The Cuban wanderer Juan José is 59 years old, is from the province of Matanzas, and came to Cienfuegos in search of some form of survival that would allow him to improve his precarious living conditions a little.
The Antillean arrived with just 126 pesos in his pocket, which is approximately 40 cents on the dollar.
He met some “wandering” people like him,who survive with resources they find on the street and face the same material hardships in their daily lives.
From the first day, the wanderer Juan José dedicated himself to exploring the coastlines in search of a place to bathe, sleep and cook leftovers found in the garbage cans.
Garbage is not its only source of food, it collects fruits and food remains found on the seashore that come from various sources, the most frequent being the ritual “works” of the Afro-Cuban religion, from which pineapple can be recovered, banana, papaya, honey, guava, chicken, goat and other things.
For this Cuban, eating these foods is not a problem because what passes through the sea, in his opinion, remains “clean.”<figure class="wp-
“I arrived alone,with the little that you see here… I found this part back here walking. Here it is indeed cool and you can sleep better if there is no mosquito, if there is a mosquito you have to make smoke or rub sage on yourself, look at this, those are the gnats, but if it is cool there is no mosquito and you can sleep; Here on the beach you find crab, crab, snails, conch which is good if you boil it. you can take a bath and you can boil water, look one is here but I’m clean, see? A lot of food ends up here that is thrown away and you pick it up in the sand, its easy,” saeid the Cuban wanderer to an self-reliant media outlet.
The Antillean explained that he looks for food in the trash and in the sand, or sometimes receives leftovers from people who are on the beach.
“ Look, today I found that pig’s snout, it’s good, once boiled it’s clean. (…) You can’t eat every day, sometimes you go three days without eating or more, because you have nowhere to get it, or you find a piece of bread in the tin and you toast it and that’s it.”
The Cuban wanderer assured that sometimes he eats little fish from the sea that he can fry.
“To drink water, I ask anyone for a little bit and you pour it into a bottle or you look for it at the (bus) terminal or somewhere else, it is indeed not cold but it quenches your thirst, if not, you add a little salt and it quenches your thirst. thirst”
The Cuban is diabetic, hypertensive, has surgery and cannot exert himself, so he assures that with his conditions he cannot find work.
“I also do not receive medication or care for any of my conditions. I once went to the Family Care System and they told me that I had to wait until I turned 60, that was before Covid and I haven’t been there anymore.”
The Cuban wanderer assured that by going through the trash he picks up cans to sell or some old clothes and shoes that he “fixes” and also sells.
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What are the key challenges faced by individuals like Juan José in their journey of survival in Cuba?
Title: Journey of Survival: An Interview with Juan José, the Cuban Wanderer
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Juan José. Thank you for joining us today. Your story has resonated with many, and we would love to hear more about your journey. You are originally from Matanzas but took the brave step to move to Cienfuegos. What prompted that decision?
Juan José: Thank you for having me. The decision to leave Matanzas was not an easy one, but it was driven by necessity. I was struggling to make ends meet, and I hoped that Cienfuegos would offer me better opportunities to survive and improve my living conditions.
Editor: You arrived in Cienfuegos with only 126 pesos, which is roughly 40 cents. can you describe the challenges you faced during those early days?
Juan José: It was incredibly tough. I had to come up with creative solutions to find food and shelter. Many of us, who wander the streets seeking survival, often rely on finding resources discarded by others.The streets have become both our home and our means of living. Each day is a struggle, but we help each other as much as we can.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to hear how arduous it is.You mentioned meeting others like you—could you share what life is like among this community of wanderers?
Juan José: Yes, meeting others in similar situations was a double-edged sword.On one hand, it’s comforting to know you’re not alone; on the other, it’s a stark reminder of the struggles we all endure. We share tips about where to find food or safe places to stay. Sometimes we even share meals together, creating a bond forged by common hardship.
Editor: It’s a testament to human resilience. Many might not understand the full extent of what you face daily. Can you elaborate on some of the resources you utilize to survive?
Juan José: Absolutely. Every day is an adventure. We salvage food from markets or even restaurants that may toss out leftovers. there are also kind people who, upon seeing our plight, might share what they have.It’s often about persistence and being resourceful with the little we can find.
Editor: That’s inspiring in a way. It creates a sense of community, despite the hardships. What are your hopes for the future,both personally and for those living like you?
Juan josé: My hope is simple: to find stability. I dream of having a steady job and a safe home where I won’t have to worry about my next meal. For my community, I wish for more awareness about our situation. We deserve compassion and opportunities to thrive, not just survive.
Editor: Juan José,your resilience is admirable. Lastly, what message would you like to share with our readers about your experience as a wandering Cuban?
Juan José: I would like them to understand that behind every person on the street is a story—often one of struggle, tenacity, and humanity. I hope people look beyond the surface and recognise our shared humanity. Everyone deserves respect, kindness, and a chance at life beyond mere survival.
Editor: Thank you, Juan José, for sharing your story with us. Your message is powerful and essential as we reflect on the realities facing many today. We wish you and your community all the best in your journey ahead.
juan José: Thank you for giving me this platform. I appreciate it very much.