Spanish Artist Faces Cuban Blackouts: "How Do Cubans Manage?"

A young Spanish artist has taken a bold step by relocating to Cuba, seeking a fresh start. However, within just a few weeks of settling on the island, he has started sharing his experiences on social media, oscillating between amazement and resignation.

The artist, known on Instagram as wayota.od, barely had time to unpack before being confronted with the harsh reality of a 48-hour blackout. This unexpected challenge left him "surviving" from the very first day in Havana. "I definitely don't know how Cubans manage," he remarked in a video posted to his account, where he communicates his journey to thousands of followers.

While he didn't specify his exact arrival date, his comments refer to the collapse of the Cuban electrical system on March 14, which left millions without power for days. Rather than succumb to despair, Wayota used the blackout as an opportunity to focus on his passion—art. "I spent the time drawing to relax my mind. My biggest concern was the food I had bought, but fortunately, I got through it," he explained, showcasing some of his sketches.

In another video, the artist acknowledged that many considered him "crazy" for moving to Cuba, especially those familiar with the country's challenges. Yet he remains steadfast in his decision: "I need to connect with the only country in the world with such a diverse musical culture. I don't know what awaits me here, but my purpose is to record a music album."

The reactions were swift. While some applauded his bravery, numerous Cubans criticized his choice harshly. "Listening to salsa on Spotify from Barcelona is one thing, living without water, light, and food is another," one user commented. Others simply told him, "Welcome to hell."

Amidst the flurry of messages, Wayota responded to a post by Cuban influencer Eliecer Ávila, expressing his surprise at the Cuban reactions: "Hi, I'm the guy from the video. Many have left negative comments, and I don't understand why there's so much hatred towards their own land. There may be things that affect your reality, but seeing your country with eyes of hate doesn't seem right."

A Contrasting Migration Reality

While Wayota seeks inspiration from Cuba's rich musical culture, more than 53,000 Cubans have moved to Spain between 2023 and 2024, according to official statistics.

As of 2024, there were 223,532 Cubans living in Spain, reaching an all-time high. Of these, 198,639 were born in Cuba, with 73,548 holding residency status. This exodus has been facilitated by laws like the Democratic Memory Law, or "Grandchildren Law," allowing many Cubans to obtain Spanish nationality.

Spain, in turn, has introduced initiatives such as the Arraigo Project, which aims to repopulate rural areas with immigrants, offering new opportunities for Cuban families. Additionally, reforms in immigration laws could ease the regularization process for thousands of immigrants, including Cubans in irregular situations.