The dawn of January 1, 2025, in Havana paints a stark picture of the challenges Cubans are facing, as many homes have lost the joy of welcoming a new year. Images shared on social media by user Pedro Luis García reveal deserted streets, even in usually bustling areas like El Vedado, where end-of-year celebrations were once lively public events.
Cubans are retreating into their homes due to a lack of resources to celebrate the holidays. The end of the year has reopened wounds for families torn apart by the ongoing migration crisis. Many tables were left bare, lacking even a simple salad to share with loved ones.
The state-run media has acknowledged the severe economic situation affecting the Cuban populace. A recent article by the Girón newspaper from Matanzas highlighted how rampant inflation and the scarcity of basic necessities have severely impacted Cuban families. "Celebrating with traditional dishes like roast pork, black beans and rice, and cassava, a custom for decades, has become an unattainable luxury," the publication admits.
The year 2024 ended with a rise in daily hardships and frequent power outages. The gradual removal of subsidies for the basic food basket, announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, is just one of the measures exacerbating the crisis. In this context, the imagery of empty streets symbolizes the impact of a declining economy, where uncertainty and despair dominate. For many Cubans, the hope for a better 2025 seems as hollow as Havana's avenues on this January morning.
Meanwhile, the population continues to seek ways to survive and keep their traditions alive amidst a reality that demands constant resilience and adaptation.
The Economic and Social Crisis in Cuba: Key Questions and Answers
What has caused the streets of Havana to be empty on New Year's Day 2025?
The empty streets are a result of severe economic hardships, a lack of resources for celebrations, and the ongoing migration crisis that has left many families divided.
How has the crisis affected traditional Cuban celebrations?
Traditional celebrations, such as enjoying meals with roast pork and other customary dishes, have become a luxury that many cannot afford due to inflation and scarcity of resources.
What measures have worsened the economic situation in Cuba?
The economic situation has been exacerbated by the gradual removal of subsidies for essential goods, contributing to increased hardships and power outages.