On Thursday, Cuban singer Lisbeet Bárzaga took to Facebook to share a brief video capturing her anguish as she witnessed the devastating effects of power outages on the people of Cienfuegos, particularly affecting the children.
In the 26-second clip recorded on the streets of "the Pearl of the South," Bárzaga conveys her sorrow and frustration: "It's heartbreaking to walk and see people struggling during these blackouts. I can't get used to it. Children are either stuck at home or wandering the streets because they have no choice."
The video concludes with a spiritual plea that echoes the sentiments of many Cubans: "We must pray fervently and hope that God shows us true mercy."
The response from her followers highlights a scene of despair. Many recognized the video locations as iconic spots in Cienfuegos, lamenting the stark difference from the vibrant city they once knew: "Cienfuegos was alive, with bustling areas like Dolores Avenue and Villuendas Park... now it's lifeless. There's nothing but darkness, and people shut down early."
From abroad, Cubans with family on the island joined in the collective grief: "Life isn't easy for Cubans, but I hope their liberation is near. I have nieces and a brother there in Cienfuegos, and the blackout days are unbearable."
Some comments pointed directly to the root of the crisis: "The solution is to end this dictatorship," one user stated, while another captured the prevalent mood: "You no longer see joyful faces; people appear broken, lifeless."
Bárzaga's video highlights a worsening crisis throughout 2026. The National Electric Union reported generation deficits ranging from 1,700 to 2,100 MW in May and June, with outages lasting over 20 hours in certain areas. A historic shortfall of 2,174 MW was recorded on May 14, leaving 70% of the population without power simultaneously.
Cienfuegos has been severely affected by ongoing issues at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermal plant, with unit 4 repeatedly out of commission this year. On March 16, Cuba experienced a complete disconnection from the national power grid, marking one of the most severe incidents in the ongoing crisis.
Amid this turmoil, social media has emerged as a critical platform for public outcry, with artists and ordinary citizens documenting the human toll of the outages: children unable to study, food spoilage, and a community describing itself as weary. "What a sad vacation for our kids!" commented another viewer under Bárzaga's post.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
What is causing the frequent power outages in Cuba?
The frequent power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a significant generation deficit, exacerbated by recurring failures at key thermal power plants like the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plant in Cienfuegos.
How are Cubans coping with the electricity crisis?
Cubans are turning to social media to voice their frustrations and document the crisis, while others rely on spiritual calls for mercy and hope for change.
What has been the impact of the energy crisis on daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis has disrupted daily life, causing children to miss out on education, leading to food spoilage, and leaving the population feeling exhausted and despondent.