An explosion in the fireworks area left six men injured—two critically, two seriously, and one with lesser injuries—at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday in the La Loma neighborhood of Guayos, located in Sancti Spíritus province.
The blast occurred near the Casa de Cultura in Guayos due to several bags filled with mortars, as confirmed by Provincial Government sources. This sudden incident halted the much-anticipated start of Guayos' traditional festivities, according to the state-run newspaper Escambray.
The injured were initially treated at the local clinic before being swiftly transferred by the Integrated Emergency Medical System to Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital. There, a multidisciplinary team is assessing the condition of each patient in the Burn Unit.
Dr. Tatiana Hernández González, a second-degree specialist in Plastic Surgery and Burn Treatment, reported that the injured men, aged between 30 and 40, except for one who is 50, were admitted around 6 a.m. and are currently receiving specialized care. Hospital sources have assured that they have adequate resources for treatment.
Following the accident, local authorities from Cabaiguán and cultural officials visited the site, while government coordinators Yaquelín de la Paz Ramos and José Martínez Hernández are present at the hospital. The Ministry of the Interior is actively investigating the cause of the explosion.
The traditional Guayos festivities, initially scheduled for early November, were postponed due to economic, health, and social reasons, as stated in an official note. This decision, which sparked discontent among residents who had been preparing for the centennial celebration of the event, was influenced by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and a severe epidemiological situation with circulating arboviruses.
Officials have stated that once conditions improve, the major Guayos festival will be celebrated, with all resources acquired thus far preserved, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this deeply rooted cultural expression in central Cuba.
However, many locals deemed the suspension unjustified, viewing it as another example of the political unwillingness to support popular cultural expressions amid the country's widespread crisis.
The year 2025 marks a century since the festival began, a milestone for generations of residents in Sancti Spíritus who have fiercely protected their right to celebrate their culture and local identity, even during times of scarcity.
Key Questions About the Guayos Explosion Incident
What caused the explosion during the Guayos festivities?
The explosion was caused by several bags filled with mortars that detonated near the Casa de Cultura in Guayos. The exact cause is currently under investigation by the Ministry of the Interior.
How are the injured being treated?
The injured were initially treated at a local clinic and then transferred to Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital, where they are receiving specialized care from a multidisciplinary team in the Burn Unit.
Why were the Guayos festivities postponed?
The festivities were postponed due to economic constraints, health concerns, and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as well as a difficult epidemiological situation with several viruses in circulation.