A wave of protests shook Havana on Friday night as residents staged a loud demonstration and set tires ablaze in the Afán neighborhood of San Miguel del Padrón, as reported by journalist Mario J. Pentón on Facebook.
Pentón shared a nighttime photo capturing a large fire in the street, with thick black smoke rising among homes and palm trees, as locals gathered around the blaze.
"#Breaking | Pot-banging protest and tire fires in Afán, San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. Several areas of Havana are witnessing protests right now, with streets closed and banging on pots," wrote the journalist.
In the comments, user Alejandrito Díaz Méndez confirmed that the protest was not an isolated incident: "Pot-banging in La Güinera now."
Another protest involving pots and pans was reported in the Carlos III area of Havana, following several days without electricity in that region.
Historical Significance of La Güinera
La Güinera, a neighborhood in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality, holds significant symbolic weight as it was a focal point during the historic protests on July 11, 2021, the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba in decades.
San Miguel del Padrón has its own history of unrest. In March 2026, a failure in a 110 kV power line left the entire municipality without electricity, prompting residents to decry, "Not even half an hour of power and we are already in crisis, this is inhumane."
Protests Fueled by Energy Crisis
The protests on Friday are part of an ongoing wave of demonstrations that began on March 8, 2026, triggered by the collapse of the national electric system.
On June 17, the Electric Union projected an energy shortfall of 2,080 MW during peak hours, offering only 950 MW of power against a demand of 3,000 MW, leaving 69% of the country without electricity, according to Bloomberg Línea.
In Havana, power outages have lasted up to 20 and 22 hours daily during May and June. Some areas in Matanzas reported as many as 85 consecutive hours without power.
On June 18, Canal Caribe warned of a "highly complicated night" concerning electricity, foreshadowing the street protests that followed.
Extent of the Protests Across Havana
The 2026 demonstrations have spread across dozens of Havana neighborhoods—Cayo Hueso, El Vedado, Playa, Regla, Luyanó, Alamar, El Cotorro—and have reached other provinces like Santa Clara. The slogans have evolved from demands for basic services to cries of "down with the dictatorship" in the streets.
At least 14 individuals have been detained in Havana amid these protests from March to June 2026, according to reports from organizations monitoring the repression on the Island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Protests and Energy Crisis
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The protests were sparked by the collapse of the national electric system, leading to prolonged power outages across the city and beyond.
How widespread have the protests been?
The protests have spanned multiple neighborhoods in Havana and extended to other provinces, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government.
What is the historical significance of La Güinera?
La Güinera was a key site in the July 11, 2021 protests, marking one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba's recent history.