Despite being enveloped in darkness due to a prolonged blackout, a group of young people in Havana managed to celebrate Halloween at El Proyecto, a private cultural venue in Vedado. The gathering, reported by EFE, took place on Friday as the city endured a power outage lasting around 30 hours.
The corner of 11th and 14th streets, home to this cultural haven, was without electricity that night. Yet, a makeup artist, working by the glow of a table lamp, transformed attendees into various characters: a young man donned a Joker mask, a woman sported a nun's veil and heels, and Marcos Dulzaides, a 22-year-old physiotherapist, dressed as a doctor to fit the theme.
"Incredibly, in Cuba, despite the heat, the scarcity of resources, and the limited options for costumes, it's always feasible to share in these kinds of festivities," Dulzaides shared with EFE.
The stark contrast between the vibrant celebration and the grim reality outside was evident. According to the Electric Union's forecast for Halloween Saturday, the national power availability was only 1,020 MW, far below the 2,800 MW demand, signaling a shortfall of 1,810 MW.
On Friday, Havana's Electric Company reported 173 circuits affected and 355 MW out of service in the capital alone, with the VC100 circuit in Arroyo Naranjo experiencing over 64 continuous hours without power.
The Birth and Growth of El Proyecto
El Proyecto began about a year ago as a simple home movie screening among twenty friends on a porch. Today, it employs around 20 young people, offering films, concerts by emerging bands, billiards, ping-pong, and reading activities. Its survival hinges on a private energy investor; when electricity is scarce—which is almost daily—they cut down on lighting to keep the projector running and concerts going.
Érica Martínez, the space's administrator, admitted to EFE that keeping it operational is "super difficult" when they don't even have "an hour of electricity" per day. However, she is determined not to close: "It must go on because the idea is to maintain it as a space of resistance."
Electric Crisis: A Constant Struggle
The electrical crisis surrounding this celebration is a chronic issue. Throughout October, national power shortages ranged from 1,725 MW to 2,190 MW daily. The crisis peaked on October 16, when a fire at the Santa Cruz thermoelectric plant left only 740 MW available against a demand of 2,900 MW.
Power outages, which have become a constant backdrop in the daily lives of Cubans, disrupt sleep and daily activities across the island.
Halloween's Growing Popularity in Cuba
Though Halloween isn't a traditional Cuban holiday—lacking the "trick-or-treat" custom—it has gained traction since around 2013, thanks to private leisure businesses and the spread of social networks.
For Dulzaides, the celebration goes beyond mere costume: "Halloween cannot be overlooked," he asserted, noting its increasing appeal among Cubans.
Martínez encapsulates the sentiment with the project's founding ethos: the necessity to "disconnect from reality" on an island where even entertainment relies on dimming lights to keep the projector on.
The Cuban government has routinely criticized Halloween as a "neocolonial" American influence, yet its popularity among youngsters continues to rise. A proposed "Horror Party" at La Piragua, near the Malecón, was recently denied authorization by the Municipal Administration Council of Plaza de la Revolución, illustrating the official pushback.
Understanding the Challenges and Celebrations in Cuba
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages are a constant disruption in Cuba, affecting everything from sleep to daily activities, as they often occur without warning and can last for extended periods.
Why has Halloween gained popularity in Cuba?
Halloween has become more popular in Cuba due to the influence of private leisure businesses and the widespread use of social media, which have helped introduce and promote the holiday since around 2013.
What is El Proyecto, and how does it operate?
El Proyecto is a cultural space in Vedado that offers various activities like film screenings and concerts. It operates with the help of a private energy investor, which allows it to manage electricity shortages creatively to keep the venue running.