The evening that was supposed to be filled with celebration turned into an experience of dissatisfaction and frustration. Attendees at the Pabellón Cuba in Havana, who gathered to watch the final episode of the telenovela Heart's Return, reported organizational chaos, extensive waiting times, and poor management of the event. "I was excited to enjoy this with my mother on her birthday. I reserved before December 5, as promoted, but it was a total disappointment. Poor organization, a lack of respect; it's playing with people's time and money. The images speak for themselves," one attendee posted on social media.
The posted images highlighted a significant crowd struggling to access the recreational center.
Criticism flooded Facebook shortly after the screening. Some viewers expressed dissatisfaction not only with the event's disorder but also with the lackluster artistic quality of the show's conclusion.
"I didn't like the ending of the series; it felt very basic and bland. And suddenly, characters that were never in the show appeared, the wedding scene of Alejandra and Diego showed some well-dressed guests and others in shorts. It was obvious they were just filling the scene," commented Reinier Monteagudo Gutiérrez.
Other attendees shared in the general discontent: "Entering was catastrophic, total chaos," "What a lack of respect, though I'm not surprised," and "Leaving the comfort of my home to be in that crowd" were among the most shared comments.
Besides the disarray, many attendees mentioned that poor weather and inadequate logistics further worsened the experience.
"I imagined it would be like this, which is why I didn't waste my time going. The average Cuban lacks healthy entertainment," another user remarked.
In stark contrast, state-run media and pro-regime outlets portrayed the event as an "unforgettable night," full of "emotions, applause, and shared moments between the audience and artists."
The concert by singer Waldo Mendoza was highlighted as a "spectacular" conclusion to the evening's events.
The event, promoted by Cuban television and state cultural enterprises, gathered hundreds at Pabellón Cuba, a traditional venue in Havana's Vedado neighborhood.
"What the media says is one thing, but what we experienced was another. There was no control, pushing, poor attention. No one knew where to enter or how the reservation worked," explained a young woman who attended the event.
"They sold us a cultural experience, and it ended up being a waste of time. It's the same as always: improvisation, disrespect, and no consideration for the audience," another user wrote on Facebook.
Heart's Return was among Cuba's most-watched telenovelas of the year, eagerly followed by thousands seeking a break from the country's daily struggles.
"Cubans just wanted a moment of distraction, and even that couldn't be enjoyed peacefully," summarized one attendee.
Understanding the Chaos at the Heart's Return Finale
What led to the chaos during the Heart's Return finale screening?
The chaos was mainly due to poor organizational management, lengthy wait times, and insufficient logistical planning, which were compounded by adverse weather conditions.
How did the audience react to the event's organization?
Audience members expressed their frustration and disappointment on social media, criticizing the event's disorder and the subpar artistic quality of the show's finale.
What was the official media's portrayal of the event?
Official media and pro-regime outlets depicted the event as a memorable night filled with emotions, applause, and shared moments between the audience and performers, highlighting a concert by Waldo Mendoza as a spectacular finale.