The recent concert by singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez at the University of Havana's steps on Friday became an unexpected platform for attendees to vocally demand "Freedom," but specifically for Palestine, in front of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife, Lis Cuesta. "Free Palestine, Free Palestine!" chanted several people during the event, which was dedicated to the University Student Federation (FEU), according to social media posts, including those from dissident Eliecer Ávila.
The concert, which was heavily guarded and partially broadcast on state-run channels, occurred amidst Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, food and water shortages, and recent protests in Santiago de Cuba, Gibara, and Havana neighborhoods, where peaceful demonstrators faced mass arrests. In light of these circumstances, many Cubans on social media are questioning why attendees did not seize the opportunity to call for structural changes on the island.
Following the event, Díaz-Canel posted a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), describing the evening as a "poetic pause before resuming the challenging everyday life." This comment was met with sharp criticism from Cubans enduring over 20-hour power outages and a lack of basic services. The irony of his statement was further underscored by the fact that just hours before the concert, both he and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero led an emergency meeting regarding the national electro-energetic system's (SEN) crisis and the water supply collapse.
During this meeting, it was acknowledged that the SEN is experiencing a "critical moment," with over 50% of water supply issues directly linked to power outages. However, instead of offering concrete solutions, officials called for "resistance" and "revolutionary vigilance."
Silvio Rodríguez had previously announced that he would perform a concert on September 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the University of Havana's steps, dedicated to students who led protests against the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA) rate hikes last June.
FAQs on Silvio Rodríguez's Concert and Cuban Protests
Why did attendees at Silvio Rodríguez's concert call for freedom for Palestine?
Attendees used the concert as a platform to express solidarity with Palestine, chanting "Free Palestine" in the presence of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
What was the context of the concert held by Silvio Rodríguez?
The concert took place amidst Cuba's severe energy crisis, shortages of essential goods, and recent protests, raising questions about the lack of vocal demands for change within the country.
How did Miguel Díaz-Canel react to the concert?
Díaz-Canel described the concert as a "poetic pause," a statement that drew criticism given the harsh realities faced by Cubans, such as extended power outages and inadequate basic services.