A Cuban content creator known as Eve made waves with a Facebook reel that directly challenges accusations that Cubans are "romanticizing poverty."
Eve's message is clear and straightforward: "To content creators, quickly, stop saying people are romanticizing poverty. No one here is romanticizing anything, my dear. Poverty exists, it's real."
She elaborated, "Not everyone has electricity at home, not everyone has air conditioning, not everyone has what you might have. Stop claiming they are romanticizing poverty."
The mention of "air conditioning" is significant. Cuba is experiencing its most severe energy crisis in recent history. In Havana, blackouts can last 30 to 32 hours daily, while provinces like Matanzas endure over 72 hours without power, with just a couple of hours of electricity.
Energy Minister Vicente de La O Levy acknowledged in May that Cuba lacks reserves of fuel oil and diesel for power generation. On May 14, the deficit reached 2,174 MW, with the system producing less than a third of what the country requires.
In this scenario, having a working air conditioner is a luxury that the vast majority of Cubans can't afford.
Eve's reel responds to a simmering tension on social media.
Struggles of Daily Life in Cuba
On Monday, a resident from the Playa municipality in Havana detailed on Facebook the grueling nightly routine imposed by the crisis: she receives electricity only between 3:00 and 7:00 AM, forcing her to wake up and complete as many household chores as possible during that time.
Recently, another Cuban expressed that she no longer remembers the last time she ate with electricity or rested without worrying about another blackout.
"It's not just that there's no light; there's no water, no life. People are depressed," Mileydis González summarized on her social media.
The Reality Behind the Content
However, Eve flips the argument: it's not Cubans who turn their hardship into appealing content, but rather some creators—who enjoy better economic conditions—accuse those who speak out about their reality of exaggerating or sensationalizing their suffering.
The reality she describes is supported by stark figures.
According to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, 89% of the Cuban population lives in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 USD per day per person. Sixty-one percent of households can't afford basic necessities, and seven out of ten Cubans have skipped meals due to lack of money or food so far in 2026.
The average monthly salary on the Island amounts to roughly $0.50 USD per day, making it impossible to ensure basic nutrition. Eighty percent of the population believes the current crisis is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
The Cuban regime does not officially acknowledge poverty as a structural issue and has responded to complaints with criminalization and censorship, while the populace continues to face blackouts, hunger, and an exodus that has reduced the Island's population to about 8.62 million people.
Understanding Cuba's Energy and Economic Crisis
What is causing Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to a lack of fuel oil and diesel reserves, combined with an outdated and inefficient electricity generation system, leading to severe power deficits.
How does the economic situation in Cuba affect daily life?
The economic situation, marked by extreme poverty and low wages, makes it challenging for Cubans to afford basic necessities, resulting in widespread food insecurity and inadequate living conditions.
How is the Cuban government responding to the crisis?
The Cuban government does not officially recognize poverty as a structural problem and often responds to criticism with criminalization and censorship, leaving many issues unaddressed.