On Monday night, residents in Central Havana took to the streets to protest the prolonged power outages that have been suffocating Cuba's capital. The large-scale demonstration unfolded at the intersection of Manrique and Reina streets, just a few blocks from the National Capitol, home to the National Assembly of People's Power.
Shared images and videos on social media captured dozens of individuals gathered in complete darkness, banging pots and chanting, "Turn on the lights, turn on the lights!" During the protest, a pile of garbage was also set ablaze in the area. The conclusion of the demonstration remains unclear.
The footage also depicted the arrival of several police vehicles, described by witnesses as a repressive maneuver by the regime. "Look at the Castro regime's trucks, their repressive vehicles," a voice is heard in a reel shared by journalist Alain Paparazzi on Instagram.
The protest took place shortly before the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba is set to hold an Extraordinary Plenum on Wednesday to discuss economic reforms, including reducing the number of ministries from 27 to 21, changes in the subsidy system, and measures for the energy sector.
Electricity Crisis Reaches Critical Levels
The electricity crisis that triggered the protest has reached critical levels. According to the Electric Union, at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, the system's availability was a mere 970 MW against a demand of 2,525 MW, with 1,555 MW affected by the deficit.
A nighttime peak deficit of 1,970 MW was projected. Some areas of Havana have experienced power outages lasting up to 31 continuous hours, while other provinces have endured more than 48 hours without electricity.
The demonstration at Manrique and Reina (Los Sitios neighborhood) is not an isolated incident. Recently, residents of Santos Suárez also took to banging pots after 31 hours without electricity, with police presence noted at the scene. The wave of pot-banging protests has rocked neighborhoods like El Vedado, Cayo Hueso, Luyanó, El Cotorro, Regla, and Guanabacoa in recent weeks.
Unprecedented Wave of Protests
The Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded 1,245 protests in March 2026 and 1,133 in April, the highest figures since July 11, 2021, when more than 70 Cuban towns rose in the largest social upheaval since 1959. Cubalex documented at least 14 arrests in Havana related to protests over power outages since March 6, 2026.
The proximity of the protest to the Capitol—a symbol of the Cuban regime's state power—and its timing with the Communist Party Plenum imbued it with a symbolic weight that did not go unnoticed. "Cuba needs support. What it is asking for is freedom, it is change," is heard in one of the videos shared from the scene.
Understanding the Protests in Havana
Why are Havana residents protesting?
Residents are protesting against the prolonged power outages affecting the city, which have significantly disrupted daily life.
What sparked the recent protest in Central Havana?
The protest was sparked by severe power shortages, with electricity deficits reaching critical levels, leaving residents without power for extended periods.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The government has responded with a heavy police presence, which many witnesses describe as repressive actions against the demonstrators.