Renowned actor and comedian Ulises Toirac took to Facebook on Friday to share his latest thoughts on the harsh realities facing Cuba. He reflects on the physical and emotional toll of his regular trips to Manuel Fajardo Hospital in Havana's Vedado neighborhood, where he receives medical care.
“My daily commutes to Fajardo will continue for some time. It’s exhausting, overwhelming. And when I return home, there’s no electricity, which increases the fatigue,” Toirac expressed, painting a picture of a routine compounded by power outages at home.
Despite the exhaustion, Toirac praised the dedication of the hospital's medical staff. “The most remarkable aspect is the doctors’ work, to whom I am endlessly grateful,” he noted.
However, the journey also exposes him to the stark reality of Cuban society. “Every day, I encounter the sadness and despair of the people. Children sit solemnly on the doorstep of their homes. Women, embittered, argue in the streets. Men offer rides, sharing snippets of their day, while young people, swaying from chemicals, linger on street corners,” he wrote, highlighting the prevalence of synthetic drugs in Havana's neighborhoods.
Toirac concludes his post with a telling statement: “I head back, and each day the burden grows heavier.”
His reflections come during Cuba's most severe energy crisis of the year. On July 29, the National Electric System reported a deficit of 2,380 MW, the highest in 2026, leaving 74% of the country without power simultaneously. Some regions endured over 26 continuous days without electricity.
This isn’t Toirac's first account of his visits to Fajardo. On July 21, he praised the hospital's surgeons for their perseverance during blackouts and shortages, and on July 16, he recounted the fatigue of traveling across Havana from Playa to Vedado, a journey involving walking and hitching rides.
Throughout July, Toirac has been vocal about social issues. On July 29, he described the garbage accumulation in Havana's neighborhoods as an “infection”; on July 25, he lamented that there is no “light at the end of the tunnel” because “there is no tunnel”; on July 18, he challenged Cuban leaders to live without cars and privileges; and on July 12, he depicted life under blackouts as a “nightmare.”
With over 190,000 followers on social media, Toirac has emerged as a significant civilian voice within the island. In June, he declared that Cuba is “a labyrinth with no solution” and sees no escape “in his lifetime.”
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis
How has the energy crisis affected daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to widespread power outages, significantly disrupting daily life. Many areas have faced extended periods without electricity, affecting everything from household routines to hospital operations.
What challenges do Cuban healthcare workers face during power outages?
Healthcare workers in Cuba are forced to operate under difficult conditions due to frequent blackouts and resource shortages, yet they continue to deliver care with dedication and resilience.
What social issues has Ulises Toirac highlighted in his posts?
Ulises Toirac has drawn attention to various social issues, including the despair among citizens, drug use among the youth, and the accumulation of garbage in neighborhoods, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by Cubans.