CubaHeadlines

Tenth Day of Protests: Trash Set Ablaze Near Energy Ministry in Havana

Monday, March 16, 2026 by Madison Pena

Tenth Day of Protests: Trash Set Ablaze Near Energy Ministry in Havana
Garbage set on fire a few blocks from the Ministry of Energy and Mines - Image of © Collage Facebook/José Raúl Gallego

Residents ignited garbage at the intersection of Belascoaín and Jesús Peregrino in Central Havana, just a few blocks from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, amid another day of protests sweeping across Cuba.

The event was reported by Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego through a Facebook post, indicating that this took place on the tenth consecutive day of demonstrations occurring at various locations throughout the country.

This incident gains significance due to its proximity to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, highlighting the growing public discontent over prolonged blackouts and the ongoing energy crisis affecting much of the island.

Social media is rife with complaints regarding the buildup of trash on the streets of Cuba's capital, further exacerbating public frustration.

Recent days have witnessed numerous protests in various communities, where citizens have taken to the streets to demand an end to the power outages and to voice their grievances about food shortages and worsening living conditions.

The site of the trash fire is centrally located in Havana, not far from the Energy Ministry, which is one of the entities involved in managing the country's severe electrical crisis.

Images shared on social media depict flames and smoke rising from a pile of waste in the street while some residents watch the scene unfold.

Impact of Protests and Energy Crisis in Cuba

What sparked the recent protests in Cuba?

The protests were primarily driven by widespread public dissatisfaction with prolonged blackouts and the country's ongoing energy crisis, along with food shortages and deteriorating living conditions.

Why is the incident near the Ministry of Energy significant?

The incident's location near the Ministry of Energy and Mines underscores the direct connection between the protests and the grievances related to the energy crisis, highlighting the public's frustration with government management of the situation.

How has social media played a role in these protests?

Social media has served as a crucial platform for sharing information, images, and videos of the protests and the government's response, helping to amplify public grievances and organize further demonstrations.

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