In a bold display of frustration, residents from Calabazar and Las Cañas in Boyeros, Havana, took to the streets early this morning. They were protesting an over week-long power outage, according to videos shared by user @luisveramarcos1 on the social media platform X.
The footage reveals protesters chanting loudly, “We want light! We want light! We want light!” in the streets, showcasing a fresh wave of community frustration over the failing Cuban electrical system.
The protest reached its peak when demonstrators set fire to the Las Cañas bridge, a vital link to Calabazar. The regime acted swiftly: reports indicate that electricity was restored shortly after the blaze. Communist Party officials and Ministry of the Interior forces were promptly dispatched to manage the unrest and quell the dissatisfaction.
Such occurrences have become a frequent pattern: citizens protest, the government temporarily restores power to appease tensions, and law enforcement presence is ramped up, yet there is no fundamental solution in sight. Boyeros has experienced several similar incidents throughout 2026.
Recurring Unrest in Boyeros
In July, Calabazar's residents detained two employees from the Electric Union on accusations of illegally selling the neighborhood's power supply.
In September, police repression was reported in the Fontanar area, with around ten patrol units involved and at least two arrests made.
By late October, residents resorted to blocking Boyeros Avenue with garbage containers after enduring over three days without power.
Energy Crisis Looms Large
The protests are underscored by a severe energy crisis that worsened in recent days. On November 13, the National Electric System had only 900 MW available against a demand of 2,142 MW, with a projected shortfall of 1,900 MW during peak nighttime hours—fulfilling merely 32% of the country’s needs.
That day, a major power plant failure led to a complete network collapse, plunging approximately 10 million people into darkness. The system faltered again in the early hours of Saturday.
The power outages bring an additional challenge: water supply disruptions. An electrical fault at the Cuenca Sur water source further hindered water distribution in eight Boyeros districts on Friday.
Havana's Water Authority has cautioned that 87% of the capital’s water infrastructure relies on electricity, meaning prolonged blackouts also result in water shortages. As of November 2026, over 536,000 Havana residents were affected by water supply issues, based on data from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources.
Widespread Discontent Across Cuba
Boyeros is not alone in its discontent. The Cuban Observatory of Conflicts recorded 1,311 protests nationwide in May 2026, nearing a monthly record, with 542 protests occurring in October.
Cubalex documented 766 protests and noted a 48% rise in repressive incidents during the first half of the year. This growing social tension is met with temporary power reconnections and a heavy police presence by the regime, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.
Understanding the Cuban Power Crisis
What triggered the protests in Calabazar and Las Cañas?
The protests were sparked by residents' frustration over being without electricity for more than a week.
How did the Cuban government respond to the protests?
The government quickly restored electricity after the protests escalated and deployed Communist Party officials and Interior Ministry forces to manage the situation.
What are the broader implications of Cuba's energy crisis?
The energy crisis has led to significant power outages, which in turn affect water supply systems, creating a compounded problem for residents across the country.
How widespread is the unrest in Cuba?
Unrest is widespread, with over a thousand protests recorded in May 2026 alone, indicating a high level of public dissatisfaction with the regime's handling of essential services.