During the recent public festivities in Cienfuegos, a small Ferris wheel filled with children had to be manually pushed by several adults. This unusual scene unfolded after, as reported on social media, local authorities forbade independent operators from connecting their mechanical attractions to the electrical grid.
Videos shared on Facebook by Darián Rodríguez Abreu highlighted the dire state of the province. While the celebrations were officially in honor of Fidel Castro's centenary, residents endured power outages that reportedly lasted for 50 to 60 hours straight.
Manual Labor Replaces Electricity for Children's Entertainment
One video captured the moment when people had to manually rotate a small Ferris wheel with children seated. Other footage showed workers climbing onto the metal structure of another ride, attempting to keep it operational without electricity.
“The government makes life increasingly difficult by prohibiting the connection of equipment brought by independent operators for children's enjoyment, forcing them to operate these rides by hand,” criticized Rodríguez Abreu.
Festivities Amid Prolonged Power Outages
The public fiestas took place from August 14 to 16, during one of the most severe phases of the country's ongoing electrical crisis. During these days, the province reported a power generation deficit of 89 MW, with residents complaining of outages lasting between 50 and 60 hours.
The energy crisis extended across the nation. On August 15, the maximum real power shortage reached 2,281 MW, indicating the National Electric System's failure to meet a significant portion of demand.
In 2026 alone, Cuba has experienced six total system collapses amid constant breakdowns in power plants, fuel shortages, and years of infrastructure deterioration.
To Rodríguez Abreu, the issue transcends the Ferris wheel powered by human effort: it signifies the normalization of conditions that would have been unimaginable years ago.
“I believe that living like this has become so normalized that those within Cuba might see it as 'normal.' But believe me, in the real world, this is anything but normal,” he concluded.
Understanding Cienfuegos' Power Crisis
Why are the children's rides in Cienfuegos being operated by hand?
Local authorities have prohibited independent operators from connecting their rides to the power grid, forcing them to operate manually.
What impact has the energy crisis had on Cienfuegos?
Cienfuegos has experienced severe power outages, with residents facing blackouts lasting 50 to 60 hours, reflecting a broader national energy crisis.
How has the electrical crisis affected Cuba overall?
Cuba has faced repeated system collapses and power shortages due to plant breakdowns, fuel scarcity, and deteriorating infrastructure.