After the difficult period caused by Covid, Cuba has gone through a deep economic crisis that has affected every aspect of Cuban life. During my stay, I had the opportunity to live closely with a typical Cuban family, trying to capture their daily life, their emotions, and the challenges they face every day.
I shared with them joys and concerns, immersing myself in their intimacy and appreciating their openness and willingness. One of the distinctive features of the Cuban family, in fact, is their strong mutual support, as demonstrated by their famous saying: “If you have a problem, the best thing to do is laugh about it.”
Guillermo, a 55-year-old father and a scientific researcher in the field of electromagnetic energy at the Universidad Oriente in Santiago de Cuba, earns about 35 euros a month, while his 25-year-old daughter Beatrice, a general practitioner, earns about 10 euros. One morning in a bar, we had to leave because the water was too expensive, while the prices of essential goods like bread and eggs have significantly increased.
Despite the economic challenges, Cubans have proven to be masters of solidarity and resilience. Support among the less fortunate is an essential part of Cuban culture. The family is at the center of everything, and old age is seen as a treasure to be preserved. Grandchildren spend a lot of time with their grandparents, greatly strengthening the intergenerational bond.
Homes are always open, and friends are considered an integral part of the family. During my visit, I had the privilege of being welcomed with joy and willingness.
I tried to capture the resilience, tenderness, and love for life of these Cuban families. Santiago de Cuba was my choice because it represents one of the least touristy cities in Cuba, where I could closely observe daily life.
This trip left me with a profound respect for life and the value of family. I tried to describe their life made of sunshine and poverty, hoping to capture its essence.
Immersed in the sultry heat of an eternal summer, I discovered the freshness of the purest feelings. I listened to their stories, their dreams, and their hopes, discovering how culturally and emotionally rich the Cuban family is. In the jungle of life, Cuban families find solidity in their culture, made of music, history, material shortages, and eternal smiles.
The Cuban family is rooted in its typical culture, and the average cultural level in Cuba is surprisingly high compared to Western countries, with numerous professionals among its members, especially in the scientific and medical fields.
I took photos only after fully understanding their stories and looking through their eyes. I tried, with my photographs, to capture the genuineness and true essence of Cuban families, hoping to share their joyful and revolutionary outlook on life.