Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has reached out to the people of Cuba following the recent protests in Gibara, Holguín, sparked by prolonged blackouts and a severe water shortage crisis. "Cuban people, your courage and determination in the streets are a beacon of hope and resistance. Stand strong in your quest for freedom and dignity. Every step you take is a step towards a brighter future. You are the voice of necessary change. Do not give up; your strength is unstoppable," Otaola declared.
His words quickly circulated on social media, accompanied by hashtags like #TheStreetIsTheWay, #OutOfPower, and #FailedCubanState, supporting the demonstrations that have erupted in various parts of the country in recent days.
Gibara's Outcry Over Blackouts and Nationwide Crisis
In response to the blackouts, food shortages, and deteriorating basic services, dozens of residents took to the streets of Gibara armed with pots, flashlights, and cellphones. Videos shared by citizens depict women, men, and young people marching through pitch-black streets, banging pots, and chanting slogans such as "We want power!" and "The people united will never be defeated!"
Protesters reported enduring over 24 hours without electricity, with power restored for only 30 minutes during the entire day.
Government officials claimed that "everything is calm in Gibara" and accused social media users of attempting to politicize the protest. They noted that authorities had engaged with the demonstrators and shared images of empty streets to counter the narrative of widespread protests.
The social unrest in Gibara comes amid a backdrop of instability in the National Electric System, which collapsed on September 10, causing a widespread blackout across much of the country. This is compounded by food scarcity, inflation, and the failure of essential services like potable water supply, which have fueled social discontent.
So far, there have been no reports of arrests or serious incidents involving law enforcement, although accounts suggest that the protest was extensive and persisted into the night.
The Gibara demonstration is part of a wave of public protests in 2025, highlighting Cuba's profound structural crisis.
Understanding the Gibara Protests and Cuba's Crisis
What sparked the protests in Gibara?
The protests in Gibara were primarily triggered by prolonged blackouts and severe water shortages, which have exacerbated the already dire living conditions in Cuba.
How did the government respond to the Gibara protests?
The government claimed that the situation in Gibara was calm and accused social media users of politicizing the protest. They also stated that there was an exchange between authorities and protesters, sharing images of empty streets to counter claims of mass demonstrations.
What are the broader implications of the protests in Cuba?
The protests in Gibara are part of a larger movement reflecting Cuba's deep structural crisis, marked by widespread dissatisfaction with the government's inability to provide basic services and address economic challenges.