Cuba 2025: Tourist paradise or shadow world of the locals?

Cuba 2025: Tourist paradise or shadow world of the locals?

Viñales, Kuba - In Cuba, tourism is a double -edged sword. A trip from Havana to Viñales impressively shows the contradictions in the everyday life of people and the great economic difference between locals and vacationers. While tourists who pay in euros quickly progress, many Cubans are waiting for buses under bridges or were different means of transport. This situation is the result of decades of socialist politics and a now fragile economy.

The taxi ride leads through a landscape in which only a few cars can be seen, but many horse -drawn teams. The driver buys a warning triangle with Cuban pesos on the side of the road, which illustrates the clear economic differences to the world of tourists, whose money has a different value. In Viñales, which is known for his tobacco cultivation, private trade blooms: cigarettes, lighters and homemade bread are offered for sale. These business often run on hand and offer insights into the everyday life of the Cubans.

of cigarettes and rum: The everyday life of the Cubans

tourists who visit a plantation get rum and cigars, but the cigars are sold without a label and invoice. The price of a cigar can correspond to the monthly wage of a Cuban doctor, which further illustrates the economic tensions. General life in Cuba takes place in a slower gait; Time seems to be in abundance here.

In Viñales, there is often a power failure, which is why many have to fall back on generators. Children play baseball at a festival on the Plaza, which is characterized by music and the sale of Mojitos. These celebrations are often romantically illuminated, which brings together tourists and locals.

economic challenges and the role of tourism

The trips to the beach often take place in a “Taxi Colectivo” and offer a look at the very different needs and price categories that are under state and private administration. The beaches are not only beautiful to look at, with white sand and turquoise blue water, they also reflect the high humidity that shapes the Cuban summer.

The return to Havana often ends in sales talks on the street, where offers for concerts and cigars lure. These conversations often lead to apartments where fake products are offered. This dynamic is a reflection of the changeable economic climate in Cuba and the persistent care problems that affect many citizens.

data on Cuban socialism

The political framework is characterized by strong socialism, which in 2021 continues to be defended with draconian hardness under the current leadership, which would go back to more than six decades. Raúl Castro, the younger of the two Castro brothers, monitors the country's fortunes, and the fear of a return of the florida emigrants remains. Cuba has experienced a change from Soviet subsidies to capitalist foreign exchange income in recent decades.

The dominance of technocrats, military and intelligence employees within the Communist Party shows that the political system is less ideologically and more pragmatically shaped. Historically speaking, the 1959 Cuban Revolution did not lead to a VOL department, but was an inner collapse of the Batista regime.

An important aspect of Cuban socialism is the nationalization of the economy, which has led to a subsistence economy. The rationing card for staple foods, which was introduced in 1962, still exists today. This story and the ongoing political repression have led to the active “underdevelopment” of the country, which is reflected in the economic difficulties of the population.

Overall, it turns out that reality in Cuba is multi -layered. The fascination of the tourist attractions is overshadowed by the challenges of everyday life, economic inequality and an authoritarian political system.