Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz has once again delighted his audience, this time with a video he shared on Facebook. In it, he humorously details his unique approach to shopping at the well-known 3rd and 70th Supermarket in Havana. The store operates in dollars, but due to the scarcity of U.S. coins, customers receive candy as change. Ortiz is ready to tackle this quirky situation.
"If they give me candy as change, I can bring my own candy to pay and get my full dollar back," Otto quipped. His reasoning sparked lively discussions and laughter among followers, who eagerly shared similar experiences and amusing ideas about how transactions might work in Cuba.
The comedian playfully critiqued state-run commerce rules, suggesting a candy-based economy. "It's pure logic," Otto stated, showcasing a handful of sweets as a demonstration of his revolutionary proposal.
The video, shared this past Friday, has amassed thousands of reactions on social media, providing Cubans a moment of levity amid their daily challenges. Once again, Otto Ortiz proves that laughter is a powerful tool to cope with Cuba's everyday ironies.
The Supermarket's Candy Change Controversy
The recently opened 3rd and 70th Supermarket in Havana has stirred controversy with its exclusive features and the unusual practice of giving candy as change. Operating solely with cash dollars or cards linked to foreign currency accounts, it highlights the growing dollarization of the Cuban economy and the significant social inequalities it fosters.
While presented as a solution to the shortage of small denomination coins, the candy change practice has faced criticism from both market patrons and Cubans abroad. For many, this recalls past exploitative economic practices enforced by the regime, such as forced currency exchanges and the loss of savings during monetary reforms.
Outrage has surged on social media, where users condemn the disregard for the public's genuine needs and question the ethics of such measures. The supermarket also faces backlash for its exorbitant prices, unaffordable for the average Cuban earning in pesos. Examples like a Cuban rum priced at 779 dollars or a panettone costing over 15 dollars underscore the disconnect between the store's offerings and the country's economic reality.
This situation has led to the perception of the supermarket as a space for a privileged minority or those receiving remittances from abroad. The store's opening has sparked broader debates on economic exclusion and the widening social divide in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Unique Economic Challenges
Why does the 3rd and 70th Supermarket give candy as change?
The supermarket gives candy as change due to a lack of small denomination U.S. coins, as it operates in dollars but often lacks the necessary currency for exact change.
What criticism has the candy change practice faced?
The practice has been criticized for its resemblance to past exploitative economic practices and for ignoring the real needs of the population, sparking indignation on social media.
How has the 3rd and 70th Supermarket impacted social perceptions in Cuba?
The supermarket is seen as catering to a privileged few or those with foreign remittances, highlighting economic exclusion and the growing social divide in Cuba.