Wednesday night saw an intense police operation unfold in the heart of Havana following a protest marked by banging pots and pans on Primelles Street in El Cerro. This event was captured by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared images on his Facebook page.
Mayeta Labrada's photos, taken from an elevated balcony, reveal a police van along with other official vehicles parked on the street, while residents watched from porches and sidewalks amidst the nighttime darkness.
This demonstration comes just a day after another protest erupted on Salud Street in Centro Habana, where residents voiced their anger after enduring over 28 hours without electricity, gas, or water.
El Cerro: A Hotspot for Protests
El Cerro, one of Havana's hardest-hit municipalities by service disruptions, faced a widespread gas supply failure affecting between 208,000 and 284,000 customers across eight Havana municipalities, including El Cerro, as reported by the Manufactured Gas Company.
In 2026, El Cerro has witnessed multiple protests: on June 25, locals blocked streets demanding water and electricity after prolonged outages, and nighttime pot-banging protests were reported in March following complete blackouts.
Worsening Energy Crisis Fuels Unrest
The growing energy crisis led to a record electricity deficit of 2,208 MW on June 25, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily in Havana and more than 33 hours in certain circuits. Over 376,000 residents in Havana lack regular access to potable water.
Protest chants in Havana have escalated from demands for electricity to calls for "Down with the dictatorship!" and "Freedom!", marking what analysts see as the largest wave of protests since July 11, 2021.
Government Crackdown on Demonstrations
The organization Cubalex recorded 109 protests across Cuba in June 2026 alone, while the Cuban Conflict Observatory documented 1,245 protests in March and 1,133 in April, reflecting a 29.5% annual increase.
The regime has consistently responded with heightened police presence, deployment of special forces known as "black berets," internet shutdowns, and arrests.
On June 26, seven individuals, including four minors, were detained in Havana during protests over blackouts. Since March 6, at least 14 people have been arrested in the capital related to such demonstrations.
In June, demonstrators on San Lázaro Street managed to physically push back police officers during a nighttime protest after more than 20 hours without electricity, an image that resonated widely among Cubans both on and off the island.
A Havana resident summed up the widespread sentiment in comments to Havana Times: "Almost everyone is banging a pot now."
FAQs on Protests and Energy Crisis in Havana
What triggered the recent protests in El Cerro?
The protests in El Cerro were triggered by a severe disruption in gas and electricity services, leading residents to express their frustration by banging pots and pans.
How has the Cuban government responded to these protests?
The Cuban government has responded with increased police presence, deployment of special forces, internet shutdowns, and several arrests.
How severe is the energy crisis in Havana?
The energy crisis in Havana is severe, with power outages lasting up to 22 hours daily and more than 33 hours in some areas, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.