This generational awakening, with its own particularities, has also begun to manifest itself in Cuba
14ymedio, Havana, 30 December 2025 — In various parts of the world, Generation Z has begun to occupy a visible place in public life. Young people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s have participated in protests and social movements that have challenged governments, traditional leadership, and official narratives, from Peru to Indonesia, and including Madagascar, Kenya, Morocco, and the Philippines.
This generational awakening, with its own particularities, has also begun to manifest itself in Cuba. Far from the image of apathy that for years was associated with youth on the island, some young people have found ways to express their discontent and participate in public debates from their immediate surroundings or through digital platforms. Among the names that have gained visibility are Erlis Sierra and Ana Sofía Benítez, whose public statements have brought everyday problems to the forefront.
Sierra became visible after releasing a video in which he complained to officials of the municipality of Contramaestre about the power outages.
Erlis Sierra, a pediatrician residing in Baire, Santiago de Cuba, gained notoriety after posting a video in which he complained to officials in the municipality of Contramaestre about power outages, water shortages, and garbage accumulation, citing the Cuban Constitution to support his demands. Shortly afterward, two police officers arrested him at his home and took him in handcuffs to Santiago de Cuba, according to local residents. During his arrest, another video circulated in which Sierra claimed to be “fine,” although some internet users pointed out that the recording appeared to have been made under the supervision of State Security.
The doctor’s mother, Ania Gómez Leiva, also spoke publicly, appealing for help in securing her son’s release. Neighbors reported a police presence in the area and warnings issued to those sharing information about the incident.
Ana Sofía Benítez has used digital environments as a space for reflection
Ana Sofía Benítez, for her part, has used digital environments as a space for reflection. Her publications describe common experiences of life in Cuba, such as limited access to printed books and reliance on online resources for studying and staying informed. Through these narratives, she has shown how young people of her generation face material constraints while developing strategies to adapt to them.
Social media serves as a window through which many young people portray their lives on the island. Audiences outside of Cuba closely follow this content, which offers a direct glimpse into the living conditions of the population. The hashtag #VivoEnCuba (I Live in Cuba) has gained prominence as a space where young creators document daily life. Some, like Frank Camayeris, achieved popularity before emigrating, while others continue to produce content from the country, such as Aprendedora (Learner), who recently narrated the arrival of Hurricane Melissa from her daily experience in Holguín.
See also: Cuban Faces 2025: The 14 Faces That Marked the Pulse of Cuba in 2025
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