A fresh wave of protests erupted in Havana on Thursday night, with residents gathering near Toyo Corner, despite a heavy police presence and reports that electricity had been restored in the area.
"There's a massive pot-banging protest happening right now near Toyo Corner. Police patrols and special forces, known as 'black berets', are on site due to fears that the protest might escalate," reported activist Yamilka Lafita, also known as Lara Crofs, on Facebook.
Social media posts highlighted the significant police and 'black beret' presence, causing concern among locals about the potential for the situation to intensify in the area.
Images shared online depict dozens of people gathered near the renowned corner in the 10 de Octubre municipality, a site that played a pivotal role during the historic protests of July 11, 2021.
This incident follows earlier pot-banging protests in other Havana neighborhoods, such as Lawton and Alamar, which were also driven by prolonged power outages and the country's ongoing energy crisis.
There are also unconfirmed reports of similar protests in the Tamarindo area of Santos Suárez.
Even though electricity has been restored in some locations, these demonstrations highlight ongoing social discontent, fueled not only by power shortages but also by the overall decline in living conditions.
As of now, there has been no official acknowledgment of these events, which add to a day marked by numerous protests across various parts of Havana.
Understanding the Protests in Havana
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The recent protests in Havana were triggered by prolonged power outages and dissatisfaction with the deteriorating living conditions in Cuba.
Where did the pot-banging protests occur?
The pot-banging protests occurred near Toyo Corner in Havana, as well as in other neighborhoods like Lawton, Alamar, and the Tamarindo area of Santos Suárez.
How did the authorities respond to the protests?
Authorities responded to the protests with a significant police presence, including special forces known as 'black berets', to prevent the situation from escalating.