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The priorities of the Cuban regime continue to surprise: while Santiago de Cuba suffers from an ever-deepening food shortage and faces daily blackouts of up to 14 hours, the authorities have decided to "adorn" a central alley with colorful umbrellas as part of the celebrations for the 510th anniversary of the town's founding.
Although self-employed workers in the area deserve more dignified conditions to carry out their work under the intense sun of the city, the solution adopted—a temporary shelter of umbrellas—does not guarantee durability or real comfort, and is even more ironic in a context where umbrellas are not even available in state stores for those who need them.
The official broadcaster CMKW Radio Mambí celebrated the decoration this Sunday on Facebook, highlighting that the “Callejón de El Carmen in Santiago de Cuba has been beautifully adorned to celebrate the 510th anniversary of the founding of the city,” accompanied by photos showing colorful umbrellas hanging over the pedestrian section of the street.
However, this urban intervention is neither new nor well-received by everyone. In 2020, residents of Santiago de Cuba expressed their dissatisfaction with the installation of umbrellas in that same area.
Many have described the measure as improvised, unhelpful, and more decorative than functional, while the city's real problems remain unresolved, and this time, the reality is the same.
"If the sun is the problem, umbrellas won’t solve anything. At noon, they don't protect anyone. We need a canopy, something stronger and more permanent," commented an indignant user at the time.
Other residents of Santiago lamented that, while food was scarce and stores remained out of stock, resources were allocated to what they considered a mere urban facelift.
"Go sell umbrellas at the TRD and stop hanging them in the street," demanded another commentator on social media, and the reality is repeating itself in 2025, or even worse.
More than five years later, the complaints remain the same: the reality on the streets continues to be harsh, basic needs are not being met, and the cosmetic actions of the regime seem more focused on hiding the deterioration than on reversing it.
As a backdrop, the city also celebrates its anniversary with a carnival where, amid the power outages, the tents are illuminated with electric generators and, as expected, with private sector prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Current Situation in Santiago de Cuba and the Celebrations of the 510th Anniversary
Why is Santiago de Cuba adorned with umbrellas despite the crisis?
The authorities of Santiago de Cuba have decided to "adorn" a central alley with colorful umbrellas as part of the celebrations for the 510th anniversary of the founding of the town. This measure has been criticized for being seen as more decorative than functional, especially in the context of food shortages and power outages affecting the population.
How does the energy crisis affect the residents of Santiago de Cuba?
The energy crisis in Santiago de Cuba is evident in daily blackouts that can last up to 14 hours. This forces many families to sleep outside to escape the heat, and it contrasts with the constant supply of electricity in tourist hotels, which raises outrage over the inequality in resource distribution.
What other measures has the government announced for the anniversary of Santiago de Cuba?
The government has announced an urban renewal program that includes the repair of roadways, the control of leaks, and assistance to neighborhoods undergoing transformation. However, the people of Santiago are skeptical of these promises, as issues such as the collapse of the drinking water supply and power outages continue to severely impact daily life in the city.
How has the population reacted to the celebrations and announcements from the government?
The population has expressed their frustration and discontent on social media, criticizing that resources are allocated to cosmetic improvements while serious issues like food shortages and prolonged power outages persist. Citizens are demanding real and sustainable solutions, rather than measures they view as government propaganda.
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