In the neighborhood of Nuevo Vedado, located in Havana, the sound of banging pots and pans echoed through the streets on Saturday night as locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the government.
“A strong pot-banging protest is happening in Nuevo Vedado, near Boyeros and Tulipán. We all feel like we're in Morón right now,” reported journalist Yoani Sánchez, who shared a video capturing the loud clamor of the protest.
This marks the second occurrence of such a protest in recent days in this area, which lies close to the Plaza de la Revolución, following a similar event last Thursday.
Friday saw one of the most significant days of protest in Cuba in recent months. A large demonstration filled the streets of Morón in Ciego de Ávila.
Numerous videos circulating on social media show groups of residents marching through the streets, chanting slogans against the government and engaging in pot-banging protests.
During these demonstrations, clashes erupted in front of the local headquarters of the Party, where a fire broke out on the street and damage was inflicted on the building.
One of the most dramatic moments of the protest was captured in a widely shared video online, showing a young man being injured after a shot was heard near the headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
In the footage, the young man is seen collapsing to the ground, and several protesters help him, transporting him on a scooter to a hospital for medical attention.
While various reports on social media claim that the young man was shot by a police officer—and some even suggest he could be a minor—official media outlets have denied any shooting occurred, stating he was injured by falling.
The official narrative attempts to frame the events as isolated disturbances led by a small group of individuals manipulated from abroad, with state media reporting five arrests.
The country's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, stated on Saturday that demands are legitimate as long as they are expressed with “civility” following the early morning protest in Morón.
“The prolonged blackouts, a result of the U.S. energy blockade, cruelly intensified in recent months, understandably cause frustration among our people,” Díaz-Canel posted on X, routinely blaming the U.S. for the situation in Cuba as part of the regime's propaganda.
“Complaints and demands are legitimate as long as they are made with civility and respect for public order. What will never be understandable, justified, or tolerated is violence and vandalism that threaten citizens' peace and the safety of our institutions,” he added.
He concluded with a warning to the protesters: “There will be no impunity for vandalism and violence.”
Understanding the Protests in Cuba
What prompted the recent protests in Nuevo Vedado?
The protests in Nuevo Vedado were sparked by dissatisfaction with the Cuban government, particularly due to prolonged blackouts and the economic hardships faced by the population.
How did the Cuban government respond to the protests?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, acknowledged the legitimacy of demands if expressed civilly but condemned acts of violence and vandalism, threatening no impunity for such actions.
Was there any violence reported during the protests?
Yes, clashes occurred, including an incident where a young man was reportedly injured near the headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba. However, official sources deny any shootings, attributing his injury to a fall.