Graffiti Declaring "Down with the Dictatorship" Appears at San Antonio de los Baños Stadium, a Symbolic Protest Hub

The streets of San Antonio de los Baños, which became a focal point for the historic July 11th protests in 2021, once again resonate with public discontent. Over the weekend, a graffiti message declaring "Down with the Dictatorship" was discovered on the walls of the local baseball stadium. This act of defiance was reported by activist Marcel Valdés, who posted images on social media alongside a message expressing the sentiments of numerous Cubans: "The people can't take it anymore. Civil disobedience. If no one obeys, no one rules."

This action holds a significant symbolic weight. San Antonio de los Baños ignited the popular uprising on July 11th, marking one of the most substantial civilian challenges to the Cuban regime in recent decades. Just when the reverberations of that uprising seemed to have quieted, this new visual protest emerges, calling for change from the very origin of the previous unrest.

The event coincides with a series of protests led by university students, who have recently voiced their opposition to the new ETECSA tariffs that severely restrict internet access—an essential tool for education, social organization, and free communication. In a Cuba beset by surveillance, scarcity, and fear, painting a wall becomes an act of political bravery.

The Power of Graffiti in Cuban Protest

The phrase "Down with the Dictatorship" is more than a slogan; it represents a persistent resistance, a sign that dissatisfaction continues to spread despite the regime's oppressive measures. Every sign, every silent act of rebellion, underscores an ongoing desire for freedom among citizens fed up with broken promises and repression. As Valdés noted in his post, "There aren't enough informants for so many people."

Exiled Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego highlighted the symbolic significance of the stadium's location, stating, "This is how they decorated the baseball stadium walls in San Antonio de los Baños, the town where July 11th began. It's not just the university students; many people in Cuba are taking action." He further emphasized, "Let there be many shots, from many places, but all aimed at the same target. That's how we win. There aren't enough informants for so many people. This is the moment. Everyone should do what they can. Every action counts."

Widespread Acts of Defiance

Across varying locations in Cuba, graffiti on walls and public spaces has become a means for citizens to express their dissent against the regime. A notable instance occurred when a "Down with the Dictatorship" sign appeared on a central corner in Havana, quickly removed by authorities, highlighting the provocative nature of such acts.

In Manzanillo, several anti-government slogans, including "Homeland and Life" and "Down with Communism," were reported on public walls. The scale and spread of these graffiti suggest an organized effort or at least a coordinated action among citizens willing to challenge repression. A few months back, a regime-critical message was found on a residential building facade in Santiago de Cuba, triggering a police operation in the area. This incident demonstrated that civil disobedience is not confined to the streets but extends into residential spaces, signifying an expansion of discontent beyond mere symbolism.