The town of Guayos is in mourning today as Arniel Díaz Pacheco, one of the victims injured in the explosions during the traditional local festival, passed away on Wednesday due to severe burns he sustained. This tragic event unfolded during the long-standing celebrations in Sancti Spíritus province.
Javier Carta, a float artisan and friend of Díaz Pacheco, announced the heartbreaking news on social media. He was injured when multiple mortars exploded in the fireworks section of the La Loma neighborhood early on November 15, marking the beginning of the festivities.
Odalis Pacheco, Díaz Pacheco's aunt, confirmed the devastating loss on social media, highlighting the profound impact on their Cuban family. "Once again, our family is in mourning. Fly high, my nephew, Rest in Peace, Arniel," she expressed.
Díaz Pacheco had been in critical condition for 11 days at the Camilo Cienfuegos General Hospital in Sancti Spíritus, where all the injured from the two reported explosions were treated. There has been no official confirmation of the young man's death yet.
The tragic loss of Díaz Pacheco has deeply affected his family, friends, and the Guayos community, especially the La Loma group to which he belonged. The entire town mourns the loss of a young life full of promise.
"Guayos is grieving, La Loma is grieving, my fellow parade gunners are grieving. My condolences to the Pacheco family, your brother, and friends. Time passes, but your image and charisma will live on forever. Rest in peace, Anniel Pacheco," were the heartfelt words shared by Javier Carta on Facebook, along with photos of his friend.
Ismail Hernández Alonso also penned an emotional tribute to Díaz Pacheco, lamenting the sorrow that has overshadowed the centennial celebration of the tradition. "The town of brave Goats and happy Frogs mourns, engulfed in darkness by the tragedy. Painful loss, irreplaceable absences, mourning, tears. Now, unforgettable memories of joy and happiness fill the minds of all who knew you," he lamented. He extended condolences to Díaz Pacheco’s family, especially his mother Martha, on behalf of the Central Northern Cuba Parade Community.
Hernández recalled a tragic pyrotechnic accident in Guayos on December 2, 1987, which claimed the lives of eight teenagers and an adult, including a member of the Pacheco family. During the recent festivities, two mortar explosions resulted in nine injuries. Two individuals were reported in critical condition, three were in serious condition, and the others suffered less severe or minor injuries.
Last week, provincial media reported that one patient was in extremely critical condition without revealing their identity. No further official updates on the victims' conditions have been released since that medical report.
A relative of one of the injured spoke to Martí Noticias, providing details about Yohan Piñeiro Santana, 36, who was critically injured. He sustained severe burns on his face, arms, and feet after a fired pyrotechnic device fell into a sack of mortars and exploded while he watched the fireworks in the La Loma neighborhood. His current medical condition remains unknown.
The Guayos Parades, recognized as a National Cultural Heritage in 2013 and as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018, celebrated their centenary this year. Traditionally, locals spend months preparing for the event, divided into two rival neighborhoods: La Loma (represented by the goat and the color red) and Cantarrana (identified by the frog and the color green), featuring floats, conga dances, fireworks, and parades that attract thousands from across Cuba.
This year's celebration was initially scheduled for early November but was postponed by the Cabaiguán municipal government, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among residents. Local authorities cited economic, health, and social sensitivity concerns due to Hurricane Melissa's impact on eastern Cuba and the critical epidemiological situation caused by several arboviruses.
Many residents of Guayos viewed the suspension as unjustified, interpreting it as a lack of political will to support popular cultural expressions amidst the country's widespread crisis. Ultimately, the event was approved, but it has been overshadowed by two accidents and the recent death of one of the injured participants.
Pyrotechnic accidents are common during such celebrations in Cuba. In 2018, two men suffered severe burns at the Camajuaní parades in Villa Clara. In late 2017, during the Remedios festivities in the same province, a fireworks depot fire injured 39 people, eight of whom were critically injured.
Understanding the Tragic Events at Guayos Festival
What caused the tragic incident at the Guayos festival?
The incident was caused by the explosion of several mortars in the fireworks area, resulting in severe injuries and the subsequent death of a participant.
How has the community reacted to the loss of Arniel Díaz Pacheco?
The community has been deeply affected by the loss, with many expressing their grief and condolences on social media, highlighting the impact on his family, friends, and the local festival participants.
What is the historical significance of the Guayos Parades?
Celebrating its centenary, the Guayos Parades are a significant cultural event recognized as National Cultural Heritage and an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, attracting thousands of participants each year.