The streets of San Antonio de los Baños, which in July 2021 became the epicenter of the historic protests of July 11th, are once again resonating with popular discontent: a sign reading "Down with the dictatorship" was painted on the walls of the local baseball stadium on the night of Saturday or the early hours of Sunday, in what is seen as a new act of civil disobedience.
The incident was reported by the activist Marcel Valdés, who shared a gallery of images on Facebook accompanied by a message that captures the sentiment of many Cubans: “The people can no longer endure. Civil disobedience. If no one obeys, no one commands.”
The action carries a powerful symbolic weight: San Antonio de los Baños was the initial spark of the popular uprising on July 11, 2021, one of the greatest civil challenges to the Cuban regime in recent decades.
Today, when the echoes of that uprising seemed silenced, a graphic gesture reemerges that renews the call for change from the very original setting.
Moreover, the event occurs amid a wave of protests led by university students who in recent days have raised their voices against the rate hike imposed by ETECSA, which severely limits access to the internet, an essential tool for study, social organization, and free communication.
In a Cuba marked by surveillance, scarcity, and fear, painting a wall can become an act of political courage.
The message "Down with the dictatorship" is not just a slogan: it is a symptom of persistent resistance, a signal that discontent continues to spread despite the regime's repressive apparatus.
Every poster, every slogan, every silent act of rebellion reaffirms that the desire for freedom remains alive in a citizenry weary of broken promises and repression.
As Valdés noted in his publication: “There are not enough informants for so many people.”
The exiled Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego recalled on his social media the symbolic significance of the location where the banner appeared, stating: “This is how they decorated the walls of the baseball stadium in San Antonio de los Baños last night, the town where 11J began. It's not just university students; there are many people in Cuba doing things.”
He also emphasized: "Let there be many bullets, from many places, but all aimed at the same target. This is how we win. There are no informants for so many people. This is the moment. Let everyone do what they can. Every action counts."
In various parts of the country, graffiti on walls and public spaces has become a means of civic expression against the Cuban regime.
A poster with the phrase "Down with the dictatorship" appeared on a prominent corner of Havana, in an event that drew attention due to its visible location and the speed with which it was removed by the authorities, highlighting the defiant nature of the gesture.
Also in Manzanillo, several anti-government slogans were reported painted in various locations around the city, including expressions such as "Homeland and Life" and "Down with communism" on public access walls.
The magnitude and extent of these graffiti reflect an organized or at least coordinated action among several citizens willing to challenge the repression.
Months ago, a critical poster against the regime appeared on the facade of a residential building in Santiago de Cuba, which led to a police operation in the area.
This event highlighted that civil disobedience is not only expressed in the streets but also in residential areas, marking an expansion of discontent beyond the symbolic.
Frequently asked questions about manifestations of discontent in Cuba
What does the graffiti "Down with the dictatorship" symbolize in San Antonio de los Baños?
The graffiti saying "Down with the dictatorship" in San Antonio de los Baños symbolizes an act of civil disobedience and a call for political change in Cuba. This location was the epicenter of the protests on July 11, 2021, representing a direct challenge to the Cuban regime and demonstrating that popular discontent remains alive.
How does the Cuban government respond to these protests?
The Cuban government responds to protest demonstrations with repression, using police forces and agents from the Ministry of the Interior to erase graffiti and detain those responsible. Authorities often militarize the affected areas and employ surveillance methods to identify the demonstrators.
What is the relationship between these manifestations and the economic and social situation in Cuba?
The demonstrations are closely linked to the economic and social crisis in Cuba. The scarcity of food, prolonged power outages, and rising fees for basic services such as internet are causing increasing social unrest, which is reflected in these expressions of public discontent.
What impact do anti-government graffiti have on Cuban society?
Anti-government graffiti have a significant symbolic impact on Cuban society, as they represent a form of resistance and challenge to the regime. Although the authorities try to remove them quickly, these messages manage to go viral on social media, amplifying the voice of those calling for political and social change on the island.
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