The Wilfredo Pagés Stadium in Manzanillo became the canvas for a bold display of dissent against the Cuban regime this Saturday. The stadium's walls were adorned with large-scale slogans like "Patria y Vida" and "Down with Canel", resonating through the city of Granma and capturing the public's attention.
Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, an activist residing in the United States, took to Facebook to share these striking images with a touch of irony: "I left and what a sight! This is how it looked this Saturday morning!" The photos clearly depict these slogans as symbols of defiance against the entrenched powers.
This form of visual protest follows closely on the heels of a demonstration in the Manzanillo neighborhood of La Kaba. On Sunday night, residents took to the streets in protest against power outages lasting over 20 hours. The demonstration, characterized by the loud clatter of pots and pans, was met with police suppression, leading to the arrest of at least three individuals.
Among those detained was Yongel Quiala, who was held for several days, while two others were released only after paying a hefty fine of 10,000 pesos, an exorbitant amount considering the widespread poverty among the population. Salcedo also reported that another protester, Addel Céspedes, suffered severe beatings at the hands of the authorities. "They're abusive! He can't even stand up!" she exclaimed.
Political graffiti has surfaced as a crucial outlet for expression amid the increasing crackdown on street protests. Recently, similar anti-government slogans appeared at a high school in Guane, Pinar del Río. Although swiftly erased, the message struck a chord with many Cubans who feel that traditional avenues of expression are closed to them.
"The people are slowly awakening. No one believes in that government anymore, and they know it; it's their greatest fear," wrote journalist Javier Díaz, as he shared the images on Facebook.
The events in Manzanillo, both the street protests and the graffiti in public spaces, illustrate a Cuba where social unrest is persistent, and forms of dissent are gaining strength despite surveillance and repression. As the regime clings to its narrative of resistance against external "blockade," the internal reality—marked by endless power cuts, inflation, food and medicine shortages, and repression—offers little room for hope.
When the voice of the people is stifled, they speak through paint.
Understanding the Unrest in Cuba
What triggered the graffiti protests in Manzanillo?
The graffiti protests were sparked by growing dissatisfaction with the Cuban regime, highlighted by power outages lasting over 20 hours and the lack of basic necessities.
How did the government respond to the protests?
The government responded with police intervention, arresting protesters and imposing heavy fines, reflecting the regime's stance against dissent.
Why is graffiti becoming a popular form of protest in Cuba?
Graffiti is becoming popular because it provides a visible and immediate way to express dissent in a climate where traditional protests face severe repression.