The Bolivian YouTuber known as Kapléx recently visited Cuba and stumbled upon an intriguing profession: street lighter repairmen, referred to locally as "fosforeras." In a TikTok video, Kapléx shared his amazement at witnessing these workers restore and refill lighters right on the street.
"Here in Cuba, people smoke a lot, so much so that there are street lighter repairmen," the influencer remarked as he filmed one in action. According to his description, the service includes gas refills, stone replacements, and general adjustments, all for a remarkably low price of 20 Cuban pesos, equivalent to only a few cents in U.S. currency.
Kapléx emphasized the uniqueness of this trade, noting that he'd never seen anything like it in other countries. "This is impressive; I've never seen a street setup like this. It's very fascinating to me," he expressed while recording his video.
The YouTuber also pointed out the safety precautions taken by the repairmen, such as wearing masks to avoid inhaling gases during the refilling process. However, he exercised caution while filming in the area, which he described as "a bit dangerous."
"They told me to watch my camera and phone, so it's better if we head back to the central area," he commented before ending the video, highlighting the insecurity present in some streets of Havana.
This kind of content not only showcases the peculiarities of everyday Cuban life but also sheds light on the harsh reality of a country where citizen ingenuity is the only response to an economically challenging environment and a lack of formal alternatives.
The existence of professions like street lighter repairmen, while ingenious, underscores the level of improvisation Cubans resort to in order to meet basic needs in a system that does not ensure sustainable or efficient solutions.
Recently, a young Cuban now residing in the United States reminisced on social media about one of the most unique figures from his hometown of Cárdenas, Matanzas: Bárbaro, a man whose creativity and perseverance make him a symbol of the local spirit. In a Facebook post filled with nostalgia and admiration, Christian Arbolaez highlighted how this entrepreneur turns the ordinary into extraordinary through his two passionate pursuits: driving his bike taxi and repairing lighters.
FAQs About Street Lighter Repairmen in Cuba
What are street lighter repairmen in Cuba?
Street lighter repairmen, known as "fosforeras," offer repair and refill services for lighters on the streets of Cuba. This service includes gas refills, stone placement, and general adjustments, all for a very low cost.
Why is this trade common in Cuba?
The trade of lighter repairmen is a response to the lack of formal alternatives in a challenging economic context. Citizen ingenuity is crucial to address basic shortages in a system that does not provide sustainable solutions.
What safety measures do lighter repairmen take?
In Cuba, lighter repairmen typically use masks as a protective measure to avoid inhaling gases during the refill process, demonstrating the necessary caution in handling flammable products.
How do tourists perceive this trade in Cuba?
Tourists, like the Bolivian YouTuber Kapléx, are often amazed by the existence of this trade, as it is uncommon in other countries. Kapléx described the trade as impressive and eye-catching, highlighting Cuban creativity and resilience.
What does the existence of these trades reflect about Cuba?
The existence of trades like lighter repairmen reflects the level of improvisation and ingenuity Cubans must resort to, in response to the inefficiencies of the Cuban economic system.