A video shared this Wednesday on La Kinkalla TV's Facebook page reveals a distressing scene of trash and debris piling up at the corner of San Rafael and Galeano, one of Havana's busiest intersections. This location was the site of a tragic building collapse in August 2025 that claimed the life of a Café Boulevard worker.
"They've turned this collapse at the boulevard into a dump. The trash and pollution just keep growing," the video narrator laments as the camera pans across the area. The video's creator also warns of the structure's condition and the potential risk it poses to passersby.
The accompanying text criticizes the Cuban government's negligence and poor management, stating, "This is just another example, and if we continue to tolerate it, we'll face more collapses and see our history disintegrate."
The collapse occurred on August 14, 2025, when the upper floor's ceiling gave way, causing the first floor to fall onto the ground floor, where Café Boulevard was located. The disaster trapped several people under the rubble, resulting in the tragic death of a café employee.
At the time, residents reported that the century-old building had been deemed uninhabitable for years, with superficial facade repairs failing to address its structural issues.
Neglect and Urban Decay
The video casts a spotlight on the state of the area over 14 months after the incident. Rather than seeing signs of restoration, the footage reveals piles of debris and structural remnants littering San Rafael Boulevard, a once-iconic part of Cuba's capital.
Viewer reactions express outrage over the deterioration and nostalgia for the corner's commercial past. "It used to be beautiful; as a child, it was a treat to visit, see the shops, the theaters—it's all gone now," one commenter reminisced.
Another recalled, "There used to be a café run by the Palmares Chain on the ground floor. It's horrifying now!" A third comment blamed the Cuban government squarely. "This is real, just a few blocks from the Capitol, yet it's the government's fault, ONLY THEIRS," the user declared.
Many recognized the area as the former "VEA," recalling it as a social and commercial hub in Havana. "One of Havana's most iconic spots. Draw your own destructions, I mean, conclusions," another commenter quipped.
"We've lost Havana," another user stated, capturing the frustration and sadness evident in the comments over the decline of a place tied to the city's urban memory.
Widespread Urban Decline
This scene is part of a larger pattern of unchecked urban decay. Official figures indicate that around 1,000 buildings collapse annually in Havana, with 185,348 structures in poor condition and a housing deficit exceeding 929,000 units nationwide.
The garbage crisis exacerbates the situation, with shortages of personnel, garbage trucks, and an ongoing energy crisis crippling waste collection efforts.
Several other historic sites in Central Havana face similar fates; Ultra Warehouses have become public restrooms, while streets like Monte, Zanja, and Belascoaín are swamped by mountains of refuse.
Understanding Havana's Urban Challenges
What caused the collapse at San Rafael and Galeano?
The collapse was triggered when the ceiling of the building's upper floor failed, causing a chain reaction that brought down the first floor onto the ground level, tragically resulting in the death of a Café Boulevard worker.
How has the Cuban government responded to the building collapse?
The government's response has been criticized for neglect and poor management, as the affected area remains in disrepair over a year later, with no significant restoration efforts in sight.
What impact does the waste crisis have on Havana?
The waste crisis, exacerbated by personnel and equipment shortages and an energy crisis, has led to mounting trash in the streets, contributing to the overall urban decay in Havana.