Cuban Comedian Exposes Havana's Filth: "New Trash Dump Style"

With his usual sarcasm and wit, Cuban comedian Jardiel González once again highlighted the growing unsanitary conditions in Havana, a capital city where heaps of trash accumulate on the corners of every neighborhood.

In one of his humorous yet critical live streams, Jardiel showcased what he described as a "new trash dump style," which he dubbed the "L-shaped trash heap." A brief walk through a block in the Marianao municipality revealed trash piling up on two of its corners. On one corner, the waste was amassed in a heap, while on the other, the trash extended along two streets, forming an "L" shape.

"Here we have this type of trash—just a little pile. Right here, on 51 and 118, next to Prodanza, so the trash can dance... But now I'll show you an 'L-shaped trash heap,' which is a beautiful trash heap. See how it turns the corner... I'll give you a beautiful 'L-shaped trash heap,' you lazy bum," the comedian remarked in his video.

Jardiel misses no current or socially relevant topic. With sharpness, he questions the inconsistencies of the monetary system imposed by the regime and its impact on the pockets of ordinary citizens while humorously portraying how Cuban children celebrate Three Kings' Day with a mix of humor and sadness.

Between jokes, the former member of the comedy group Punto y Coma criticizes the state of neglect and misery in the city and lambasts those responsible for the dismal situation. Potholes in the streets, debris and trash everywhere, open sewers... all have been subjects of his biting videos that spark laughter but also provoke reflection on the critical reality in Cuba.

At the end of March, the comedian surprised many by posing in one of the numerous trash dumps scattered throughout Havana, using his usual sarcasm to denounce the lack of cleanliness in the capital and the indifference of the authorities towards a problem that poses a health risk to the public.

In July of last year, Jardiel criticized the amount of trash in all the country's cities, especially in Havana, and suggested transforming the luggage carts from José Martí International Airport into trash bins. "The corners look like dumps," he said. "We need carts for the trash... If only we could eat trash, then we'd be well-fed," he added, lowering his voice, fearing that someone might decide to ration a quota of trash.

Recently, in response to the unsanitary conditions plaguing the Luyanó neighborhood in Havana, desperate residents denounced the deplorable living conditions, pointing out the massive accumulation of trash and the lack of action from the relevant authorities.

Days earlier, a video circulating on social media highlighted the severe garbage collection crisis in Havana, where popular corners have been overtaken by piles of solid waste. The footage showed the corner of Lealtad and San Lázaro in Centro Havana turned into a massive dump, while Cuban internet users claimed that "all of Cuba is like this" and questioned the government's plans to "boost tourism on the island" with so much garbage in the streets.

"I wonder which tourist would want to come here if Cuba is a total mess," said one of the many people who commented on the post.

For its part, the Cuban government has acknowledged issues in managing trash. In a recent announcement, it stated that it was seeking support from foreign investors to solve the crisis in solid waste management in the country, especially in Havana, where the increase in garbage endangers the health of thousands of people.

Foreign companies have presented their alternatives to solving the garbage problem in the Havana Integrated Waste Management System. The regime assured that there are more than ten foreign investment projects in this area. However, to date, no project has materialized, and Cubans continue to suffer from the garbage problem, especially in Havana.