A mattress placed on a cart, covered by a mosquito net and set outdoors, symbolizes the "creative resistance" some Cubans are employing to make the frequent blackouts more bearable. The bleak scene was shared on Facebook by a user identified as Saúl Manuel, who accompanied the image with a brief text reflecting the anguish experienced by island residents after years of power outages: "This is how mornings start in Cuba."
Although the person sharing the image did not specify where the photo was taken, the scene could unfold anywhere across the Cuban landscape, as electricity cuts affect all provinces and cities. In the comments section, social media users uniformly condemned the night-time blackouts affecting Cubans, labeling the situation as "criminal" due to how it disrupts daily activities like going to school or work.
"This is the revolution promised by dictator Fidel Castro," expressed Julio Alberto Arias Tejeda.
"What a miserable life we live from dawn to dusk; when will this ordeal end?" lamented Isabel Sarduis.
An individual named Elizabeth De León Fuentes commented, "Many don't feel the pain; they laugh at our needs. But what hurts them the most is that Cuba wakes up like this."
"This is what I call resisting with creativity," said Fraciela Hernández Córdova.
Desperate Measures Amid Blackouts
Last May, another Cuban was spotted at dawn still asleep after spending the night on a rooftop on a mattress, covered by a mosquito net. This inventive approach aims to find some rest amid the constant and unbearable blackouts plaguing the population across the island.
Recently, comedian Ulises Toirac described on Facebook the harsh reality facing Cubans: "Mothers improvising at stoves, children unable to rest due to heat and mosquitoes, elders hanging their hand-washed socks by the windows, washed without soap."
Why Are There Frequent Blackouts in Cuba?
Given the dire situation described, many people have questions about the frequent blackouts in Cuba and their impact on daily life. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.
What causes the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts are primarily due to outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and insufficient fuel supplies, exacerbated by the economic policies of the Cuban government.
How do blackouts affect daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts disrupt daily activities such as attending school, going to work, and performing household chores. They also cause significant discomfort due to the lack of cooling and increased mosquito presence.
What creative solutions have Cubans come up with to cope with blackouts?
Cubans have resorted to sleeping outdoors with mosquito nets, using manual methods for chores, and improvising cooking methods to cope with the frequent power outages.