The article discusses the dire living conditions in Cuba during the 'special period', which began in 1991 following the collapse of the USSR. Cities were plunged into darkness at night, forcing people to walk to their jobs and schools as remote work was not an option. The public transport system faced severe shortages, leading to a makeshift solution where old buses lost their windshields and were pulled by horses to navigate the streets, illustrating the desperation of those times.

During this special period, many aspects of life in Cuba changed drastically, highlighting the resourcefulness of its people adapting to extreme shortages. Daily life was heavily disrupted, with little access to essential services and a palpable sense of urgency and frustration among the population. The image of makeshift horse-drawn buses exemplifies the significant sacrifices and adjustments made in the face of overwhelming economic distress and the absence of viable alternatives.

Today, Cubans reflect on those challenging times as they face similar economic difficulties exacerbated by political unrest and sanctions. The historical context of the special period reminds individuals of the resilience they had to display, now rekindled as they navigate the current crisis, thereby invoking memories of hardship while fostering discussions about systemic solutions and future security.