For the second consecutive evening, protests erupted across Cuba on Saturday night. Residents from various neighborhoods in Havana took to the streets, banging pots and pans to voice their frustration over the prolonged power outages.
Social media was flooded with videos and firsthand accounts showing locals clashing utensils and chanting slogans as darkness enveloped them due to the power cuts. In one recording from Guanabacoa, a resident could be heard emphatically declaring, "This is over, dammit!"
Journalist Mario J. Pentón reported a demonstration in the Regla district of Havana on social media, where locals reportedly protested after enduring several days without electricity.
Additional reports on social platforms mentioned protests in Mulgoba within the Boyeros municipality. Activist Magdiel Jorge Castro noted on platform X, "In Mulgoba, the people took to the streets with pots... second day of protests in the capital." He also shared a video purportedly showing a demonstration in the El Cotorro area.
Meanwhile, a video shared by Cubanet highlighted pot-banging protests in numerous Havana neighborhoods, including Regla, San Miguel del Padrón, Guanabacoa, and Centro Habana, particularly on Belascoaín Street.
The footage depicted groups of people clanging their pots and pans, either from the streets or from their homes, amidst a darkness that, while seemingly engulfing the nation, illuminates the growing dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation.
These protests came just a day after reports of similar demonstrations in other parts of the capital and Jagüey Grande in Matanzas, indicating a rising tide of social unrest amid the country's energy crisis.
Escalating Energy Crisis and Political Pressure
The demonstrations occur against the backdrop of a severe energy crisis gripping the island. Recent days have seen a near-total collapse of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), leaving vast areas without power and forcing authorities to undertake the complex task of restoring service.
While state media reported a gradual reconnection of the system, the country continues to struggle with a significant generation deficit. Recent shortages have hovered around or exceeded 2,000 megawatts, resulting in prolonged blackouts across much of the territory and leaving two-thirds of users without electricity.
In many provinces, power outages can last over 20 hours a day, impacting not just households but also water supply, transportation, and food preservation. Some areas have endured continuous days without power.
The energy crisis stems from a combination of structural challenges, including aging and malfunctioning thermoelectric plants, inadequate maintenance of the generation system, and a fuel shortage necessary for operating power plants.
In the past year, Cuba's oil imports have sharply declined, limiting the electric system's capacity to meet national demand. The situation is compounded by energy pressures from the United States on countries and companies supplying fuel to the Cuban regime.
On January 29, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order labeling the Cuban government an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security. This measure enables economic sanctions aimed at restricting oil supplies to the island.
Simultaneously, Cuban-American legislators and exiled activists have emphasized that internal and external pressure could accelerate political changes in Cuba. Lawmakers such as María Elvira Salazar, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Carlos Giménez have repeatedly stated that the regime is at one of its weakest points and have called for increased political and economic pressure on the Havana government.
In this context, some activists and exile groups have encouraged Cubans on the island to protest as a means of pushing for political transition or reforms.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not publicly commented on the reports of protests in various Havana neighborhoods in recent hours.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Public Unrest
What sparked the recent protests in Cuba?
The recent protests in Cuba were primarily triggered by prolonged power outages affecting various parts of the island, leaving residents in darkness and frustration.
How severe is the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis, with recent reports indicating power shortages exceeding 2,000 megawatts, resulting in widespread and prolonged blackouts.
What role does the United States play in Cuba's energy crisis?
The United States has placed economic sanctions on Cuba, restricting oil supplies to the island and contributing to the current energy crisis.
Have Cuban authorities responded to the protests?
As of now, Cuban authorities have not issued any public statements regarding the protests in various Havana neighborhoods.