Electrical Mishap Halts Guantánamo Children's Carnival, Sparks Safety Concerns

The Children's Carnival in Guantánamo, originally slated for this Sunday, has been postponed to August 12—coinciding with International Youth and Students Day—after an electrical accident at the intersection of Paseo and Los Maceo sparked panic among attendees. Reports from the newspaper Venceremos and a Facebook post by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada highlighted that the incident occurred during the parade of the folklore group "La Cecilita," a key attraction of the event.

Witnesses reported that the electrical lines malfunctioned, causing sparks and a sudden power outage, necessitating an immediate halt to the festivities to avert potential hazards. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaos that ensued among the crowd.

Local authorities are currently "investigating the causes" of the incident, yet it underscores the city's deteriorating electrical infrastructure and the lack of foresight in organizing large-scale events. The carnival unfolded amidst a backdrop of frequent blackouts and aging networks, making such an incident foreseeable to many residents.

Safety Measures and Public Reaction

Images shared online show children, parents, and spectators evacuating the area, while police and military personnel secured the scene. Many attendees, visibly unsettled, were seen carrying chairs and belongings as they left the vicinity. The official decision to reschedule the parade was justified as a safety measure for "the little ones at home." However, criticism has arisen over the improvisation and absence of prior inspections that might have identified potential hazards before the event.

Future Plans and Ongoing Challenges

The rescheduled parade on August 12 will retain its artistic lineup, featuring comparsas, floats, and children's groups, but it faces the challenge of restoring public confidence after an incident that could have had more serious consequences. This episode adds to other issues plaguing public celebrations across Cuban provinces, where the energy crisis and inadequate basic services have led to modifications or cancellations of events.

In July 2025, the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba had to curtail its schedule and limit activities to 10:00 p.m. to reduce electricity consumption due to worsening generation deficits. In early August, in Bayamo, the so-called "popular festivals" drew criticism for taking place amid extended power outages and food shortages. Meanwhile, in 2024, a blackout impacted the Santiago de Cuba's South Children's Hospital shortly after the lavish electricity use during the carnival, highlighting the mismanagement of energy priorities.

In Guantánamo, there is hope that the Children's Carnival can proceed without further disruptions, but concerns persist about the technical conditions surrounding such festivities.