A Mexican tourist named Carlos became the target of a robbery attempt during a blackout in Old Havana, leaving the historic district shrouded in darkness. The incident highlights the growing insecurity in Cuba's capital, where frequent power outages provide fertile ground for criminal activity.
According to a CubaNet reporter who witnessed the event and assisted the young man, Carlos had come to Havana for a vacation with his girlfriend. They were staying at a residence on Obrapía Street, nestled between Oficios and Mercaderes.
While dining at La Vitrola restaurant, the couple realized they lacked the necessary currency to settle their bill. The waitstaff advised them against venturing out due to the power cut. Despite the warning, Carlos opted to return to their lodging to retrieve the money.
On his way back, Carlos encountered his first brush with danger: an attempted mugging forced him to flee, resulting in an injured leg from stumbling in the darkness. He recounted his ordeal to the CubaNet journalist, who happened to be nearby and witnessed the incident.
The night took another turn when a group of young men approached Carlos under the guise of offering help. Seizing the opportunity, they stole his mobile phone amidst the confusion.
The story concluded with the reporter escorting Carlos back to the restaurant where his girlfriend awaited. A video shared on X captured the scene, depicting the area engulfed in shadow, save for the occasional glimmer from cell phones or home windows—an environment underscoring the vulnerability faced by tourists in what should be a key attraction of the country.
This situation not only underscores the rise in street crimes but also the lackluster response from authorities, leaving much uncertainty about whether the incident was reported to the police or if any investigation has commenced.
The combination of blackout-induced insecurity and state inefficiency in safeguarding historical and tourist areas severely impacts Cuba's struggling tourism sector. What should be a safe evening stroll in a heritage site has instead become an experience marred by fear and neglect.
In a nation striving to attract visitors as a source of revenue, episodes of violence during blackouts deal yet another blow to a tourism industry that is struggling to recover.
Key Concerns for Tourists in Cuba
How do power outages affect safety in Old Havana?
Power outages in Old Havana create dark environments that are exploited by criminals, increasing the risk of incidents like muggings and theft.
What measures should tourists take during blackouts in Havana?
Tourists should stay indoors during blackouts, move in groups if venturing out is necessary, and avoid carrying valuables or large sums of money.
Has the Cuban government addressed the rising crime during blackouts?
There appears to be a lack of effective response from the Cuban government in addressing the increase in crimes during blackouts, leaving the safety of citizens and tourists uncertain.