A widespread blackout can only be taken as a joke by Cubans, who are already accustomed to spending more time in the dark and without electricity than enjoying it.
The blackout in Spain and other parts of Europe that occurred on April 28 has been a source of humor for Cubans who express solidarity with those affected through memes on social media, but if anyone truly took it to the next level, it was the Cuban comedian Luis Silva in his character Pánfilo.
In a supposed phone call to his friend Chequera, Pánfilo analyzes the blackout, of course, comparing it to the reality that Cuba experiences day by day.
“Chequera, the electro-energy system of Spain and its surroundings has crashed. They say it's due to a failure in several thermal power plants. They say the first one to go was the thermal power plant named after Miguel de Cervantes and Saavedra, which is similar to Guiteras in Cuba.,” says Pánfilo on the phone.
“No, but Bernardo Espinosa is already on his way to Madrid; they sent him over there. What journalist has more experience than that man to talk about those issues? He could teach a graduate course on it, that guy,” the comedian adds, and indeed, this reporter from the Cuban state press is the chosen one when it comes to discussing the country's electricity situation.
“Those people are upset over there in Spain because they've been without power for six hours, tell me something. Imagine us going six hours without electricity. The elevators shut down, people trapped in the elevators, the traffic lights out, the trains stopped. A blackout over there is chaos. Six hours without power in Cuba and what's the worst that happens? A defrosted cucumber,” Pánfilo concludes, highlighting a detail: the Cuban economy is so devastated that even a widespread blackout makes no difference.
Frequently asked questions about the blackout in Spain and the Cuban reaction
What happened during the blackout in Spain on April 28, 2025?
On April 28, 2025, Spain and other parts of Europe experienced a widespread blackout, causing surprise and chaos due to the disruption of essential services such as traffic lights and trains. This event was one of the most significant in the recent energy history of Europe.
How did Cubans react to the blackout in Spain?
Cubans responded to the blackout in Spain with humor and sarcasm, creating memes and jokes on social media. Cuban comedian Luis Silva, in his character Pánfilo, made satirical comments comparing the situation in Spain to the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, pointing out that Cubans are accustomed to long blackouts.
Why is Bernardo Espinosa's figure relevant in this situation?
Bernardo Espinosa is a Cuban journalist known for reporting on the energy situation in Cuba. In the context of the blackout in Spain, Pánfilo joked about sending him to Madrid to report on the incident, highlighting his expertise on the subject due to the chronic blackout situation in Cuba.
What is the current situation regarding power outages in Cuba?
In Cuba, power outages are a routine part of daily life due to the ongoing energy crisis. Thermal power plants often experience failures, and the lack of adequate electricity generation leads to prolonged power cuts, impacting the daily lives of Cuban citizens.
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