An audio clip featuring a Cuban vocalist's unique acapella rendition of the iconic bolero "Historia de un Amor" by Panamanian composer Carlos Eleta Almarán has gone viral among Cuban WhatsApp groups. The singer, who remains anonymous, captivates listeners with her remarkable voice as she delivers a minute-and-a-half performance that recounts the "horror story" of enduring a power outage. This creative expression is yet another example of how the Cuban populace uses humor and art to cope with and voice their dissatisfaction with ongoing hardships.
Horror Story
"Ladies and gentlemen, the blackout has begun.
No air conditioning, no stove, not a light to be seen,
Not even the soap opera of my life, and my phone is out of reach.
It’s a horror story like no other,
I think we're worse off than during the Special Period.
There's no water, no food, just endless stress,
To shop at the MIPYME, you need to be Rockefeller.
Tonight, I have no fan,
The mosquitoes have started their feast,
They fill their gullets with blood and leave you itchy,
Causing anemia and a rash.
It’s a horror story like no other,
I think we're worse off than during the Special Period.
If you stand on the corner, they'll even steal your ID,
Waiting for the light to return in a few hours."
Since October 18, 2024, Cuba has been experiencing a massive blackout caused by the disconnection of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) following the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. This has left millions of people without electricity. In Havana, long lines have formed at the Carlos III store as people attempt to charge their phones, and internet access has been disrupted in various parts of the island. Authorities have stated that measures are being implemented to restore power, but a full resolution has yet to be achieved.
On October 20 and 21, protests erupted in Santiago de Cuba and Manicaragua, Villa Clara, where demonstrators gathered outside government offices to demand the restoration of electricity. Chants and pot-banging demonstrations were heard across several municipalities. Reports indicate that police forces were present during these protests. The situation remains unresolved, with many areas still without a complete restoration of electrical services.