This Wednesday, the Plaza de la Revolución Municipal Administration Council (CAM) refuted a circulating social media announcement regarding a supposed "Festival of Horror" at La Piragua, a popular recreational spot along Havana's Malecón, reportedly set for Saturday.
The local governing body confirmed the information as incorrect, stating that the event lacks approval from the area's Recreation Commission, and therefore will not happen. The disclaimer was shared on the CAM's Facebook page and reported by the state-run outlet Tribuna de La Habana.
Journalist José Raúl Gallego sarcastically remarked, "It's not at La Piragua: the horror festival is all over Cuba and it's ongoing—no electricity, no food, no medicine, no future, with robberies, repression, and people living more like zombies, right at the peak of the piragua."
This incident surfaces just before Halloween, a celebration that has been increasingly embraced in Havana since around 2013, particularly within the nightlife of private clubs, bars, and paladares.
Located beside the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality, La Piragua is a highly frequented venue in the capital for concerts, dance shows, and community celebrations.
The site has been a source of ongoing controversy in 2026: while the government ensures power for events held there, neighboring districts endure extended blackouts. In July, the Provincial Government announced a free concert at La Piragua to commemorate the Industriales' championship win while local residents faced over 24 hours without power.
In May, a resident from the Focsa building reported that their neighborhood received merely four hours of electricity while a party at La Piragua remained lit until 2 a.m.
This isn't the first time a Halloween celebration has stirred up debate on the Island. In October 2023, the government temporarily shuttered the Maxim Rock club following an incident at a party where an attendee dressed as a Nazi officer; the closure was criticized as a pretext to shut down an alternative cultural space, leading to the sanctioning of seven officials involved in the incident.
Common Questions about the "Festival of Horror" Incident in Havana
What was the "Festival of Horror" event supposed to be?
The "Festival of Horror" was rumored to be an event at La Piragua in Havana. However, it was confirmed to be a false announcement with no official backing.
How did the Plaza de la Revolución Municipal Administration Council respond?
The Council denied the legitimacy of the event and stated that it lacked authorization, thus it would not take place.
Why is La Piragua a controversial venue?
La Piragua is controversial due to the government's prioritization of electricity for events there, while surrounding areas suffer from power outages.