The residents of Santa Felicia, a neighborhood in the Marianao municipality of Havana, Cuba, took to the streets tonight, wielding pots and pans and blocking Avenue 51. Their demonstration was a response to the ongoing crisis marked by power outages, food shortages, and a lack of freedoms.
Videos shared by the musician El Funky show protesters demanding "electricity, food, and freedom" as they disrupted traffic on this major thoroughfare. Witnesses reported that after several tense hours, officers from the National Revolutionary Police arrived, leading to arrests, although the exact number of those detained remains unknown at this time.
This protest in Santa Felicia is set against a backdrop of growing social unrest in the capital city. Recent weeks have seen demonstrations and pot-banging protests in areas such as Centro Habana, El Cerro, Cojímar, and Old Havana, all fueled by power cuts, water shortages, and lack of supplies.
Impact on Local Communities
Santa Felicia, a part of Marianao, is particularly affected by electricity outages and the decline of essential services. Avenue 51, where the protest took place, is a key route connecting several working-class neighborhoods, and the blockades significantly disrupted local traffic.
As of this article's publication, the authorities have not released an official statement regarding the events in Marianao or provided details about those arrested. CiberCuba will continue to update as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Protests in Marianao
What sparked the protests in Santa Felicia, Marianao?
The protests were triggered by prolonged power outages, food shortages, and a demand for greater freedoms, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the Cuban government's handling of these issues.
How have the authorities responded to the protests?
Police presence was reported at the protest, resulting in several arrests, although the exact number of detainees has not been confirmed. An official statement from the authorities is still pending.