Cubans endure days without power as energy crisis hits hard

**Cubans Face Dire Energy Crisis Amid Prolonged Power Outages** In the vibrant streets of Cuba, a country known for its rich history and resilient people, an unprecedented challenge looms large, casting long shadows on the daily lives of its citizens. The island nation, grappling with one of its worst energy crises in recent memory, has seen many of its residents endure days, and sometimes even weeks, without electricity. The crisis has reached a critical point, forcing people to revert to more primitive methods to cook their meals and light their homes, such as firewood and makeshift candles. The energy shortage in Cuba is not just a temporary inconvenience but a symptom of deeper, systemic problems that include economic hardships, aging infrastructure, and the impacts of international sanctions. The government acknowledges the crisis, attributing it to a combination of factors, including the failure of the country's aging power plants, lack of fuel, and the financial constraints that limit the import of necessary parts and machinery to repair and maintain the electrical system. Cubans, known for their ingenuity and resilience in the face of hardships, have found various ways to cope with the power outages. In the outskirts of Havana and in other parts of the country, families gather wood to cook their meals on open fires, a scene reminiscent of bygone eras. The smoke from these fires, while a testament to the Cuban spirit of perseverance, also highlights the severity of the crisis and its impact on the environment and public health. The