While Cuba grapples with a severe energy crisis that plunges much of the nation into darkness, Havana lights up with the ninth edition of the Salsa Festival in Cuba. This event, paradoxically illuminated and amplified, takes place in prime venues like Club 500 and Hotel Memories Miramar in the capital.
The festival kicked off on Wednesday, February 19, featuring Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, and showcases iconic Cuban music groups such as Los Van Van, Elito Revé y su Charangón, Alexander Abreu y Havana D' Primera, Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, Haila María Mompié, and Paulito FG. Organizers have announced performances in various communities within the capital and participation from artists in the United States and Peru, aiming to give the event an international flair.
Nonetheless, the festival's timing has sparked considerable backlash. Despite receiving official support and resources, millions of Cubans endure extended power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily, according to social media outcries and independent media reports. The shortage of fuel and deteriorating electrical infrastructure have forced the government to curtail electricity across entire provinces, impacting homes, hospitals, schools, and workplaces.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the Event
The decision to hold such a celebration amid a dire energy crisis was already criticized in February 2024 by former Los Van Van member Yeny Valdés, who questioned the appropriateness of the previous year's event on social media. "No one should celebrate while the people suffer. Show the dignity to stand with those who can't dance alongside you," she stated to fellow artists involved in the festival.
Promotional posts from festival musicians like Maykel Blanco, Elito Revé, and Los Van Van have expressed enthusiasm for the event. "The 2025 Salsa Festival in Cuba has begun... enjoy this great musical event," posted Los Van Van on Facebook. "A meeting space for cherished and admired musical colleagues. The best of Cuban music. ¡UEAAAA!" added Elito Revé y su Charangón on social media. "Thanks for being here, see you later at CLUB 500," shared festival president Maykel Blanco.
On-the-Ground Reality and Economic Disparities
Meanwhile, the situation outside these venues starkly contrasts with the festival atmosphere. Reports from Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Cienfuegos, and Camagüey indicate power outages lasting over 12 hours, with unreliable electrical service and no solutions in sight. In numerous areas, the absence of electricity disrupts the water supply, leaving thousands of families in dire conditions.
The ticket prices have further fueled public outrage, with individual tickets costing 500 CUP and packages for all concerts priced at 1,500 CUP, figures unattainable for most Cubans whose average salary barely surpasses 4,000 CUP monthly. Compounding the issue, many Cubans rely on charcoal or firewood for cooking due to the lack of electricity.
Official Defense and Public Perception
In a bid to justify holding lavish events amidst the crisis, Lis Cuesta Peraza, wife of the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, claimed on Cuban television that these cultural gatherings are a "vital revenue source" for the nation's economy. Participating in the program Cuadrando la Caja, the event promoter and Culture Ministry official argued that cultural tourism must remain a priority and that "these events cannot be canceled," as they are integral to the national identity.
Cuesta also mentioned a "public opinion campaign" on social media aimed at discrediting these events, comparing them to popular festivities like the Parrandas de Remedios, the Jornada Cucalambeana, or the Festival del Caribe. However, the distinction is evident: while those events boast significant community involvement and free access, festivals like the Salsa Festival or Havana's gourmet events cater to a privileged elite, far removed from the reach of the majority of Cubans.
The stark contrast between the energy crisis and the festival highlights a glaring disconnect between the regime's priorities and the citizens' reality. While authorities allocate resources for musical spectacles in the capital, the rest of the nation remains in darkness, awaiting a concrete solution to the crisis impacting millions.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are there prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing extended blackouts due to a shortage of fuel and the deterioration of its electrical infrastructure, leading the government to reduce electricity service across entire provinces.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis severely impacts daily life by disrupting essential services like water supply, affecting homes, hospitals, and schools, and forcing many to resort to alternative cooking methods such as charcoal or firewood.
What are the criticisms of holding the Salsa Festival during the crisis?
Critics argue that it is inappropriate to hold lavish events with official support while millions of Cubans face long power outages, highlighting a disconnect between government priorities and citizen needs.
How do ticket prices for the festival compare to the average Cuban salary?
The cost of festival tickets is prohibitively high for most Cubans, with individual tickets priced at 500 CUP and full concert packages at 1,500 CUP, while the average monthly salary is just over 4,000 CUP.