Charcoal makers and other rural scenes
Pinar del Río, Cuba.
I’ve always wanted to create a whole series of photographs about the process of making charcoal. However, although this time I managed to capture kilns in two different stages, I didn’t get to do a more detailed piece of work… because of the dates, because I was just passing through, because I wanted to enjoy a bit of everything, and that would have meant persuading those people to devote some of their time to me as well. And so, it simply wasn’t the right moment.
Instead, I took these few photographs where I played a little with light and silhouettes… and I plan to bring them to him when I return there, to my father’s native land.
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With these photographs I’m sharing below, something very funny happened to me. I took them when my cousin came along with me to explore an area they call “La Vega” (of tobacco), and we went with the intention that I would spot many birds. But instead, I spotted this little house in the middle of nowhere and asked my cousin if he knew the people who lived there. What a question! Of course he knows them… and as we walked along that path and passed in front of the house, very modest, by the way, I saw the kiln half-built. The man who cut the sticks to set it up had done very hard work… I thought the next difficult part was coming: covering it with soil, keeping watch, and being alert if any openings appeared, to seal them as quickly as possible.
There was also a small cat in the midst of all that silence until the owner of the future charcoal kiln appeared. We greeted each other. And then a little girl came running noisily down the path, whispered something in his ear. –She says, why are you taking photos of the kiln and not of her… ah, well… there wasn’t much more to say. I photographed them both, and they too will have their pictures soon. Perhaps they won’t have to wait until I can go back. There’s the option of sending them with my father.
Original content by @nanixxx. All rights reserved ©, 2026.
Every image I include in my posts is mine. When it’s not, I credit the source in a caption.
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Good afternoon @nanixxx, I don't know if you knew (I know you didn't, but it's a way to start a conversation) that my grandfather Aurelio used to tell me when I was little how, from a very young age, as a boy, he made charcoal.
The photos are very good, as always, and that cat is going to be very popular on Hive, but I especially appreciate those images that brought back memories of my grandfather.
Have a great afternoon! 🤗
So I brought you some nice little memories from your grandad, great stuff! … That little cat’s cute, isn’t it?
Thank you, 😇. Hope you’re having a great day.
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It's a cute story... the little girl also wanted to be the main character... and she has a beautiful smile!!!! How interesting the charcoal theme and the process, surely you can do that photo session one day... you know which one is my favourite... there's a cat!!!!😍
She told me her name and smiled when I showed her the picture on the camera. And the cat didn’t move from there while we were near the house talking. I think it’s a female cat because she has three colours.
Thank you! 🤗
Si! Es una hermosa gatita y la niña super adorable. Gracias a vos! Buenos días!!😃
I have always wondered how charcoal is made. I had never seen a kiln before, had no idea how it was done, and was quite surprised. It is very hard work. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
Well, I’m glad I was able to show it to you in some way. I don’t know if there are other ways of doing it; this is the only way I know, as it has always traditionally been done here. Perhaps there is some industrial way of doing it; I would have to look into it.
Thank you. 🙃
I always adore farmers, fishers, and charcoal makers. They are very relevant in our country, and appreciating them means they are still respected and given value, by some people. The sad part is our system doesn't recognize them fairly. They are romanticized solely as farmers and dignified crop producers but their income couldn't justify their effort of feeding the nation. I hope it will change soon, even if it is impossible, but may the odds turns towards them. That man must be so happy of his works, and I hope he grows even more in this business. And a cat! What a wonderful encounter with this wonderful creatures. Oh, life is beautiful @nanixxx, isn't it?
These are people who work to secure their livelihood. I imagine that part of the charcoal they produce is used for cooking at home, while the rest is sold. In this way, they can buy other things they need. As far as I know, they don’t make the charcoal for any company, but rather for their own use.
The work of men in the countryside has always been very hard, but I suppose there are those who are used to it, who prefer it, and who in some way feel rewarded by their own efforts. Here, the state agricultural sector is also very poorly paid.
Thank you, @whosee, I hope that one day we wake up and find a fairer world. And yes! Life remains beautiful, despite it all.
Greetings, dear friend! Like you, I've been meaning to photograph charcoal burners at work for a long time; it's something I've always wanted to do. I love these images; they give me a feeling of well-being and peace. The countryside is truly unique; it renews the spirit!
I’ve read in your posts that life in the countryside really lifts you up and gives you loads of energy. Same here, we feel exactly the same. Hopefully one day you’ll get to take those photos. Cheers, friend.
A fascinating story with photos; these are wonderful moments, full of everyday life that nourishes the soul. I love moments like this... And the best part is that, in moments like these, a cat almost always appears!
!discovery
!PIZZA
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Come to think of it… cats, absolutely! Too right! Thank you so much.
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