On the night of May 14, fresh demonstrations erupted in Havana as residents of Guanabacoa took to the streets, setting up barricades and fires in response to power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day.
A widely circulated video on social media, amassing tens of thousands of views, captures nighttime scenes filled with flames and thick smoke in the municipality. The footage shows police attempting to disperse the crowd as protesters retaliated by throwing stones.
“The police arrive to suppress it, and the people defend themselves with stones. The streets are the only option,” described the Facebook page Libre Del Comunismo, while sharing the footage.
Widespread Dissent Across Havana
Since the previous Wednesday, protests have spread across various districts in Havana. In Playa, police reportedly resorted to beating demonstrators as part of the efforts to curb the unrest.
In Marianao, residents blocked streets in protest against power cuts exceeding 20 hours. During the nighttime demonstrations, a CUPET service station at the intersection of Dolores and 24 was targeted with stones by protesters.
Immediate Trigger: Unprecedented Energy Crisis
The immediate catalyst for the unrest was an unprecedented energy crisis. On May 13, the Unión Eléctrica reported a record deficit of 2,113 MW at 8:40 PM, with only 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW. This dire situation was acknowledged by the regime during an urgent appearance by the energy minister.
Minister Vicente de la O Levy openly admitted to power outages ranging from 20 to 22 hours daily in certain circuits of the capital, prompting Cubans to respond, “It’s not discontent, it’s abuse.”
Internet Blackouts and State Security Presence
During the protests, widespread internet cuts were reported in Havana, along with the deployment of motorcycles and state security patrols in affected areas.
Regime official Gerardo Hernández implicitly admitted the high cost of protesting in Cuba, sarcastically commenting on the burning of containers during the nighttime protests and blaming the U.S. embargo for the fuel scarcity.
Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel countered claims of Cuba being a “failed state” by asserting, “Cuba remains standing,” as the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert due to the blackouts and demonstrations in Havana.
Sustained Social Discontent
Social unrest had been steadily escalating: the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts documented 1,133 protests in April 2026 alone, marking a 29.5% increase compared to the same month in 2025. The events of May 13 and 14 represent the peak of a rising wave of indignation that shows no signs of abating.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Havana Protests
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The immediate trigger was a severe energy crisis, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day, causing significant distress among residents.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The government has deployed police and state security forces to suppress the protests, while officials have made public statements blaming external factors like the U.S. embargo.
Are internet services affected during the protests?
Yes, widespread internet outages have been reported in Havana amidst the protests, likely as a measure to curb the spread of information.