Residents of Boyeros Avenue in Havana took a bold stand on Friday, obstructing one of the city's major thoroughfares with trash bins to voice their frustration over a prolonged power outage exceeding three days. This impromptu protest was broadcast in real time by independent journalist José L. Tan Estrada on Facebook, using the hashtag #TanteandoCuba.
According to sources in direct communication with Tan Estrada, internet connectivity in the area was described as "extremely poor," and police were already present at the scene from the initial stages of the demonstration.
"They used trash bins to block the streets," reported the journalist, highlighting the spontaneous nature of the protest driven by growing desperation among residents.
Another outlet, La Tijera, shared images of children and women obstructing different sections of the avenue.
Impact of the Boyeros Avenue Blockade
Boyeros Avenue, which serves as a crucial link between central Havana and the José Martí International Airport, is known for its heavy traffic. As a result, its blockade has immediate repercussions on the capital's mobility.
This protest is occurring amid the worst phase of Cuba's electric crisis this year. On Friday, the Unión Eléctrica forecasted a peak-hour shortfall of 1,990 MW, with only 840 MW available to meet a demand of 2,800 MW—fulfilling just 30% of the nation's needs.
As of 6 a.m., the National Electric System recorded 790 MW available and 1,480 MW affected due to capacity deficits.
Historical Context of Social Unrest in Boyeros
The circuits M1603 and M2044 in the Boyeros municipality experienced 38 hours and 29 minutes of outages on that same day, based on blackout records. The unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas the previous Thursday further exacerbated the situation on a national scale.
Boyeros has a documented history of social unrest due to power outages. In September, residents of the Fontanar neighborhood—also along Rancho Boyeros Avenue—overturned containers and banged pots in protest against power cuts lasting over 20 hours daily; the regime retaliated with numerous patrols, assaults on protesters, and at least two arrests.
In November 2024, Boyeros residents had previously blocked the same avenue after enduring a week without electricity or water, prompting a similar response from law enforcement.
Widespread Dissatisfaction Beyond Havana
The crisis extends beyond Havana. Recently, in Santa Rita, Granma, residents took to the streets chanting "We want electricity!" in front of a police patrol, while in Real Campiña, Cienfuegos, locals resorted to banging pots after five days without power.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged in late October that the primary cause of the crisis is financial: a lack of fuel has rendered approximately 1,000 MW of distributed generation inoperative.
Cubalex recorded 766 protests across 141 municipalities during the first half of 2026, most linked to the crisis in basic services, reflecting the widespread discontent across the island.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Crisis
What prompted the blockade on Boyeros Avenue?
Residents blocked Boyeros Avenue with trash bins to protest a power outage that lasted more than three days.
How severe is the current electric crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is severe, with peak-hour shortfalls reaching 1,990 MW and only 840 MW available against a demand of 2,800 MW.
What is causing the power crisis in Cuba?
The main cause is financial, with a shortage of fuel leading to about 1,000 MW of distributed generation being offline.