An accidental blaze erupted at an impromptu trash dump near the Parish of San Judas Tadeo and San Nicolás de Bari in the Los Sitios neighborhood of Central Havana, leading to the destruction of the church's side door on Wednesday, according to a post on Facebook by Brother Ernesto Cuba, Sch.P., a member of the Piarist community managing the church.
"The Parish of San Judas Tadeo has just lost its side door due to another fire at the dump this afternoon. This is a consequence of neglect by the Havana government, particularly in Central Havana, as well as the Communist Party and local authorities. They have failed to keep their promises," the religious leader lamented.
This incident marks at least the fifth fire at the parish in 2026, all triggered by the burning of accumulated trash in front of the historic church. The first fire occurred on April 9, when flames charred the main door of the church.
Just weeks later, on April 23, the makeshift dump caught fire again, spewing toxic smoke that affected nearby residents, including the elderly, children, and worshippers. On that occasion, firefighters did not respond to the call.
Another fire on June 19 destroyed the side door of the church—once again lost in the latest incident—and by July, a fourth blaze had already been recorded that year.
Compounding the fire damage was theft: on July 19, solar lamps installed by the community to keep the religious space lit and secure were stolen.
Waste Management Crisis and Community Impact
The underlying issue behind these recurrent fires is the collapse of the waste collection system in Havana, exacerbated by a fuel crisis plaguing the Island. Since early 2026, only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks have been operational due to a diesel shortage, while the capital produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of trash daily, with up to 23,814 cubic meters left uncollected each day.
The Los Sitios neighborhood has been one of the hardest hit by this crisis. In early September, it was identified as another Havana neighborhood overcome by trash and neglect, with heaps of waste blocking intersections and repeatedly igniting fires.
The Piarist community has repeatedly reported the situation to the Havana government, the Communist Party, and local authorities, yet no effective response has been received.
Historical Significance of the Parish
The Parish of San Judas Tadeo and San Nicolás de Bari, located at San Nicolás 830, is one of Central Havana's oldest historic churches, dating back to the 19th century. The Piarist Fathers have been administering it since June 1961.
The fire on Wednesday underscores that, despite ongoing assurances from authorities, institutional neglect persists, continuing to damage a religious and historical heritage that no unfulfilled promise can restore.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Havana Trash Crisis
What caused the recent fire at San Judas Tadeo Parish?
The recent fire was caused by burning trash at an improvised dump near the parish, a result of the ongoing waste management crisis in Havana.
How has the fuel crisis affected waste collection in Havana?
The fuel crisis has severely impacted waste collection, with only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks operational, leaving a significant amount of trash uncollected daily.
What historical importance does the San Judas Tadeo Parish hold?
The parish is one of Central Havana's oldest historical churches, with origins dating back to the 19th century, and has been managed by the Piarist Fathers since 1961.