During the night spanning December 8th to 9th, Cuba experienced another wave of protests and clamor amidst widespread power outages and growing social frustration. From Marianao to Regla, Alamar, Santos Suárez, San Miguel del Padrón, La Lisa, and even the University of Camagüey, citizens took to the streets banging pots, lighting fires, and chanting for electricity, food, and freedom.
These demonstrations were captured in videos shared across social media, including one posted by dissident rapper El Funky. The footage depicted dozens of Marianao residents blocking streets with pots and debris, demanding the restoration of the electrical service. The video concludes with cheers and applause as the power returns, a scene that underscores both the fragility and resilience present in the country.
"The people of Marianao know what to do when the power goes out," El Funky remarked alongside the video on his social media.
In another statement, he added: "Marianao has made its stand. Let's go, Cubans."
Independent journalist José Raúl Gallego, monitoring the protests from Mexico, warned on Facebook: "The night is heating up. There are confirmed reports of pot-banging and other protests in several parts of the country."
This surge of protests arises amidst the worst economic, energy, and social crisis in decades. The Cuban Conflict Observatory (OCC) recorded a historic high of 1,326 protests nationwide in November, characterized by demands for electricity, food, and civil liberties. The scarcity of fuel, prolonged blackouts, and rampant inflation have turned everyday life into a struggle for millions of Cubans.
Despite the government's silence, citizen sources and social media videos reveal a steady increase in public discontent. Nighttime protests, like those in Marianao and other Havana neighborhoods, have become an outlet in the face of the regime's repression and censorship. No arrests have been reported so far, although several activists have noted the deployment of political police in troubled neighborhoods during the early hours.
El Funky, a prominent figure in the Cuban resistance movement, continues to be a voice and witness to the people's outrage. His posts highlight the growing spirit of defiance among Cubans, demonstrating how they persist in raising their voices despite fear and darkness.
The December protests are part of a long series of civic demonstrations in 2025, a year marked by the collapse of the energy system, chronic shortages, and political repression against those daring to demand basic rights. As Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel maintain their grip on power and the repressive apparatus, the Cuban populace continues to express its discontent in the streets, armed with pots, candles, and fire.
Key Questions About the Protests in Marianao
What triggered the protests in Marianao and other areas?
The protests were sparked by massive power outages and increasing social frustration due to the lack of electricity, food, and basic freedoms.
How have the authorities responded to these protests?
While no arrests have been reported, activists have noted that political police forces have been deployed in problematic neighborhoods during the night.
Who is El Funky and what role does he play in the protests?
El Funky is a dissident rapper who has become a prominent figure in the resistance movement, using his platform to highlight and support the protests against the Cuban regime.