In the early hours of September 14, 2025, the streets of Gibara in Holguín were filled with the clamor of pots and flashlights as residents protested against prolonged power outages and the ongoing crisis. Chanting slogans of unity and freedom, the demonstrators expressed their frustration over enduring more than 24 hours without electricity, with only a brief half-hour restoration during the day.
Videos shared by citizens capture the voices of protestors shouting, “We want power, we want power!” and the rallying cry, “The people united will never be defeated!” echoing through the dark streets. Men, women, and young people marched together, banging pots and demanding immediate solutions.
The unrest in Gibara is set against a national backdrop of energy crisis and scarcity. Just a few days prior, on September 10, Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout due to the collapse of the National Electric System, plunging much of the country into darkness and highlighting the chronic issues in electricity generation.
Local residents report that the combination of lengthy power cuts, food shortages, and deteriorating basic services has heightened social discontent, leading to nighttime protests with pot-banging in several provinces. In Gibara, the demands focused on a stable restoration of electricity and addressing the urgent needs of the community.
As of the publication of this report, there were no official detailed accounts of arrests or public force incidents in the area. Eyewitnesses describe a widespread and sustained mobilization throughout the early morning, driven by accumulated frustration over the lack of solutions.
The demonstration in Gibara adds to a series of protests in 2025, underscoring the depth of the crisis and the severe impact that power cuts have on everyday life, from food preservation and water access to safety and nighttime rest.
This story is still developing. We will provide further updates as more information and confirmations become available.
Understanding the Power Outage Crisis in Cuba
What caused the power outage in Gibara?
The power outage in Gibara was part of a broader energy crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the collapse of the National Electric System, which has left much of the country without reliable electricity.
How did residents of Gibara respond to the power outage?
Residents of Gibara responded to the prolonged power outage by taking to the streets with pots and flashlights, chanting for freedom and unity, and demanding immediate restoration of electricity.
What impact do power outages have on daily life in Cuba?
Power outages severely impact daily life in Cuba by disrupting food preservation, limiting access to water, affecting safety, and hindering restful sleep.