Early on Monday, locals from Ateneo Street in Santiago de Cuba gathered to scrape and dig into the perimeter wall of an old building. They were driven by rumors suggesting that the wall—constructed with river sand—might contain tiny gold particles.
This unusual event was captured by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared photographs from the scene.
The photos depict individuals crouched next to the crumbling wall, some wearing motorcycle helmets, while a group stands gathered on the sidewalk. As of the report, there was no official confirmation of any gold being present in the Ateneo Street wall.
"What started as a mere rumor has turned into a significant phenomenon on Ateneo Street, in Santiago de Cuba," the journalist remarked.
The Quest for Precious Metals in Cuba
The spontaneous search for precious metals is not a new occurrence on the island. Back in 2023, 60 Cubans were apprehended for illegally extracting gold in Ciego de Ávila, marking one of the most notable crackdowns in recent years.
The economic situation in Santiago de Cuba is particularly dire. The province recently faced a drought affecting half a million people, compounded by hurricane damage, worsening the living conditions for its residents.
Cuba's Worsening Economic Crisis
Nationally, the outlook is equally grim. A staggering 80% of Cubans believe the current crisis surpasses the hardships of the Special Period, partially explaining the desperation leading residents to seek fortune even in their neighborhood walls.
In recent months, Cuban authorities have tightened their stance against illegal mining activities. In September 2025, they thwarted an illicit gold extraction operation in Holguín, a province that has historically been a hub for clandestine mining in eastern Cuba.
Analysts and specialized media warn that the gold rush in eastern Cuba combines dreams of wealth with the real threat of repression, creating a cycle that repeats whenever the economic crisis deepens and rumors of deposits circulate among the population.
Understanding the Gold Rush in Santiago de Cuba
What triggered the gold search on Ateneo Street?
Rumors that the wall of an old building, made with river sand, might contain small gold particles sparked the residents' interest.
How have Cuban authorities responded to illegal mining?
Cuban authorities have intensified their actions against illegal mining, including a recent operation in Holguín to stop unlawful gold extraction.
Why is the economic situation in Santiago de Cuba so critical?
The province has been hit by a severe drought and hurricane damage, worsening the already difficult living conditions for its residents.