In various areas of the Cuban capital, the clamor of banging pots and pans accompanied by shouts against the regime filled the night this past Sunday. This civilian response emerged due to the extensive nighttime power outages. The most prominent protests took place at the intersection of Línea and 12th Street in the heart of El Vedado, as well as in Zone 13 of Alamar in East Havana. Residents of these Havana neighborhoods captured the uproar on video.
"Pots and pans clanging from the heart of Vedado," wrote journalist Yosmany Mayeta as he shared footage showing neighbors making noise with cookware around 10 PM amidst widespread darkness.
Reports also came in from the municipality of Playa, where residents indicated that the regime’s typical response has been to promptly dispatch police patrols to quell the demonstrations.
These spontaneous protests coincide with consecutive nights of prolonged blackouts in Havana. In neighborhoods like El Vedado, the power cuts have persisted throughout the early morning hours. The situation worsened recently due to a malfunction in the national energy system.
"The unexpected shutdown of the Energas Boca de Jaruco unit caused automatic disconnection in several circuits nationwide. Investigations are underway to determine the cause," reported journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
Two hours later, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) released a brief official statement: "A failure in one of the Energas outlet lines and the tripping of the other two took the Boca de Jaruco plant offline, increasing the impact. Four gas turbines are now operational, with the fifth and the steam turbine to follow gradually."
As of now, no further information has been provided about the state of the national electrical system. Meanwhile, social discontent continues to rise.
"We're still without power, and tomorrow they have to go to school because there's an exam. How long will this go on? The only blockade here is yours," complained user Saúl Manuel on Facebook.
Havana, less accustomed to systematic nighttime blackouts than the provinces, is beginning to face an increasingly critical energy situation. This crisis is characterized by the deterioration of the electrical system, lack of maintenance, and institutional inability to respond effectively. The regime claims it lacks the resources to resolve the crisis in the short term.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The recent protests in Havana were triggered by extensive nighttime power outages, which have caused significant frustration among residents.
Where did the most notable protests occur?
The most notable protests took place at the intersection of Línea and 12th Street in El Vedado and in Zone 13 of Alamar in East Havana.
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are primarily due to a malfunction in the national energy system, exacerbated by the unexpected shutdown of the Energas Boca de Jaruco unit.
How has the regime responded to the protests?
The regime's typical response has been to promptly send police patrols to suppress the demonstrations.