The 45th edition of the Caribbean Festival, also known as Fiesta del Fuego, is set to take place in Santiago de Cuba from July 3 to 5. This year's event will be conducted on a smaller scale, adapting to the country's severe crisis, as reported by the Cuban News Agency.
Daniela Anaya, a member of the organizing committee, acknowledged the "numerous challenges" faced in hosting the festival and emphasized its "significance." Despite the limitations, she believes it demonstrates a commitment to preserving an event that is a hallmark of local, national, and Caribbean identity.
Anaya highlighted that this will be an unusual edition: traditional parades and the honorary guest country's gala, Colombia, will be absent. However, cultural expressions from participating nations will still be showcased each day.
The artistic program will be concentrated between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Orlando Vergés, president of the organizing committee and director of Casa del Caribe, stated that this schedule aims to facilitate audience mobility and participation. This decision directly reflects the restrictions caused by the city's prolonged blackouts.
In June 2026, Santiago de Cuba is experiencing one of its worst energy crises. The Renté thermoelectric plant is on the brink of collapse, and fuel shortages are exacerbating the situation. On June 18, the local Electric Company admitted it could not guarantee even two hours of electricity daily, and entire areas of the city recently went 40 days without water, leading to protests and public outcry.
This scenario starkly contrasts with the previous edition, the 44th, held in July 2025 and dedicated to Curacao, which drew over 400 international guests from 15 countries. It featured a full program, including parades, galas, and the traditional Burning of the Devil. This time around, approximately 70 international guests from nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic will participate, along with representatives from the embassies of Romania, Azerbaijan, and Egypt.
Some of the festival's iconic traditions will continue, albeit with modifications. The Burning of the Devil—a closing ritual symbolizing purification—will be relocated to the Portuondo community, while the Ceremony of Slave Rebellion in El Cobre will take place on its usual date of July 7. Activities will also extend to the Abel Santamaría and Nuevo Vista Alegre neighborhoods, according to the source.
The academic program will feature the colloquium "The Caribbean That Unites Us," including an inaugural lecture by Colombian journalist Orlando Oliveros, a presentation on Latin American and Caribbean critical thought, and the launch of the call for the First International Meeting of Digital Culture of Cuba and the Caribbean. Workshops will cover theater, popular religiosity, dance, visual arts, and poetry, with a new addition focusing on culinary culture.
Vergés noted that this edition will pay tribute to the festival's essence and founders, acknowledging the efforts of groups and institutions that made the event possible despite the challenging circumstances. The energy crisis already forced the postponement of the 2026 Havana International Book Fair in February, and tourism closed 2025 with 1.81 million visitors—a 17.8% decline from the previous year and the worst record since 2002.
Founded in 1981, the Caribbean Festival has been held annually during the first week of July, becoming one of the Caribbean's most significant cultural gatherings. The fact that the 45th edition is proceeding under such severe constraints—fewer days, no parades, no gala, and daytime scheduling dictated by blackouts—clearly illustrates the extent of Cuba's deterioration in 2026.
Understanding the 2026 Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba
What are the main challenges faced by the 45th Caribbean Festival?
The festival is challenged by the country's severe energy crisis, leading to a reduced format with no traditional parades or gala events. The program is also limited to specific hours due to prolonged blackouts.
How is the 45th edition different from previous years?
Unlike previous editions, this year's festival will take place over fewer days, without traditional parades or a guest country gala. The program is condensed into afternoon hours to accommodate blackouts.
What countries are participating in the 2026 Caribbean Festival?
Approximately 70 international guests will participate, coming from countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the United States, Haiti, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, among others.