A TikTok video has surfaced, revealing what was supposed to be a highlight of Cuba's summer music scene turned into a stark, disheartening tableau: Manolito Simonet and his Trabuco performed in front of nearly empty seats in Guanabo, a once-popular beach area east of Havana.
The footage, shared by user @alexander75._ on social media, highlights the sparse attendance at a concert that, in past years, would have drawn hundreds of fans.
In the clip, the host is heard trying to energize the meager crowd with phrases like "Where are the people who still have some energy left?" and "Move those hips, I want to see you now!" His attempts to maintain the show's momentum were evident in the face of the empty venue.
The scene captured attention: "There was hardly anyone at the party, and the concert seemed intended for just a few, which drew significant notice," commented the source who shared the video.
What makes this situation even more striking is that the Trabuco, one of Cuba's most renowned timba and salsa bands since their inception in 1993, is experiencing a busy schedule this summer.
Just a day earlier, on June 28th, the band performed at Havana's Salón Rosado de La Tropical alongside Orquesta Aragón, kicking off the summer season.
The group is also set to perform at the Summer Center in Varadero on July 9th, from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., and participated in the Cienfuegos Carnival in June with Will Campa and Toque del Río.
The stark contrast between their active schedule and the nearly deserted venue in Guanabo starkly illustrates the grim reality facing Cuba.
Challenges Facing Cuba's Cultural Scene
Massive emigration has left entire neighborhoods and cities almost empty, drastically reducing the pool of potential attendees for cultural events.
This is compounded by an energy crisis with power outages exceeding 12 hours daily, a public transportation system in collapse due to fuel shortages, and a decreasing purchasing power among the population, making concert tickets a luxury few can afford.
Moreover, the summer season in Cuba is also witnessing a significant drop in tourism, with a 55% decline in 2026 compared to previous years, leaving entertainment spots in areas like Guanabo and Varadero nearly deserted.
Guanabo, historically a bustling summer destination for Havana residents, is captured in the video as a stark reflection of the demographic and social void sweeping the island.
The image of a historic band playing to a sparse audience has unwittingly become a symbol of a country emptying out, as its artists continue to take the stage.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Crisis on Cultural Events
Why was Manolito Simonet's concert in Guanabo so sparsely attended?
The low attendance can be attributed to massive emigration, energy crises, reduced public transportation, and economic hardships that make attending concerts difficult for many Cubans.
How has the tourism decline affected Cuban cultural events?
The decline in tourism, which saw a 55% drop in 2026, has left entertainment venues in popular areas like Guanabo and Varadero almost deserted, impacting the turnout for cultural events significantly.