In Holguín, this weekend's summer-ending festivities, featuring concerts and shows, have sparked outrage among many citizens on social media. They argue that such celebrations are tone-deaf amidst persistent power outages, food shortages, and a relentless economic crisis.
The festivities kicked off Thursday night with an artistic gala titled "Celebrate Life" at the Camilo Cienfuegos Plaza in the Cuban City of Parks, as reported by the official newspaper ¡Ahora! The event drew thousands and featured performances by actor Bárbaro Marín, host Yamilka Redondo, and the contemporary dance company CODANZA.
"It's a tremendous honor to be here in Holguín once again. After Havana, this is the city where I've worked the most in my life," Marín expressed to the audience.
The festivities are set to continue through Sunday, August 30, at four locations within the municipality. The main venue is the Major General Calixto García Stadium, where groups like Los Guayaberos, Ases del Ritmo, and Mentes Callejeras are scheduled to perform.
Contrasting Celebrations and Power Crises
However, the celebratory atmosphere starkly contrasts with the harsh realities faced by Holguín residents. On the same Thursday as the gala's launch, the entire eastern region of Cuba, including Holguín, was disconnected from the National Electric System following the simultaneous failure of three thermoelectric units.
The province can only access 70 MW against a peak demand of 240 MW, leading to residential circuits experiencing blackouts lasting over 50 continuous hours.
The public's reaction on social media was swift and critical. "These aren't carnivals, and summer in Cuba isn't pleasant. It's not right to cut power to others to boost this event, there's no street safety, and there's no life. So... what's being celebrated? Puppet shows," one user commented. Another bluntly stated, "There's no energy crisis for this."
Community Outcry on Social Media
Several comments highlighted a specific grievance: the event area remains powered while the rest of the city is shrouded in darkness.
"It's a farce and disrespect, where blackouts are intensified in areas outside the festival zones," noted another citizen. One more warned, "Wasting electricity now, get ready for Monday."
The loss of food due to power cuts was another common complaint. "Meanwhile, at home, the food we manage to get spoils due to lack of electricity. Honestly, they have no shame," a Holguín resident wrote.
The phrase "bread and circuses" surfaced frequently in the comments, along with remarks like: "Bread and circuses. Next week will be worse and without a penny."
Some even questioned the event's identity. "The person claiming these are carnivals isn't from Holguín. Holguín once had carnivals that were real carnivals," a user reminisced, alluding to the difference between the current festivities and the city's once grand traditional carnivals.
Nationwide Patterns of Mismanagement
This pattern is evident throughout Cuba. This summer, the San Joaquín festivities in Guantánamo were scaled back as authorities acknowledged they were "adjusted to real conditions." Similarly, the popular celebrations in Cienfuegos, dedicated to the centenary of dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016), occurred amid outages lasting over 24 hours.
Earlier, in June, the San Juan Camagüeyano was celebrated while the electricity deficit reached record levels.
Understanding the Holguín Power Crisis
Why are Holguín residents upset about the summer festivities?
Residents are frustrated because the celebrations occur while they endure prolonged power outages, food shortages, and economic hardships, which they feel the government is ignoring.
What has caused the power outages in Holguín?
The outages are due to the simultaneous failure of three thermoelectric units, which has disconnected the eastern region, including Holguín, from the National Electric System.
How are the people of Holguín reacting on social media?
The response has been critical, with many questioning the rationale behind the celebrations, citing issues like the selective power supply and the waste of electricity during the events.