Despite a severe energy collapse, food shortages, and growing despair among citizens, Bayamo's local government has declared that the "Popular Festivities" will take place from August 7 to 10. These celebrations starkly contrast with the harsh daily realities faced by most Cubans.
Daylin Calderío Hechavarría, the municipal Deputy Director of Culture, revealed that multiple recreational zones, including El Bosque, Zenea, Jabaquito, La 20 de Siboney, and La Comercio, will host the events. Additionally, a children's area near the railroad will feature artistic performances starting early in the day.
For the younger audience, performances will occur between 3:00 and 5:00 PM, followed by traditional organ music from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. The opening ceremony is slated for Thursday, August 7, at 9:00 PM at the corner of Zenea and Figueredo, as reported by the official newspaper La Demajagua.
On Saturday, August 9, a parade of street performers and non-competitive processions will take place. Evening dance events are scheduled in El Bosque and on the main stage at Zenea and Figueredo, seemingly oblivious to one of the most severe crises in the country's recent history.
Public Outrage Over Festive Distractions
Many residents find it offensive that amidst the lack of essential medicines, food shortages, and prolonged blackouts, the government persists in staging festivals that only serve to mask the underlying misery without addressing real problems. This so-called "festival of the people" turns into a mere propaganda tool aimed more at distraction than relief.
The choice to hold such events while hospitals falter, hunger intensifies, and repression continues unabated highlights the government's complete disconnection from the urgent needs of its citizens. The spectacle goes on, even if the bread is missing.
Previous Protests Echo Unmet Needs
In May, Bayamo was the center of citizen protests, with residents shouting "electricity!" and "food!"—cries that laid bare the desperation of a populace at its breaking point. These demands, shouted in the darkness, reflected the deep exhaustion of a community beleaguered by a relentless economic crisis and unyielding political repression.
Protestors in Jabaquito blocked a bridge, prompting police intervention, while gatherings were reported in the "20 de Siboney" area of Granma's capital. Videos shared on social media depicted tense confrontations on the night of May 23, with citizens confronting authorities and demanding basic necessities.
Amid frequent internet outages and mobile connectivity issues, an official social media propaganda campaign attempted to portray an image of calm, dialogue, and complete control over the situation.
Independent organization Cubalex reported the detention of several individuals during these protests, although they were released after signing warning documents. Additionally, 21-year-old Alejandro Salazar Blanco was arbitrarily arrested and threatened with a potential 10-year prison sentence.
Government's Response: Superficial Solutions
Just hours after the protests, Granma's government responded by organizing food fairs in various municipalities, a familiar tactic of distributing basic goods to temporarily quell public discontent.
Despite widespread criticism and the severe energy crisis plaguing the nation, authorities went ahead with carnival celebrations in Santiago de Cuba from July 23 to 27, albeit with a strict 10:00 PM curfew, demonstrating a willingness to "play with the chain, but not the monkey."
In July, while Holguín suffered from darkness and food scarcity, the local government arranged the so-called Fiesta Cristal, a gathering with beer and concerts that sparked public outrage for its extravagance, opportunism, and disconnect from the people's reality.
Understanding Bayamo's Festivities Amid Crisis
Why is Bayamo holding celebrations despite the crisis?
The Bayamo government aims to host the "Popular Festivities" as a means of distraction and propaganda, despite the ongoing crises, providing no real solutions to the pressing issues faced by the population.
How have the residents responded to these festivities?
Many residents view the festivities as insulting and disconnected from reality, given the severe shortages and blackouts. Previous protests reflect their frustration and demand for essential resources.
What was the government's response to the May protests?
Following the protests, the government organized food fairs as a temporary measure to alleviate public dissatisfaction, a common response to such unrest.