For Cubans, a massive blackout is simply laughable, as they are so accustomed to spending more time in the dark and without electricity than actually enjoying it.
The power outage in Spain and other parts of Europe on April 28 has generated laughter among Cubans, who have shown their support for those affected through memes on social media. However, the one who truly stood out was Cuban comedian Luis Silva, with his iconic character Pánfilo.
In what appears to be a phone conversation with his friend Chequera, Pánfilo reflects on the power outage, relating it to the situation Cuba faces daily.
“Chequera, the electricity system of Spain and its surrounding areas went down. They say it was a pile of thermoelectric plants. They say the first one to go down was the Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra thermoelectric plant, which is like the Guiteras plant in Cuba,” Pánfilo is heard saying.
"No, but Bernardo Espinosa is already arriving in Madrid; they've already sent him there. What journalist has more experience than that man to talk about these issues? He can give a postgraduate degree in that, kid," the comedian comments, referring to this reporter for the Cuban state press, who has been selected to address the country's electricity situation.
Before concluding the video, the comedian briefly compares a blackout in Spain with one commonly experienced in Cuba, unleashing his wit to create humor.
“Those people over there in Spain are upset because they've been without power for six hours. Tell me something. Tell us six hours without power. Elevators out, people trapped in elevators, traffic lights out, trains stopped. A blackout over there is chaos. The power goes out for six hours in Cuba, and the worst thing that happens is a frozen cucumber,” says Pánfilo, highlighting a disturbing aspect: the Cuban economy has reached such a point of deterioration that not even a massive blackout changes the situation.
The hilarious video of the excellent Cuban comedian who emigrated to Miami sparked a wave of comments highlighting his unique personality. While some made witty comments similar to Pánfilo's, others referred to the difference between a blackout in Spain and one in Cuba.
"In Cuba 🇨🇺, having electricity for two hours is an achievement of the revolution. Tell me something." "Talk to a Cuban about the lack of electricity when Cuba is the capital of blackouts." "They say Cuba was supportive and exported blackouts." "In Cuba, they don't turn off your electricity, they turn it on." "Ask us Cubans, we have master's degrees in the field," are some of the comments from users.
Pánfilo's video is based on the recent blackout in Spain that affected several major cities. Residents of Madrid and Barcelona witnessed chaotic scenes, especially on the city's subway and Renfe trains, which stopped operating and, in many cases, were left stranded before reaching their destinations. The same situation occurred in countless elevators in various buildings as well as at major airports.
