The Spanish rapper Erin Castro (known as Comando Katana) has once again ignited a wave of criticism on TikTok after posting a new video from his stay in Cuba. This time, he filmed his visit to a restaurant in Jagüey Grande. In the clip, @eltrapicista displays a seafood feast featuring crab and lobster, costing a total of 3,440 Cuban pesos, which is equivalent to 9.4 euros.
The post has sparked harsh criticism, with many users pointing out that both the dishes and the price are beyond the reach of most Cubans on the island. Comments flooded in, saying things like, "Luxuries that only tourists can afford in Cuba"; "You spent half a Cuban doctor's monthly salary on one lunch"; "If you knew that this is a month's salary for any Cuban, what seems cheap to you is a meal for a month’s work"; "Cheap for someone from another country, but for Cubans earning 2,500 a month, it's not affordable"; "I'm Spanish and I don't visit communist dictatorships"; "If this is a way to advertise that in Cuba a lunch costs what an average Cuban cannot afford because it's their monthly salary, your smile to attract tourists to the dictatorship is sad"; "Seriously whitewashing the Cuban regime? Half of the Cubans are starving, the other half fled the country. And the tyrants living in mansions," some criticized in the reactions, which also included supportive comments and questions about calling those dishes a seafood feast, especially since he is from Galicia.
"The issue is that in Cuba, no one earns in euros and the local people can't eat there. So save your videos"; "For you as a foreigner, but the average Cuban can't"; "How nice, you’re filling up on cheap food, while Cubans can't even afford breakfast, let alone something like that. Poor people"; "Shameful that the people can't buy it, and it's even prohibited to fish for lobster"; "Oh my, 1,500 pesos, that's my dad's pension after working his whole life for that government. What a disgrace. It might seem wonderful to you, but for us, it's terribly shameful"; "Enjoy your meal, you who can with your euros exchanged for almost worthless pesos. The Cuban people can't even dream of such a meal," others added among the hundreds of comments triggered by his new video from Cuba, where he recently recorded a music video.
Prior to this controversy, the rapper also stirred up social media by sharing other videos from his stay in Cuba. In one, he remarked on the 'low' prices at a restaurant in the capital; in another, he shared his experience at a gym in Old Havana, provoking similar criticism from users who mostly highlighted the harsh reality that Cubans endure, which is far different from the experience enjoyed by tourists like him.
Public Reaction to Erin Castro's Video in Cuba
The controversy surrounding Erin Castro's video has led to several frequently asked questions. Here are some key questions and answers that provide further insight into the situation.
Why did Erin Castro's video spark outrage?
Erin Castro's video sparked outrage because it showcased a lavish seafood meal that is unaffordable for most Cubans, highlighting the stark economic disparities on the island.
How much did the meal cost in the video?
The meal in the video cost 3,440 Cuban pesos, which is approximately 9.4 euros.
What are some of the criticisms Erin Castro received?
Some criticisms included accusations of whitewashing the Cuban regime, highlighting economic disparities, and showcasing luxuries that are inaccessible to average Cubans.
Has Erin Castro faced similar backlash before?
Yes, Erin Castro has faced similar backlash in the past for posting videos about the 'low' prices at a restaurant in the capital and his experiences at a gym in Old Havana, both of which drew attention to the economic hardships faced by Cubans.