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Despite the fact that the Cuban population is facing a serious energy crisis, with power outages lasting over 15 hours, the regime continues to organize celebrations such as the Culture Week in Camagüey, until February 7th, promoting an image of normalcy and well-being that contrasts with the reality of the country.
However, numerous social media users have railed against the government, highlighting the absurdity of the celebration while most of Camagüey is left in the dark due to prolonged power outages.
Among the criticisms, Nicolay Martínez Fleitas stands out, as he reported on Facebook that, although some cultural activities are well organized, others merely waste fuel and electricity on shows that end in drunkenness, indecency, and consumer mistreatment, with the sole purpose of raising money.
Meanwhile, he emphasized that the majority of the population does not have access to the most basic necessities, with families unable to cook due to a lack of liquefied gas, children suffering from the heat without fans, and residents enduring long hours of darkness and uncertainty amid widespread blackouts.
Martínez also criticized the lack of planning by the government and the provincial electricity company, stating that decisions are made without considering the consequences for the citizens.
As an example, he mentioned the situation of the 26-story building in Plaza de la Revolución, where power outages pose a danger to the lives of its residents due to its atypical conditions.
"The highest and with unconventional conditions, leaving the residents in a blackout of such magnitude is a negligence on the part of those who planned and approved it. If an incident were to occur there putting the lives of the people living there at risk, who will be held accountable for this?" he emphasized.
User Dariel Chito also questioned on Facebook the relevance of the Culture Week in Camagüey, pointing out that the celebration takes place in a context where the province faces blackouts of more than 15 hours daily, making it virtually impossible to carry out basic tasks at home.
"Today, February 2, marks the beginning of Culture Week in Camagüey. I found out because I heard music and a commemorative event was held for it. The strangest and most contradictory thing is that in this province, power outages are now exceeding 15 hours, and it's literally not giving you any time to do anything at home," she expressed in her post.
In addition to the energy collapse, the internet user reported a shortage of liquefied gas, which has not entered the province for more than four months, forcing residents of Camagüey to cook with charcoal or firewood, a situation that, according to him, has already become "normalized" in the daily lives of many families.
He also criticized the out-of-control inflation, stating that food prices are constantly rising while supply is dwindling.
Even private sellers have chosen not to market meat products due to frequent power outages, which jeopardize food preservation and result in "millions in losses" for their businesses.
"I have nothing against the culture and the festivals that are held, but we need to have a bit of common sense and a connection to reality. The situation isn't right for this type of activity," he stated, emphasizing that the province faces more urgent problems than a week of celebrations.
In his post, he concluded with a phrase that reflects the frustration of many Cubans: “There is less bread and more circus in Cuba every day, but one cannot exist without the other. Now let me finish cooking with charcoal, make a coffee, and then go to sleep.”
Although the Cuban government's decision to hold Culture Week in Camagüey may seem absurd, it is not the first time the regime has prioritized spectacles over the urgent needs of the population.
In October, while much of Cuba was plunged into a massive blackout due to the collapse of the National Electric System, the regime held the Celebration of Cuban Identity in Bayamo, despite the fact that the same government had issued the order to suspend all non-essential activities.
The official newspaper La Demajagua shared a video on Facebook showcasing a tribute gala held in the Plaza del Himno in Bayamo, commemorating the first performance of the National Anthem and paying homage to Cuban Culture.
Additionally, to make matters worse, all of this was happening while the territories of Maisí and Baracoa were enduring the severe impacts of Hurricane Oscar, and the energy crisis was worsening in the east with the collapse of the Renté thermoelectric plant, leaving Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo without power once again.
However, the indifference of the regime and the government of Granma did not conclude in a gala, with horses and attire reminiscent of the era when the Bayamo Anthem was written.
In the nights, while millions couldn't get a wink of sleep due to the worry about the food that might, activities continued.
Frequently Asked Questions about Culture Week in Camagüey and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is the celebration of Culture Week in Camagüey criticized?
The celebration of Culture Week in Camagüey has faced harsh criticism because it takes place amid blackouts lasting over 15 hours, creating a stark contrast between the image of normalcy the government tries to project and the actual reality of the energy crisis the population is experiencing. Furthermore, it is seen as a waste of resources that could be allocated to basic needs.
What are the main problems faced by residents of Camagüey due to power outages?
The residents of Camagüey face difficulties in performing basic household tasks, such as cooking, due to the lack of electricity and liquefied gas. They also suffer from the heat without fans and the spoilage of food due to the lack of refrigeration, which exacerbates the situation of food and economic insecurity.
What reactions has the Cuban government's management of the energy crisis generated?
The Cuban government's handling of the energy crisis has sparked widespread outrage and criticism on social media, where the public expresses its frustration over the lack of effective solutions and perceives a disconnect between the needs of the people and governmental decisions, such as the promotion of cultural events amid widespread blackouts.
How has the energy crisis affected the local economy and trade in Camagüey?
The energy crisis has negatively impacted the local economy, with private vendors unable to sell meat products due to prolonged power outages that compromise food preservation, resulting in significant losses and worsening inflation and shortages of basic goods.
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