In the first days of March, Cuba experienced another nationwide power outage stretching from Camagüey to Pinar del Río. Residents like Nike, a seamstress from Havana, describe how these frequent cuts disrupt daily life, forcing the use of charcoal for cooking and reading books during the day. Despite the hardships, some find moments of family connection in the darkness.
Power outages in Cuba have become more frequent in recent times, with cuts occurring without adhering to a pre-set schedule. Nike, a Havana resident who earns a living sewing, explains that she ignores friends' attempts to share outage schedules, as authorities apply them unpredictably. 'They cut when they want,' she says, highlighting the loss of control in daily routines.
In the first days of March 2024, another nationwide blackout affected much of the country, from Camagüey to Pinar del Río. During this event, families had to prepare coffee and food with charcoal. Nike mentions that during the day, she uses natural light to read books, an activity she considers a gift, since her sewing machine relies on electricity. 'It's a wonderful feeling to connect with Mother Nature,' she writes about working in her yard.
Nighttime cuts are particularly difficult, bringing an anguishing darkness at dusk. In her home, Nike and her family dine by the light of a rechargeable lamp and discuss art, movies, and their reality. 'I call it our after-dinner gathering,' she recounts, emphasizing the importance of not letting the uncontrollable affect happiness.
A friend of Nike complains about cooking at midnight during the brief hours of electricity, which disrupts her sleep and depresses her. Despite the situation described as 'gray with little green dots' by Nike's sister in the 1970s, the author holds hope for change so Cubans can live with dignity in the 21st century. This personal diary illustrates the impact of blackouts on everyday life, without resolving the underlying causes mentioned in the sources.
