Twelfth Night of Protests in Cuba: Cacerolazos in Havana and Santiago

Cuba is experiencing its twelfth consecutive night of protests, marked by intense cacerolazos in key cities such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The energy crisis, which has left much of the island in total darkness for more than 20 hours a day, has exhausted the patience of a population that also faces unprecedented food shortages.

The Roar of Casseroles in the Dark

What began as isolated pockets earlier in March has transformed into a national movement of discontent. In Havana’s neighborhoods and in the Santiago neighborhood, the metallic sound of casseroles echoed under the veil of blackouts. Protesters are demanding not only the restoration of electricity but also real solutions to the lack of food and medicines.

The situation worsened after the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant earlier this month, an event that plunged the country into a cycle of instability from which it has not managed to recover. Despite government efforts to restore the system, outdated infrastructure and fuel shortages have made progress fleeting.

A Crisis That Gives No Respite

Discontent is not limited to the major capitals. Demonstrations have been reported in towns like Morón, Matanzas, and Ciego de Ávila. In some areas, the atmosphere has been especially tense, with reports of cacerolazos stretching into the early morning hours.

The international community watches with concern as the Cuban government attempts to contain the protests, attributing the crisis to external factors, while citizens on the streets point to internal management and lack of freedoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Protests in Cuba

1. Why are there protests in Cuba currently? Mainly because of prolonged blackouts (up to 20 hours), severe shortages of food and medicines, and the widespread collapse of basic services.

2. Where have the largest cacerolazos been reported? In Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Morón (Ciego de Ávila), Matanzas, and other interior towns.

3. What caused the widespread blackout this month? The main trigger was the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and the lack of foreign currency to import fuel.

4. How has the Cuban government reacted? The government has deployed security forces to critical points and attributes the problems to the U.S. embargo, although the population demands immediate structural changes.

---

Related Sources:

• Radio Televisión Martí
• CiberCuba
• The Guardian