A tense scene unfolded in Santiago de Cuba this past weekend as a crowd of locals gathered before dawn, eager to purchase a mere three pounds of potatoes per person. This chaotic event was captured on video and shared across social media platforms.
The footage, uploaded to Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, depicts numerous individuals visibly anxious as they waited their turn at a state-run sales point. The video is filled with the sounds of shouting, arguments, and frustration, punctuated by the familiar cry, "¡Súbelo, Mayeta!"—a phrase that has become a rallying cry for Santiago residents facing daily hardships.
This incident highlights the severe food crisis plaguing the island, where essential goods like potatoes are distributed in meager, rationed quantities, plagued by inefficiency and scarcity. Earlier reports by opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), documented extensive queues and widespread dissatisfaction over the limited availability of this staple in several areas of Santiago.
Outrage has spread across social media, with many Cubans expressing dismay at having to wake up so early for such a basic and scarce commodity. So far, authorities have remained silent, offering no explanations for the ongoing shortages or the chaotic distribution conditions. Meanwhile, citizens continue to record, share, and highlight their daily struggles as a form of resistance against these dire circumstances.
Amidst this backdrop, the lines to buy potatoes have become emblematic of the despair many Cuban families endure in their daily fight for survival.
Understanding the Food Shortages in Cuba
What is causing the food crisis in Cuba?
The food crisis in Cuba is largely attributed to systemic inefficiencies within the socialist government, leading to scarcity and poor distribution of essential goods.
How are citizens responding to the shortages?
Citizens are documenting their struggles through social media, using it as a platform to share their experiences and raise awareness about the dire conditions they face daily.
Has the government addressed the issue?
No official statements or solutions have been provided by the Cuban government regarding the ongoing food shortages and distribution challenges.