In a stark contrast to the widespread power outages affecting Santiago de Cuba, local authorities on Saturday closed off Enramadas Street to host a light and music show marking the start of summer. This celebration unfolded while thousands of families in the area endured over 22 hours without electricity daily, and some neighborhoods had gone 40 days without water.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada highlighted this irony on social media, sharing images of the brightly lit area with LED screens and colorful lights, starkly opposed to the surrounding darkened neighborhoods.
"In a city where countless families suffer through endless hours without electricity, water, and with food spoiling, closing Las Enramadas for a party underscores the misplaced priorities of those mismanaging the city," Mayeta wrote on his Facebook page.
A local resident living on Enramadas Street, near Plaza de Marte, confirmed in the comments that their electricity lasted only two hours that day, from 7:30 to 9:30 in the morning, describing the current state as "pitch black."
Mayeta succinctly captured the contradiction: "It's hard to ignore the paradox: a city plunged into darkness, yet energy is available for the party; a population burdened by a crisis, while the official entertainment, disguised as 'private,' steals the spotlight."
Public Reaction and Frustration
The public's reaction on social media ranged from frustration to weariness. Several comments pointed out the unintentional complicity of those attending the event.
"The same people laughing at the circus are the ones constantly complaining... unwittingly becoming accomplices in a network of manipulation," one user commented.
Another was more direct: "As long as people keep attending and celebrating their own misfortune, nothing will change."
A third comment drew a clear line: "We need to disconnect. But without becoming accomplices of the dictatorship. If you want to dance... throw a party at home... but don't participate in these official acts."
Power Struggles and Priorities
The Santiago de Cuba Electric Company admitted in June that it couldn't guarantee even two hours of electricity per day in each area. On Saturday, 11 thermoelectric units were out of service nationwide—six due to malfunctions and five under maintenance—resulting in a projected shortfall of 2,050 MW during peak night hours, with only 1,050 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW.
The Enramadas event is part of a recurring pattern where the government ensures power for spectacles while the population endures lengthy blackouts. Similar situations occurred in May during the Cubadisco festival at the Cuba Pavilion, at La Piragua on Havana's Malecón, and during the San Juan festivities in Camagüey. This same Saturday, social media outrage erupted over reports that the Latin American Stadium was turned into a nightclub until 4 a.m., while Havana remained shrouded in darkness.
Since July 1st, Santiago de Cuba has witnessed almost daily protests and cacerolazos (banging of pots and pans) with chants of "We want electricity!" and "Freedom!"
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Outages in Santiago de Cuba
How long have Santiago de Cuba residents been experiencing power outages?
Residents have been experiencing power outages lasting over 22 hours per day, with some areas going without water for 40 days.
What is the cause of these power outages?
The outages are due to a combination of malfunctioning and maintenance issues in thermoelectric units, leading to a significant power deficit compared to the demand.
How has the public reacted to the Enramadas street event?
The public reaction has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration and viewing the event as a sign of misplaced priorities by the authorities.