This past weekend, two explosions rocked the Guayos festivities in Sancti Spíritus, resulting in nine injuries, with two individuals in critical condition, posing a significant threat to their lives.
On Monday evening, the state-run newspaper Escambray confirmed the occurrence of two accidents involving pyrotechnic devices during the popular event. The first explosion happened at dawn on Saturday in the La Loma neighborhood, while the second took place on Sunday at an unspecified location.
Among the six men injured in the initial incident, one is reported to be in extremely critical condition, while another is in a critical state, both with a high risk to life, according to specialized sources cited by the newspaper.
The second mishap, early Sunday morning, also involved fireworks, resulting in three injuries. These individuals were transported to the Hospital Provincial Camilo Cienfuegos, arriving around 8 a.m. that day.
Dr. Tatiana Hernández González, a second-degree specialist in Plastic Surgery and Burn Treatment, stated that one of the injured is in serious condition in intensive care, while the other two have been discharged from the Observation Ward.
Currently, six patients remain hospitalized: two in critical condition, three seriously injured, and one reported as less serious.
"So far, all supplies and medications required for treating the victims of both accidents are ensured," confirmed Dr. Hernández.
Escambray did not disclose the names or ages of the three individuals involved in the second explosion.
On Monday, it was revealed that one of the critically injured is Yohan Piñeiro Santana, aged 36, who was observing the fireworks display when the explosion occurred in the La Loma neighborhood, as shared by a relative with Martí Noticias.
Piñeiro sustained severe burns on his face, arms, and feet, keeping him in critical condition.
The relative explained that the accident happened when one of the fireworks landed in a sack of mortars, causing an explosion. "They knew the risk, but they went ahead anyway... They love it because it's tradition," she mentioned, clarifying that Piñeiro was not setting off fireworks but simply watching them up close.
The Guayos Festivals, declared a National Cultural Heritage in 2013 and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018, celebrated their centennial this year.
Traditionally, leading up to November's celebration, locals engage in creative competitions split between two neighborhoods: La Loma (represented by the goat and the color red) and Cantarrana (symbolized by the frog and the color green), featuring floats, congas, pyrotechnics, and parades that attract thousands from across Cuba.
This year's festival was initially scheduled for early November but was postponed by the Cabaiguán municipality government, causing significant dissatisfaction among residents.
Local authorities cited economic, health, and social sensitivity reasons due to the national situation following Hurricane Melissa's devastation in eastern Cuba and the critical epidemiological context with the circulation of various arboviruses.
Many Guayos residents deemed the suspension unjustified, interpreting it as a lack of political will to support popular cultural expressions amid the country's widespread crisis. Ultimately, the event was approved to take place this past weekend.
Pyrotechnic accidents are common at such celebrations in Cuba. In 2018, two men suffered severe burns during the Camajuaní festivals in Villa Clara. At the end of 2017, fireworks storage caught fire during the Remedios festivities in the same province, injuring 39 people, eight of whom were critically wounded.
Understanding the Risks of Pyrotechnic Celebrations in Cuba
What caused the explosions at the Guayos festivities?
The explosions were caused by mishandling of pyrotechnic devices during the celebrations, with one explosion occurring when a firework fell into a sack of mortars.
How many people were injured in the Guayos explosions?
Nine individuals were injured across the two explosions, with two in critical condition and others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
What measures are being taken to treat the injured?
The hospital has ensured that all necessary supplies and medications are available for treating the victims of the explosions.