Despite the countless criticisms and the context of the severe energy crisis the country is experiencing, the Cuban regime has decided to make an “effort” and maintain the celebration of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba, from July 23 to 27, an event that goes beyond mere festivity and represents a deeply rooted cultural element in the local identity.
The government seems to be well aware that canceling the so-called Rumbón Mayor would be a sure trigger for increased social discontent in a historically volatile city.
That’s why he has chosen a political juggling act: to maintain the festivities, but with a strict limit until 10:00 p.m., applying the principle of “playing with the chain, but not with the monkey.”
According to the Cuban News Agency, cited by TV Santiago, local authorities confirmed that the carnival will take place with a drastic adjustment in the schedule, in response to the emerging energy situation caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, one of the pillars of electricity generation on the Island.
The generation deficit has worsened,” acknowledged Mr. Javier Calero Román, general director of the Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba.
"Therefore, we have decided to reorganize the carnival schedule to protect the population and ensure the responsible enjoyment of the festivities."
Among the measures adopted, the president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, Yaneidis Hechavarría, specified that the parades of comparsas, congas, and floats will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The festive areas will operate from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at which point the music will be turned off and the services will be collected.
This strong insurance restriction will be accompanied by a significant deployment of repressive forces to ensure that once the speakers are silenced, everyone leaves without incident.
An alternative programming will be developed in communities, so that local groups can perform closer to their neighborhoods and facilitate access for the population without overloading central areas, Hechavarría emphasized.
The authorities insist that these decisions respond to public demands, especially after the prolonged blackouts in recent weeks, which have resulted in an unequal distribution of electrical service in the province.
For his part, José Arce, provincial director of the Industrial and Food Production Company (EPIA), stated that they have the basic resources to ensure the food supply, and clarified that "the bakery will be the main source of information and provision during these days."
What the official did not mention is that a large part of the supply will fall into the hands of the private sector with prices that are, by all means, unaffordable for the majority of the population, which contradicts the festive spirit intended for the event.
Although the carnival will still take place, it will be a scaled-back event, with heightened security and many restrictions, in a city where music, the streets, and dissent coexist year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why does the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba end at 10 p.m.?
The Santiago de Cuba Carnival ends at 10 p.m. due to the energy crisis that the country is experiencing, which has led the government to impose time restrictions to reduce electricity consumption. This adjustment in schedules aims to protect the population and ensure a responsible enjoyment of the festivities, in the context of prolonged blackouts and inadequate electricity generation.
What measures have been implemented to celebrate the carnival amid the energy crisis?
The authorities have decided to reduce the hours of carnival activities and organize an alternative schedule in communities to prevent overcrowding in central areas. Additionally, the hours for festive areas and parades of comparsas and congas have been restricted to until 10:00 p.m. These measures aim to balance the celebration with the need for energy conservation.
How does the energy crisis affect everyday life in Cuba?
The energy crisis profoundly affects the daily lives of Cubans, with blackouts lasting up to 10 hours a day, making basic activities such as cooking, storing food, and working difficult. The government has imposed severe electricity restrictions, such as reducing work hours and targeting cuts in the private sector, in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on the national electrical system.
What are the consequences of the energy crisis on cultural celebrations in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led the government to reduce and adjust cultural celebrations, such as carnivals, to minimize electricity consumption. This has involved reducing hours and rethinking activities, as well as limiting the food offerings provided by the private sector, which makes it more challenging for the majority of the population to access these festivities.
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