Cuba Today — Between Hope and Crisis

After Fidel's death (2016) and Raúl Castro's resignation (2021), Miguel Díaz-Canel governs — the first non-Castro since 1959. Cuba is in a deep economic crisis: food shortages, power outages, skyrocketing inflation, and the largest wave of emigration since the 1980s.

The cautious opening under Obama (2014–2016) — diplomatic relations, cruise ships, US tourists — was reversed under Trump. The Covid pandemic further hit Cuba's tourism-dependent economy hard. In July 2021, the largest protests since the revolution occurred — thousands took to the streets demanding freedom and better living conditions.

For travelers, this means: Cuba is a country in transition. The situation is tense, but the people remain warm-hearted, open, and resilient. Tourism is one of the few functioning sources of income — your visit directly helps when you stay in Casas Particulares and eat in Paladares.