Even in Hardship, Cubans Find Reasons to Celebrate Life

In the final days of 2025, Cubans share how the year truly felt. Power outages, shortages, economic crisis. But also resilience, family and hope for what comes next. Belly of the Beast journalist Liz Oliva Fernández hit the streets of Havana to listen to people’s experiences from the past year and their hopes for 2026.

TRANSCRIPT

“This was a tough year for us here in Cuba,” said Liz Oliva Fernández, journalist with Belly of the Beast, while walking through the streets of Havana. “Since the last time I made a video like this in 2021, the situation in Cuba hasn’t gotten better,” she added.

“How has this year treated you?” Oliva asked.

“God, it was really awful. Really bad. Don’t even ask,” replied a Havana resident.

“It’s been really hard,” said another Cuban.

“Things haven’t gone well for me,” a woman admitted quietly.

“For me, it was good. For Cuba, well, no need to say,” reflected a man with a shrug.

“Blackouts affect everyone. We have to endure what we’re facing. It’s our lot,” explained another resident.

“Truthfully, compared to past years, this one was much tougher,” said a Cuban man.

“For us it was hard, but full of joy. As you can see, that little girl was born,” shared a woman, smiling as she held a baby.

“I’ve had work. Health too, despite chikungunya. I’m healthy. My family is healthy. We’re okay. Money is tight, but we’re surviving,” explained a Havana resident.

“The economy is terrible nationwide,” another person stated bluntly.

“Why do you think the economy is bad?” the journalist asked.

“There are many reasons, but mainly the U.S. blockade. There is no tourism, and without tourism, nothing moves,” answered a man.

“Cubans are simple people. We just need clothes, food every day, transportation. But everything is hard. Even basic needs are difficult for us,” said another resident after a pause.

“Do you have a New Year’s tradition?” Liz asked.

“A tradition? Spending it with my mom, like always, and with my family,” a woman replied.

“Throwing the bucket of water outside is a must. For good luck, so the new year comes in fresh,” explained another voice.

“We celebrate together as a family, roasting pork,” said a man. When asked about this year, he added, “We don’t know yet. We haven’t talked about it. The situation isn’t good for everyone.”

“Some people won’t celebrate the way they want due to economic circumstances,” reflected a Cuban woman.

“There’ve been better New Year’s Eves, but we remain hopeful. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” another resident said.

“A new year must be celebrated. Music, dancing, shouting, laughing, drinking,” said a man enthusiastically.

“Of course I’ll celebrate. Because we are alive. Because my children are alive. My mother is alive. That alone is worth celebrating,” declared a woman firmly.

“What do you wish for Cuba in 2026?” asked Oliva.

“Good health, above all else,” replied a resident.

“That we overcome this painful situation in our country. Better electricity, better healthcare, better access to medicine,” added another voice.

“Do you believe things will improve in 2026?” the journalist asked.

“Maybe when Donald Trump’s presidency ends. If another president comes who understands Cuba and lifts the blockade. Otherwise, no,” answered a man.

“Cubans are fighters. We never give up. So I say to all Cubans: we will keep fighting. And may God watch over us,” he concluded.