A video by content creator El Vlog de Sary has sparked discussions about the beef consumption restrictions in Cuba. However, much of the online chatter shifted focus to unexpected details: how she cooked the steaks, the amount of oil used, and a cat that featured in the recording.
Posted on Facebook, the video has gathered over 74,800 views and opens with a phrase that encapsulates the Cuban perception of beef: "When you see a Cuban eating beef, congratulate them because they're indulging in a luxury."
As Sary prepares several steaks, she explains the long-standing severe penalties for illegal cattle slaughter in Cuba, highlighting that beef remains largely inaccessible for most Cubans. It's primarily available in stores selling in foreign currency or under strict regulations.
Critiques and Commentary: Shifting Focus
Despite the serious topic, many viewers fixated on other aspects of the video.
"Half a pan of grease on top. The cholesterol... here we just coat the pan with oil," commented one viewer.
Another questioned the cooking technique: "That's not how you cook beef... it shows you rarely eat it or know how to prepare it."
Humor was also present in the reactions. "For every steak you fried that way, a Cuban died," joked a user, while another shared a popular phrase from the post: "Beef in Cuba is called pasture tilapia."
This ironic expression highlights how beef has become an uncommon delicacy for many Cubans.
The Unexpected Guest: A Cat Steals the Show
Another unexpected star of the video was the cat that appeared during the cooking. Several comments veered away from the main topic to inquire about the feline. "I hope the kitty ate today," wrote one follower. "What a beautiful kitty!" added another.
Legal Consequences and Limited Access
Beyond the jokes, the video underscores a well-known reality in Cuba. Since 1963, unauthorized cattle slaughter has been heavily restricted by law. The current Penal Code imposes four to ten years in prison for illegal cattle slaughter and three to eight years for trafficking in such meat. In 2024 alone, 1,615 individuals faced penalties related to cattle crimes, with 90% receiving imprisonment.
Sary herself acknowledges that certain regulations have eased for some producers in recent years.
"Some farmers can slaughter and sell cattle with specific authorizations, but that doesn't mean beef is accessible to everyone," she states in the video.
Nevertheless, access remains limited. On the informal market, beef prices are beyond the reach of many families, compounded by inflation, low wages, and food shortages.
The post joins a series of viral content addressing food issues in Cuba. In May, another video titled "Where's the beef?" garnered over 351,000 views by humorously showcasing a plate of rice where the meat was barely visible.
Amid jokes about oil, cooking tips, and compliments for the cat, one comment summed up the underlying issue: "A sad truth, going to prison for acquiring food."
Understanding Cuba's Beef Consumption Dilemma
Why is beef considered a luxury in Cuba?
Beef is considered a luxury in Cuba due to strict regulations and limited access, making it largely unavailable to the general population. It is mainly sold in foreign currency stores or under stringent restrictions, turning it into an exceptional treat.
What are the legal consequences for illegal cattle slaughter in Cuba?
Illegal cattle slaughter in Cuba is severely punished under the country's Penal Code. Those found guilty can face four to ten years in prison, while trafficking in such meat carries sentences of three to eight years.
Has there been any change in regulations regarding beef in Cuba?
In recent years, Cuba has somewhat relaxed its regulations for specific producers, allowing some farmers to slaughter and sell cattle with certain authorizations. However, these changes have not made beef widely accessible to the general public.