The Organizing Committee of the Havana Grand Prix has announced the postponement of the 2026 edition of the international ballet competition. The decision is attributed to Cuba's crippling energy crisis and necessary repairs at the event's venue.
In an official statement released by the National Ballet School of Cuba, the postponement was described as due to "force majeure," highlighting that the "current energy situation in the country" makes it impossible to "ensure the technical and comfort conditions required for an event of this caliber and international prestige."
The rescheduled date is set for the third week of July 2027, according to the announcement, which expressed "deep regret for any inconvenience this may cause to dancers, choreographers, teachers, judges, and attendees."
This suspension comes just two weeks after the call for applications was issued on May 4 by the Fernando Alonso National Ballet School, with registrations open until June 7 for dancers aged nine to 20 in Beginner, Small, Child, Youth, and Advanced categories.
The planned awards included scholarships, internships, and intensive courses in various countries, making the cancellation a significant setback for many young talents preparing to compete.
The energy crisis that prompted this decision is severe. On May 13, Cuba set records for power outages when the Electric Union reported a deficit of 2,153 MW. This past Sunday, the situation showed little improvement, with only 1,147 MW available against a demand of 3,200 MW.
Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged that some circuits in Havana are experiencing blackouts lasting 20 to 22 hours daily, describing the situation as "acute, critical," and "extremely tense."
Cuba did not receive any fuel shipments between December 2025 and the end of March 2026. A Russian donation of 100,000 tons of crude in April provided brief relief, but that supply ran out in early May without adequate replacement.
The usual venue for the Cuban ballet, the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso, has been plagued by chronic structural issues. It was closed in February 2023 due to termite damage and ceiling collapses and underwent further repairs in October 2025 due to severe structural damage, less than a decade after a major renovation.
The postponement of the Grand Prix adds to a series of cultural cancellations caused by the same crisis: the 34th Havana International Book Fair was postponed indefinitely in January 2026, and both the 26th Habanos Festival and performances at the National Theater and the Karl Marx Theater were also suspended.
The organizing committee concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to classical dance: "As soon as conditions allow, we will resume organizing this event, which is one of the most significant gatherings in the world of ballet."
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis on Cultural Events
Why was the Havana Grand Prix postponed?
The Havana Grand Prix was postponed due to Cuba's severe energy crisis and necessary repairs at the event's venue, which made it impossible to ensure the necessary conditions for the competition.
When is the new date for the Havana Grand Prix?
The new date for the Havana Grand Prix is scheduled for the third week of July 2027.
What other cultural events were affected by Cuba's energy crisis?
Other cultural events affected include the 34th Havana International Book Fair, the 26th Habanos Festival, and performances at the National Theater and the Karl Marx Theater.