's case is not an isolated one. In recent weeks, other Cuban women living abroad have announced their permanent return to the island, sparking similar debates on social media. Yaniuska López, known as "La Cubanita," returned from Angola, and Lisandra Acevedo Évora came back from Miami in 2025, citing high living costs and loneliness.
Cuba is experiencing one of its worst energy crises in 2026, with blackouts exceeding 20 hours a day in several provinces and a power generation deficit surpassing 1,700 MW at night peaks, along with medicine shortages, basic services collapse, and soaring inflation. Yet, these issues don’t seem to deter this content creator from returning.
Understanding the Choices of Returning to Cuba
Why did Anarelys Abascal return to Cuba?
Anarelys Abascal returned to Cuba voluntarily, seeking comfort and contentment alongside her family, despite the island's challenges.
What challenges is Cuba facing in 2026?
Cuba is undergoing a severe energy crisis with prolonged blackouts, a significant power generation deficit, shortages in essential goods, and rising inflation.
How have Abascal's followers reacted to her decision?
Reactions have been mixed, with some supporting her choice to be with family, while others criticize her for leaving a more stable environment.