In Cuba, the colas (queues) andcoleros (those who frequent them for commercial purposes) are much more than an economic phenomenon: they embody a cultural and social reality deeply rooted in the island's daily life. Queuing for hours to buy basic goods is an experience shared by all Cubans, generation after generation.
A legacy of shortages: history repeats itself
Queues in Cuba are nothing new. As far back as the 1960s, when the country was struggling to stabilize its economy, they were already part of the daily landscape. At the time, shortages were attributed to coleros, informal vendors and external factors such as the US embargo.
Even during the 1980s, despite economic support from the Soviet Union, Cuba was periodically faced with a shortage of essential products. Then came the Special Period of the 1990s, an unprecedented economic crisis in which queues became ubiquitous and interminable. The authorities blamed hoarders, the embargo and the precarious global economy.
Coleros and the black market: A parallel economy
Coleros are part of Cuba's informal economy. They buy rare products en masse, only to resell them on the black market at exorbitant prices. Although often criticized, this practice is symptomatic of an economy marked by scarcity and inefficient distribution.
The Cuban state has repeatedly tried to counter these practices with coercive measures, but without lasting success. Indeed, coleros thrive where there are shortages, and their activities reflect an imbalance between limited supply and high demand.
The role of the State: A solution in the hands of the government
Ending the queues and the coleros' activities would require a significant improvement in supply. But in Cuba, this solution remains a monumental challenge. Between the economic impact of the US blockade, budget restrictions, corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, the idea of well-stocked stores is still a dream.
Faced with this reality, the authorities have stepped up their queue control. Police officers, and sometimes even high-ranking military personnel, are now organizing queues in front of stores. This phenomenon reflects the seriousness of the crisis, but also the exhaustion of traditional solutions.
The Cubans: Resilience in the face of crisis
Despite the difficulties, Cubans are extraordinarily resilient. Queues, though exhausting, have become an accepted routine. In the tropical sunshine, conversations, laughter and mutual aid ease the wait and illustrate a unique solidarity.
Successive economic crises have never dampened their spirits. Whether it's for chicken, detergent or even condoms, Cubans continue to fight with a smile to obtain the essentials. In this context, the queues become almost a symbol of adaptation and perseverance.
A phenomenon that survives crises
Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the queues have not disappeared. Health restrictions didn't stop people from gathering in front of stores, ready to brave the wait for basic necessities.
The fear of running out of essentials often outweighed the fear of contracting the virus. This demonstrates the profound influence of scarcity on the daily lives of Cubans, a challenge that transcends health or economic crises.
The queue: A culture embedded in Cuban daily life
In Cuba, not queuing is almost unheard of. To arrive at a store and find what you need without waiting is rare and often synonymous with empty shelves. Queues are part of the island's cultural identity, reflecting both economic challenges and a people's ability to adapt.
Understanding Cubans to better discover Cuba
Queues are more than just a constraint: they tell the story of a people who, despite the hardships, keep smiling and always find a way to cope. Discovering Cuba also means understanding these shared moments, made up of conversations, laughter and sometimes frustration.
Cubans are the anonymous superheroes of their daily lives, capable of transforming a difficult reality into a testimony to human resilience.
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