Yeison López, a Cuban content creator known on social media as @hermandadtmph, has captured the attention of thousands with the poignant stories of a young boy and a young man who earn their living as palm harvesters in Cuba's countryside.
The Instagram reel, highlighting the harsh conditions and the dignity of these individuals, resonated deeply with viewers. López, who recently returned to Cuba after living abroad for several years, embarked on an early morning adventure. Offering double the daily wage to the first person he encountered, he spent the day working alongside them.
The Daily Struggle of Palm Harvesters
This is how he met Raidel, 25, and Dainer, 12. These two Cubans climb towering royal palms—some over twenty meters high—using only homemade ropes to harvest the clusters of palmiche, a fruit primarily used to feed pigs.
The job is fraught with danger. Raidel warns, "The most dangerous thing is if a rope breaks or the palm falls." Despite the risks, a "horse" of palmiches—ten clusters—sells for about 1,500 Cuban pesos, roughly two dollars. López points out that this risky endeavor is considered one of the best-paying jobs compared to conventional roles where Cubans earn between eight and ten dollars a month.
Voices of Wisdom and Resilience
In a striking moment of the video, Raidel, with a surprising calmness for someone his age, addresses the camera: "I want young people to work, not steal, so they have food to eat because things are really bad.” He continues with an undramatic admission, “I’ve been doing this for 10 years and will keep doing it until I'm too old to continue.”
This heartfelt statement moved many viewers. One user commented, "It broke my heart when Raidel said he's been at this for 10 years and plans to do it until he's old." Another noted, "The boy is so young, walking alone early in the morning, ready to work. Raidel is hardworking and wise, giving advice like the honorable man he is. These are the Cubans who deserve a free country with all opportunities."
The Stark Reality of Cuban Life
The video has accumulated over 450,000 views, more than 45,000 reactions, and over 700 comments in less than a day. Reactions range from emotional to outraged, reflecting a reality many Cubans know all too well.
The backdrop to these images is grim: the official minimum wage in Cuba stands at 3,210 pesos, around 4.65 dollars, while economists estimate that an individual needs approximately 96,000 pesos monthly to meet basic needs.
Within this context, child labor is rampant on the island. The Cuban Conflict Observatory reported 71 complaints in 2025, and the government itself acknowledged that nearly 200,000 minors are in vulnerable situations.
This video is part of a series by López, documenting rural trades with an intimate and unsensational approach since his return to Cuba.
At the reel's conclusion, Raidel appeals to viewers: "I share this video so Yeison can help more people. Share it too, and you can be happy."
Understanding the Challenges of Palm Harvesting in Cuba
What risks do palm harvesters in Cuba face?
Palm harvesters in Cuba face significant risks, including the danger of ropes breaking or palms falling, which can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
How much do palm harvesters earn in Cuba?
A "horse" of palmiches, which consists of ten clusters, sells for about 1,500 Cuban pesos, equivalent to roughly two dollars, making it a relatively well-paying job compared to other local wages.