Walking over 15 kilometers to reach the beach, hooking up a TV to a portable battery to catch the World Cup, or taking the kids to the aquarium—this sums up the Cuban summer of 2026, marked by power outages and shortages.
For countless families, summer has morphed into a test of endurance as they grasp for any semblance of enjoyment amidst one of the most severe energy crises in the nation's recent memory.
"There are very few options, but what can we do? We can't go anywhere else. We have to stay put until there's change," a Cuban woman told EFE news agency.
She spent the afternoon on a stretch of the Playa municipality’s coast, having walked there due to the lack of public transportation in the capital.
In a resigned tone, she acknowledged, "Cubans love to party," and shared how she stays updated on the 2026 FIFA World Cup by connecting her TV to a portable power station or checking results online.
Challenges in Eastern Provinces
In eastern provinces like Las Tunas, power outages extend beyond 72 hours straight. One resident from Las Tunas mentioned taking advantage of a medical trip to Havana to let her children visit the National Aquarium.
"We came for medical reasons, but we're trying to give the kids a chance to enjoy and see things we don't have back in Las Tunas because there's not much to do in the East," she explained.
Extreme Measures for Basic Needs
A particularly extreme case was shared by a 60-year-old from Havana, who treks from Old Havana to the 'Little Beach of 16' in Miramar, covering more than 15 kilometers, to treat an ulcer with seawater due to a lack of medication.
"We don't have power, we don't have light, we don't have water, we don't have anything," he stated.
Impact on Children and Education
The limited recreational options highlight the breadth of the collapse. Children are among the most affected groups. The 2025-2026 school year ended prematurely between June 15 and 30 due to fuel shortages and the lack of school transportation, leaving children at home without accessible entertainment options.
The phrases "Mom, I'm bored" and "Mom, I'm hungry" have become emblematic of the Cuban summer in 2026, though this issue has plagued many households for years.
As the regime rolls out economic reform packages whose effects are yet to be felt, Cubans continue to find ways to endure the summer with whatever they have: a dirty street, a park with no trees, a distant beach, and overwhelming heat.
FAQs on Cuban Summer Challenges
What are some activities Cubans engage in during the 2026 summer?
Cubans try to make the best of their summer by taking long walks to the beach, using portable batteries to watch TV, or visiting local attractions like the National Aquarium.
How has the energy crisis impacted Cuban children?
The energy crisis has forced schools to close early, leaving children without educational and recreational activities, thereby increasing boredom and hunger issues at home.
How are residents of eastern provinces coping with power outages?
In places like Las Tunas, residents endure over 72-hour power outages, with some leveraging trips to Havana for necessary activities and entertainment for their families.