A recent TikTok video uploaded by Cuban user @kary_y_jony highlights the bleak state of the Carlos III shopping center, a well-known retail spot in Havana. The brief 40-second clip captures the dismal scene within the mall, depicting vacant areas, shuttered stores, and a limited selection of goods. "This is the current state of Cuba's largest shopping center," the user remarks while sharing footage of nearly empty shelves and dimly lit spaces.
She recalls that a few years back, Carlos III began operating under the Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) system, a virtual currency not aligned with the peso-based salaries of most Cuban workers. In her commentary, the content creator describes the store as "completely barren," with the few available products being repetitive and lacking essential items. She also notes that several departments are either closed or undergoing renovation. Speculating on the center's future, she suggests, "it seems this store might start selling in dollars or using the so-called classic cards."
Such social media posts have become increasingly common as the quality of service in state-run stores continues to decline. In mid-February, another video by user @zol.arias portrayed a similar situation at Carlos III: empty shelves, deteriorating facilities, and long lines for purchasing eggs in MLC. At that time, a carton of eggs was priced at 6 MLC, equivalent to roughly 1,800 CUP, with prices soaring above 2,600 CUP on the black market. The purchasing process involved presenting an identity card and enduring lengthy wait times, as described by the young woman.
These posts have sparked responses of anger, nostalgia, and frustration among online viewers who remember Carlos III as a bustling, well-stocked venue offering diverse shopping and entertainment options. Unfortunately, the scenarios detailed in these accounts are not isolated incidents. Cuba is grappling with a severe economic crisis characterized by food and basic goods shortages, rising prices, and a deteriorating MLC system that remains inaccessible to many Cubans lacking remittances or appropriate financial cards.
Despite government promises to enhance product distribution, the everyday reality is dominated by endless queues, empty shelves, and prices beyond the reach of most citizens. Social media testimonies have emerged as a key platform for documenting and sharing the lived experiences of ordinary Cubans.
Understanding the Economic Challenges in Cuba
What is Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC)?
MLC, or Moneda Libremente Convertible, is a virtual currency used in Cuba that is not directly aligned with the Cuban peso, making it difficult for many Cubans to access goods priced in MLC.
Why are Cuban stores often empty?
Cuba is experiencing a severe economic crisis, leading to shortages of food and basic goods, price hikes, and a strained commercial system, resulting in empty store shelves.
How do Cubans react to the state of Carlos III shopping center?
The state of Carlos III has evoked feelings of indignation, nostalgia, and frustration among Cubans who remember it as a popular and well-stocked shopping destination.