The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued an official warning on Thursday to American citizens, alerting them that the Cuban government is orchestrating a protest scheduled for the morning of Friday, May 22, in front of its diplomatic headquarters along the Havana Malecón.
The warning specifies that the Cuban regime intends to stage a demonstration on the morning of May 22, 2026, in the plaza located outside the United States Embassy.
The embassy cautions that there could be an increased police presence, traffic diversions, and disruptions to travel, potentially affecting access to the embassy starting Thursday night.
The protest is set to take place at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune, a symbolic venue of the regime inaugurated in April 2000 during the Elián González saga, featuring a star design on the ground pointed directly at the U.S. diplomatic mission.
Recently, a notable precedent was the May 1 event at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune when the regime moved the central International Workers' Day celebration there under the motto "The Homeland Must Be Defended," attended by Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
At that time, official media claimed over 500,000 Havana residents attended, a figure challenged by independent reports highlighting sparse attendance.
The embassy had issued a similar alert for the May 1 event, warning of street closures and heightened police presence starting the night before.
The upcoming Friday protest occurs amid a severe internal crisis. On May 13, Cuba experienced a record electricity deficit of 2,153 MW, resulting in power outages lasting up to 20 and 22 hours daily in some areas of the capital.
This situation sparked spontaneous protests across several Havana municipalities with slogans like "Electricity and Food" and "Down with the Dictatorship," to which the regime responded with police crackdowns and at least 14 arrests.
The Cuban Conflict Observatory reported 1,133 protests in April 2026 alone, marking a 29.5% increase compared to April 2025.
On May 15, the embassy had already issued a security alert acknowledging that some of these protests resulted in "aggressive police repression" against Cuban demonstrators.
The call for an anti-imperialist rally outside the U.S. embassy aligns with the regime's historical tactic of redirecting internal dissatisfaction toward an external adversary during heightened public pressure.
The embassy advises U.S. citizens to "steer clear of demonstrations and large gatherings, remain aware of their surroundings, and check local news." Those needing urgent assistance on Friday can call +53-7-839-4100.
U.S. Embassy Alerts and Protests in Cuba
What is the reason behind the protest planned by the Cuban government?
The protest is part of the Cuban regime's strategy to divert internal discontent outward toward the United States, especially during times of increased public pressure.
How should U.S. citizens in Havana respond to the planned protest?
U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the protest area, stay aware of their environment, and consult local news for updates. For emergency assistance, they can contact the embassy.
What previous events have occurred at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune?
The José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune has hosted events like the central International Workers' Day celebration, attended by Cuban leaders Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel.