On Monday night, residents of the Rampa Vedado area expressed their frustration by banging pots and pans due to the prolonged power outages impacting the neighborhood. These blackouts have lasted nearly 24 hours straight in the heart of Havana.
The protest began at 9 PM and could be heard along 17th and M streets, as well as N and 17th, and M street, just steps away from the iconic FOCSA building. A witness who streamed the protest live described the situation: "They only banged inside their homes as a police car slowly passed by."
The slow-moving police patrol prompted residents to continue their demonstration indoors, avoiding taking to the streets.
FOCSA Building: A Symbol of the Crisis
FOCSA is entirely dependent on electricity for its elevators, kitchens, and water supply. Each extended blackout cripples these essential services, turning power cuts into emergencies for its inhabitants.
On June 10, a local resident reported being without electricity for 23 hours; when power was restored, it lasted barely over an hour.
Escalating Energy Crisis
The energy shortage prompting these protests reached critical levels on Tuesday. Cuba anticipates a power generation shortfall of 2,035 MW during peak evening hours, with only 1,180 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW, according to the national electric system's official forecast.
Of this deficit, 1,203 MW are offline due to fuel shortages, and another 410 MW are out of service due to technical failures. The Antonio Guiteras power plant, the largest in the country, experienced its 15th breakdown of the year on June 15.
In Havana, power cuts can last between 20 to 24 hours a day, while provinces like Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba see residents with merely one or two hours of electricity daily.
Wave of Protests Across the Capital
The pot-banging protest on Monday in Rampa Vedado adds to a continuous wave of demonstrations shaking the capital since March 8, 2026, with documented events in Santos Suárez, Regla, Centro Habana, Playa, Nuevo Vedado, San Miguel del Padrón, and Marianao.
On June 3, residents of El Vedado had already staged a pot-banging protest in broad daylight in front of the PCC Central Committee, amid a heavy police presence.
On June 11, residents of Santos Suárez banged pots after enduring 31 consecutive hours without power. On June 20, protests in San Miguel del Padrón escalated to tire burnings in the street.
Government Crackdown and Public Response
The organization Cubalex documented at least 14 arrests in Havana related to these protests since March 6. Among those detained is Yunaiky Linares, a former political prisoner from 11J, who was arrested on June 2 in Arroyo Naranjo along with her stepfather for protesting against the power outages.
As the regime's crackdown intensifies, government officials have offered a response that underscores the disconnect between authority and the populace: "Resist creatively."
Understanding the Power Outages in Cuba
What is causing the power outages in Havana?
The power outages in Havana are largely due to a combination of fuel shortages and technical failures in the power generation system. The Antonio Guiteras power plant, among others, has experienced frequent breakdowns, exacerbating the crisis.
How are residents coping with the prolonged blackouts?
Residents are resorting to protests such as banging pots and pans to express their frustration. Many remain indoors during these demonstrations to avoid confrontation with police. The outages significantly disrupt daily life, as essential services rely heavily on electricity.
What has been the government's response to the protests?
The government's response has been a combination of intensified police presence and arrests of protestors. Officials have suggested that citizens "resist creatively," reflecting a disconnect between the government and the affected population.