Varadero, one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba, experienced the recent general blackout for more than 48 hours. The jewel of the Ministry of Tourism was left without power in hotels, streets, and residences of the peninsula.
Social media was flooded with complaints and comments from Cubans shocked by the lack of electricity in a place that prides itself on being the prettiest, cleanest, and most illuminated town in Cuba.
"In Varadero, 50 consecutive hours without electricity. Many people want to enjoy their vacations, not just inside a hotel, and in fact, some have been evacuated because they didn't have generators. What is happening that there are provinces with 100% power and here there is still no electricity? This is inhumane," complained an individual in a post on the Presidency of Cuba's social media.
Although it may seem unusual, Cuba's main tourist hub is not as prepared for the energy crisis as the government tends to claim.
"Tourism in Cuba is like going to a buffet by candlelight," commented some users on social media, accompanying images of makeshift dinners, with hotel waiters navigating through the dining room in the dark.
"The foreigners don't understand that," said one person. Another replied, "We, the Cubans, don't either."
The collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN) last weekend revealed the deficiencies of the country.
Despite some hotels like the Iberostar Selection Varadero managing to stay powered with generators, others were left completely in the dark and unable to provide service to their guests. This did not only happen in Varadero; there was also a blackout at the Villa Trópico hotel in Jibacoa.
The energy crisis not only affected tourist facilities. The streets of Varadero, its shops and restaurants were completely dark.
On Monday, Miguel Díaz-Canel thanked the Cubans for their "understanding" following the power outage that impacted several provinces for more than two days.
Thank you Cuba, for your understanding during times of uncertainty and discomfort due to the disconnection from the SEN. We continue to face shortages, but we are now connected, wrote the leader on his X account.
The reactions from Cubans came quickly, showing the accumulated frustration: "You're a puppet put in place. It was 48 hours without electricity. Thanks not even a little!", expressed a user.
Other internet users commented ironically on the social contrast in the island: "We may not have thermoelectric plants, but we have majestic hotels filled with electric power and resources that the people do not have."
The authorities have acknowledged that power outages will continue due to the energy deficit the country is facing. In the meantime, the patience of the Cubans is running thin.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Impact on Tourism
Why did Varadero, the main tourist destination in Cuba, experience a prolonged blackout?
Varadero experienced a general blackout that lasted more than 48 hours due to a collapse in the National Electric System (SEN). Despite being a major tourist hub, it is not as well-prepared for energy crises as one might assume, leaving hotels, streets, and residences without power.
How did tourists and residents react to the blackout in Varadero?
The reaction was one of surprise and frustration. Tourists complained about the interruptions to their vacations, while residents expressed their discontent on social media, criticizing the government's lack of preparation and response to the energy crisis.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has expressed gratitude for the "understanding" of the population and continues to work on the recovery of the SEN. However, authorities have acknowledged that power outages will continue due to the energy deficit, which has generated criticism and dissatisfaction among citizens.
Why do hotels in Cuba manage to maintain the power supply during blackouts?
Hotels in Cuba, especially in tourist areas like Varadero, manage to maintain their power supply thanks to independent systems and backup generators. This allows them to continue operating during the energy crisis, prioritizing tourism despite local discontent.
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