A resident from Matanzas, Cuba, shared a video on her TikTok account, @anita.cubanita6, showcasing her visit to a Sunday market in the province where local farmers bring their goods for sale. "This is a Sunday fair where people from the countryside come and bring a lot of things to sell. Most of it is food," the young woman explained in her video.
Throughout the video, she tours various stalls at the fair, highlighting the array of products available. She notes that pork sells for 750 pesos per pound, a price she points out is comparable to other areas within the province. Additionally, she mentions that a carton of eggs costs 3,000 pesos, which has sparked surprise and discussion among TikTok users.
Public Reaction to High Prices
Comments on TikTok reveal diverse opinions regarding the fair and its pricing. Some users expressed shock at the cost of eggs, exclaiming, "3,000 pesos for a carton of eggs?" Meanwhile, others commented on the fair's usefulness for locals, stating, "My dad goes every Sunday" and "Very good fair." However, the high cost of products remains a common concern: "With those prices, no one can survive."
Economic Challenges and Limited Options
Agricultural fairs in Cuba serve as one of the limited options for citizens to purchase fresh goods without relying solely on state-run stores. However, rampant inflation and shortages have driven prices to levels that are unaffordable for many Cubans, making each shopping trip a significant challenge.
Understanding the Economic Situation in Cuban Fairs
Why are the prices so high at Cuban agricultural fairs?
The high prices are largely due to inflation and scarcity of goods, which have driven up costs significantly, making basic commodities expensive for the average Cuban.
How do Cubans access fresh products outside of state-run stores?
Cubans often rely on agricultural fairs, where local producers sell fresh goods. These fairs offer an alternative to the limited selection available in state-run stores.