In the early hours of October 21, residents of Manicaragua, a municipality in Villa Clara, gathered outside the local government headquarters in a peaceful protest against the dire conditions plaguing the island. Some protesters were barefoot, while others were shirtless, banging on pots and pans as they stood before the government building, which remained lit despite widespread blackouts affecting many neighborhoods.
Social media platforms became inundated with videos capturing uniformed police officers emerging from the government premises to confront the demonstrators. The chants of "Down with them!" and "Abusers!" resonated, clearly expressing the community's frustration and demand for answers amid the nation's ongoing crises.
On October 18, 2024, Cuba was plunged into darkness by a massive blackout, leaving millions without electricity. The public's frustration spilled over onto social media as Cubans voiced their anger and demanded to know how much longer this would persist. Reports indicated that the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) stemmed from the malfunction of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, significantly impacting the island. Citizens voiced their exasperation over the government's failure to provide effective solutions.
By October 19, calls for the government to step down were echoed across social media. Fed up with unfulfilled promises and a never-ending crisis, Cubans demanded radical change. That same day, CNN correspondent Patrick Oppmann reported on the desperation felt by the populace, many of whom expressed their wish to leave the country due to the lack of electricity and essential resources. The journalist highlighted the daily struggles faced by Cubans as a result of the energy collapse.
Demonstrations Spread Across Major Cities
Protests continued into October 20 in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, where residents banged pots in various districts after enduring over 48 hours without power. In the capital, citizens took to the streets demanding the restoration of electricity. In Santiago de Cuba, images surfaced of people rallying for an immediate resolution. Meanwhile, in Havana, the intensity of the protests grew, with pots and pans clamoring in several areas, including Bahía, where power was eventually restored under public pressure. The widespread dissatisfaction of Havana's residents was evident in the countless videos shared online.