As several neighborhoods in Havana took to the streets on Monday night protesting endless power outages, the regime responded by cutting internet access to silence the demonstrations. Meanwhile, at the bustling intersection of 23rd and 12th in Vedado, the government was projecting films on a massive screen, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil.
State-run company MAMBO-Cuba, which specializes in services for the cultural industry, celebrated the screening of the Paraguayan film "7 Boxes" on Facebook. They highlighted the festive atmosphere at 23rd and 12th during the Latin American Film Festival: “We just enjoyed the Paraguayan film ‘7 Boxes’ on the screen at 23rd and 12th. We are at Havana Mambo at the Movies, a tribute from music to the 7th art within the Havana Film Festival framework.”
Just hours later, on Tuesday, all six electrical blocks in the capital were shut down, confirming a crisis that plunges thousands of families into darkness and despair.
The widespread outages reveal a complete breakdown of the system in the capital, where thousands endure extreme heat, water shortages, work interruptions, and a daily struggle marked by energy uncertainty.
Monday Night Protests and Internet Blackouts
The protests on Monday night occurred in municipalities like Diez de Octubre, Cerro, Marianao, and Centro Habana, where blackouts lasted over 10 hours. The regime's response included internet blackouts, increased police presence, and operations to prevent recordings or live broadcasts.
Residents banged pots, shouted slogans, and blocked streets in various areas while the official press remained silent. In stark contrast, the state continued to promote cultural activities in prominent city locations, seemingly attempting to project an image of normalcy amid the deteriorating electrical system.
An Unprecedented Crisis: All Six Electrical Blocks Down
On Wednesday, the Electric Company reported that all six of Havana's electrical blocks were simultaneously affected—a highly unusual occurrence even by current energy crisis standards—with a deficit exceeding 277 MW.
Practically speaking, this means no sector of the capital is spared from rationing, and the situation has worsened since Monday when the protests began.
A City Divided: Darkness vs. Propaganda
While thousands endure entire nights without electricity—with food at risk of spoiling, children unable to sleep, and adults unable to work—the regime continues to organize giant screen events, cultural activities, and propaganda in privileged public spaces of Havana.
For many Habaneros, the stark contrast between the "festivities" at 23rd and 12th and the darkness engulfing the rest of the city has become a symbol of the disconnect between daily reality and the official narrative.
Understanding Havana's Energy Crisis
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The recent protests in Havana were triggered by prolonged power outages exceeding 10 hours, affecting numerous neighborhoods and exacerbating the already challenging living conditions.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the protests?
The Cuban regime responded to the protests by cutting internet access, increasing police presence, and implementing operations to prevent live broadcasts and recording of the events.
What is the significance of the giant screen events in Havana?
The giant screen events in Havana, occurring amid the energy crisis, highlight the regime's attempts to distract from the power outages by promoting cultural activities, which many see as a disconnect from the city's underlying issues.