A video posted by the opposition figure and former political prisoner Silverio Portal on social media shows the unsanitary conditions and extreme neglect that the iconic store Almacenes Ultra, located at Reina y Rayo, Centro Habana, is experiencing. The recording reveals piles of human waste, leaks of sewage, and a visibly deteriorated urban environment, which, according to Portal, would have led to the closure of the establishment.
The portal reports while touring the area that "this is garbage... the garbage from the building above... look at the Ultra store," pointing to the sewage that flows from the underground and runs along the portals of the building. "They had to close Ultra because of this situation," he asserts indignantly, emphasizing that this issue has been unresolved for years.
The publication has sparked outrage among users who remember Ultra as one of the most renowned shopping centers in the Cuban capital. Today, the place—closely tied to the architectural and commercial history of Havana—lies in ruins, dampness, and feces.
A symbol of ruined commerce
Founded in 1939 by the Asturian entrepreneur César Rodríguez González, Almacenes Ultra was a pioneer of department store retail in Cuba. Its building, officially known as the Edificio Reina, is a gem of the Art Deco style, featuring iconic facades, terrazzo logos, and metal structures that still withstand the passage of time.
For decades, Ultra offered fabrics, sewing supplies, and various products, maintaining its operations even after nationalization in 1959 and a partial restoration in 1994. In 2019, it was still functioning as a store, although showing visible signs of wear. According to the specialized blog Cubalogos, Ultra “remains a reference point for shopping, due to its location and history”, although “it needs a redesign of its commercial areas.”
The founder's connection to the chain El Corte Inglés —of which he was the majority partner in its early days— granted Ultra a historical and business prestige that today contrasts with the scene of complete abandonment documented by Portal.
Part of a systematic deterioration
The case of Ultra is not isolated. In recent months, CiberCuba has documented the neglect of numerous public spaces and infrastructure across the country. The Sports City of Havana, for example, shows visible signs of deterioration: overgrown vegetation, garbage, and abandoned buildings. A citizen who shared images of the site expressed that “the grass grows on the track while the sporting spirit fades away like the color of its stadium.”
In Camagüey, the stands of the Amador Fernández Stadium were closed due to the risk of collapse after the systematic theft of metal beams. The deputy director of the Academy stated that "there is no clear schedule or available resources" to carry out the necessary repairs.
Other examples abound: the Versalles railway bridge in Matanzas is nearing collapse due to corrosion and the accumulation of waste; the playground on the Malecón in Havana, with rusty swings and broken structures, has been described by a user as “the ruins of the Maceo park”; and the once-famous Lenin Park has been labeled by citizens as “a giant dump” and “a refuge for the homeless.”
In Isabela de Sagua, Villa Clara, massive migration and a lack of opportunities have turned what was once an active port into a ghost town. "What remains here are mostly elderly people; there are no young people," lamented a resident. In Santiago de Cuba, the Hotel Venus has been described as "a breeding ground for rodents in the heart of the city."
Meanwhile, at the Edificio Girón in Vedado, Havana, following a fire in 2024, 132 families were left without an elevator. "Many haven't been able to go down since the fire," reported the neighbors, trapped in their homes with no real solutions. And at the Teatro Musical de La Habana, now turned into a garbage dump, citizens question "how much longer will spaces like this be allowed to disappear from collective memory."
Reflection on a Country in Ruins
The scene at Almacenes Ultra reflects the silent collapse of places that were once engines of urban life in Cuba. Abandonment, lack of public investment, and institutional neglect seem to have condemned not only the buildings but also the collective memory of entire generations.
While the government prioritizes tourist constructions and makes unfulfilled promises, the Cuban capital crumbles before the eyes of its own people. Ultra, like so many other places, is no longer just a closed store; it is the tangible symbol of a city —and a country— that is losing more pieces of itself every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration and Neglect of Almacenes Ultra and Other Public Spaces in Cuba
What is the current status of Almacenes Ultra in Havana?
The Ultra Warehouses are in a deplorable state, with accumulations of human waste, leaks of sewage, and a visibly deteriorated environment, which has led to their closure.
Why were the Almacenes Ultra closed?
The closure of Almacenes Ultra was prompted by the unsanitary conditions and the extreme neglect of the premises, which include black water seeping from the ground and flowing through the building's entrances.
What does the decline of Almacenes Ultra symbolize for Havana?
The deterioration of Almacenes Ultra symbolizes the silent collapse of historical and commercial sites in Havana, reflecting abandonment, lack of public investment, and institutional neglect in Cuba.
What other public spaces in Cuba are in a state of neglect?
In addition to Almacenes Ultra, other spaces such as the Sports City of Havana, the playground on the Malecón, and Lenin Park also show visible signs of abandonment and decay, reflecting a broader crisis in Cuba's public infrastructure.
What actions has the Cuban government taken regarding the deterioration of infrastructure?
The Cuban government has prioritized tourism construction and made promises of improvements that are rarely fulfilled, while many public spaces remain neglected with no visible real solutions.
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