In a humorous yet telling video, Cuban resident Yosdiel Gattorno shared a satirical take on the current economic crisis in Cuba via TikTok this past Sunday. The video humorously suggests three "profitable businesses" for those trying to make ends meet on the island by 2026: selling horse fodder, trading charcoal, and reselling diluted bleach.
"If you're living in Cuba, you're probably feeling stuck, but don't worry, I've got the solution to your problem," Gattorno begins. The video quickly gained traction, amassing 37,800 views, 1,709 likes, and 157 shares within a few days.
Alternative Profitable Ventures
The first business Gattorno proposes involves cutting grass with a machete and selling it in sacks to horse owners. Though the suggestion is humorous, it reflects a grim reality: with fuel shortages crippling transportation, animal-powered transport has become commonplace. A real transaction is depicted in the video, showing a buyer taking two sacks and pledging to return for five more.
Next up is the sale of charcoal, directly addressing the energy crisis. "With these constant blackouts, this is a super profitable and reliable business; everyone will come to buy from you," Gattorno asserts, showcasing sales at 3,000 Cuban pesos per sack and 500 pesos for smaller portions. In many areas of Cuba, power outages last over 20 hours a day, and the national electric grid has completely failed at least seven times this year.
Desperation Breeds Creativity
The third business idea is perhaps the most revealing of the collective desperation: filling a tank with water and selling it on the street as if it were liquid gold. Gattorno explains, "Fill up your best tank, add water, and you're ready to sell on the street." This practice highlights both the scarcity of basic necessities and the plight of consumers who cannot verify what they're purchasing.
Gattorno's video is part of a growing trend among Cuban content creators using irony and humor to expose the country’s internal crises. Other creators have tackled topics like the soaring price of cooking oil, gasoline shortages, and relentless blackouts with the same comedic approach: finding laughter in pain when tears are no longer enough.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis Through Satire
What are the "profitable businesses" mentioned in the video?
The video humorously proposes selling horse fodder, trading charcoal, and reselling diluted bleach as "profitable businesses" in response to Cuba's ongoing economic struggles.
Why has animal-powered transport become common in Cuba?
Due to severe fuel shortages, many Cubans have turned to animal-powered transport as a practical alternative, making the sale of horse fodder a satirical yet insightful business proposal.
How has the Cuban population responded to the energy crisis?
The energy crisis, marked by frequent blackouts, has prompted some Cubans to trade in charcoal as a reliable energy source, as highlighted in Gattorno's video.