An unusual video shared by Cuban filmmaker Daniel Ross Diéguez on his Facebook account has sparked outrage and laughter among users, as it shows a fire truck driving through the streets of Cuba late at night, during a blackout, accompanied by reggaeton music blaring at full volume.
"Does anyone know if the strategy of playing reggaeton for the firefighters in the middle of the blackout and late at night is part of their recent exercise Meteoro?" the director sarcastically commented, criticizing the management of the energy crisis and the country's resources.
The incident occurs within the context of the Popular Exercise of Actions in Meteorological Disaster Situations 2025, organized by the Cuban regime over the weekend, which is supposedly aimed at strengthening the country's capabilities to face natural disasters and emergency situations.
Meanwhile, Cuba continues to be plunged into an unprecedented energy crisis, with recurring power outages seriously affecting the daily lives of citizens.
The regime celebrated this exercise, led by the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel, with a waste of electricity and air conditioning that took place in several provinces of the country, including Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba.
The governmental offices, where videoconferences and emergency meetings took place, spared no expense on comfort: air conditioning, high-tech televisions, and other luxuries were part of the setting where officials prepared for the hurricane season.
The executives of the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), a common target of criticism among Cubans, stated they are ¡Prepared and Alert! during the Meteoro 2025 Drill.
Meanwhile, in the streets, Cubans continue to struggle with the lack of electricity, creating an atmosphere of desperation and widespread discontent.
Power outages not only disrupt household activities but also jeopardize public health, interrupt access to drinking water, spoil food and medicines, and halt transportation and essential public services.
"The air is electrified, the lights are on full, there is no deficit for the government, but there is for the people. It is true there is a blockade, but it's from Siboney to the people," commented an internet user, alluding to the regime's lack of empathy and commitment to the reality of the ordinary Cuban.
"That's how it is in Cuba: always blaming the blockade, but one day this will have to end," responded another, highlighting the citizens' frustration.
As part of the exercise, a state-of-the-art drone designed to combat fires was presented, an attempt to showcase advancements in the field of civil defense.
However, this type of technological demonstration seems to drift away from the reality faced by the Cuban people, where the most urgent problems are not resolved with promises or high-tech gadgets.
The Meteoro 2025 also included evacuation drills and resource deployment.
Meanwhile, public outrage is growing, and protests in several cities such as Bayamo, Cienfuegos, and Ciego de Ávila are ongoing.
Cubans, fed up with the situation of poverty and the inefficiency of the government, have decided to return to the streets, demanding real solutions to the chaos affecting daily life.
The complaints about power outages and the scarcity of resources remain the central focus of the protests, which are multiplying on social media with videos of citizens expressing their discontent.
The dictatorship, in its aim to present an image of control and readiness for disasters, seems to be more focused on its own political survival than on addressing the issues that truly affect Cubans.
The simulated exercises and the empty promises of a better future have only widened the gap between the government and the population, who continue to wait, hopelessly, for a real solution to their problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Exercise Meteoro in Cuba
What is Exercise Meteoro 2025?
The Meteor Exercise 2025 is a drill organized by the Cuban regime aimed at strengthening the country's capabilities to face natural disasters and emergency situations. However, this year it has drawn criticism due to the disconnect between the technological demonstrations and the reality faced by Cubans, who are suffering from blackouts and shortages of basic resources.
Why did the use of a fire truck playing reggaeton during a blackout in Cuba generate controversy?
The video of a fire truck in Cuba driving around with reggaeton blaring during a blackout has caused outrage because it was perceived as a disrespect towards the citizens suffering from the energy crisis. Many interpreted this scene as a sign of the lack of empathy and seriousness with which the government addresses the everyday problems of the Cuban people.
What is the current situation of power outages in Cuba?
The situation regarding blackouts in Cuba is critical, with recurring power outages that severely affect the daily lives of citizens. These blackouts impact not only domestic activities but also essential services such as access to drinking water, food and medication preservation, and the operation of public transportation.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the government's management of the energy crisis?
The Cuban population has reacted with outrage and frustration at the government's handling of the energy crisis. Social media has become a space for protest, where citizens criticize the lack of effective solutions and the government's disconnect from the reality they face daily.
Filed under:
