At Cafetería Guanima, located on Matanzas' Playa Yugoslavia, a chalkboard bluntly outlines what the Cuban regime labels as "varied summer offerings": mango and pineapple slices priced at 10 Cuban pesos each, a hearty stew at 40 pesos, and boiled corn at 50 pesos, all part of the state-run campaign "Summer with My People."
This stand, managed by the state-owned Provincial Accommodation Company Guanima, operates under a simple red canvas structure adorned with palm decorations on the beach, also known locally as "El Tenis."
The official Facebook post encourages locals to visit for a "Sunday splash and a delicious stew," using the hashtag #MatancerosEnVictoria.
The full menu on the board also includes a plate of croquettes for 20 pesos, a hamburger platter for 60 pesos, coconut water at 60 pesos, and Tinajito soda for 20 pesos.
The more elaborate dishes feature yellow rice with a hamburger and boiled root vegetables for 95 pesos, or yellow rice with a croquette and boiled root vegetables for 55 pesos.
For those seeking additional options, the stand offers 700-milliliter bottles of Yucayo rum at 900 pesos and coffee at 375 pesos. Patrons can also rent a dominoes set for 100 pesos per hour.
While the offerings are presented in a festive manner, they starkly contrast with the island's economic hardships. The average monthly salary in Cuba hovers around 6,930 pesos, equivalent to less than 13 USD at the informal exchange rate, while meeting basic needs requires at least 96,060 pesos monthly, about 14 times that salary.
The fruit, sold in slices for 10 pesos at the state-run stand, carries a different price on the informal market: mango is valued at 200 pesos per pound, highlighting the discrepancy between the planned economy and the reality of supply in Cuba.
The "Summer with My People" campaign kicked off on June 29 on Matanzas' Avenida del Rosario, featuring nautical activities, raffles, and karaoke. Authorities present it as a distinct form of local tourism apart from Varadero, aimed at the local population.
In this setting, state-run campsites and popular beaches offer virtually the only affordable summer recreation option for most Cubans.
Other campsites around the country, such as San Pedro in Artemisa, suffer from neglect and lack of gastronomic services, making the offerings of Cafetería Guanima—though modest—relatively active by comparison.
The minimum wage was raised to 3,210 pesos starting in July 2026, an adjustment that doesn't even cover a tenth of the monthly basic basket, putting into perspective what it means for a Cuban family to afford a day at the beach with the offerings of Cafetería Guanima.
Understanding Cuba's Summer Gastronomic Offerings
What is the price of mango and pineapple slices at Cafetería Guanima?
At Cafetería Guanima, mango and pineapple slices are sold for 10 Cuban pesos each.
How does the informal market price of mango compare to the state-run stand?
On the informal market, mango is valued at 200 pesos per pound, significantly higher than the 10 pesos per slice at the state-run stand.
What are the more elaborate dishes offered at Cafetería Guanima?
The stand offers yellow rice with a hamburger and boiled root vegetables for 95 pesos, and yellow rice with a croquette and boiled root vegetables for 55 pesos.