Despite the energy crisis, food shortages, and the growing despair of the population, the local government of Bayamo announced that the so-called People's Festivals will take place from August 7 to 10, a festive spectacle that brutally contrasts with the daily drama experienced by most Cubans.
According to the municipal deputy director of Culture, Daylin Calderío Hechavarría, multiple recreational areas have been designed in various parts of the city, such as El Bosque, Zenea, Jabaquito, La 20 de Siboney, and La Comercio. A children's area will also be added near the railway, featuring artistic performances starting early in the day.
Children's activities will include performing arts shows from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, followed by traditional organ music in the same area from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Additionally, the inaugural gala will take place on Thursday, the 7th, at the intersection of Zenea and Figueredo at 9:00 PM, reported the official newspaper La Demajagua.
On Saturday the 9th, a parade of floats and processions will take place in a pasacalle format, without a competitive nature. In the evenings, dance events will be held at El Bosque and on the main stage at the intersection of Zenea and Figueredo streets, as if the country were not experiencing one of the worst crises in its recent history.
For many citizens, it is insulting that amid the shortage of medicines, the lack of food, and prolonged blackouts, the government insists on staging festive events that mask the misery without providing real solutions.
The so-called "people's party" thus turns into an act of hollow propaganda, more focused on distraction than on relief.
The decision to hold such events, while hospitals are overwhelmed, hunger intensifies, and repression shows no signs of easing, once again reflects the complete disconnection between the government apparatus and the urgent needs of the population. The circus goes on, even in the absence of bread.
In May, Bayamo became the epicenter of citizen protests that shook the night with cries of “power!” and “food!”, voices that exposed the desperation of a people at their breaking point. The demands, shouted from the darkness, echoed a profound weariness, the cry of a population worn out by an unrelenting economic crisis and an unforgiving political repression.
Residents of the Jabaquito neighborhood blocked a bridge in protest, prompting the intervention of police patrols. Additionally, gatherings were reported in the area known as "20 de Siboney," in the capital of Granma province.
Videos posted on social media showed tense scenes on the night of May 23, in streets such as 16 and 22, where citizens confronted the authorities, demanding electricity and food.
Additionally, the usual internet outages and connection issues on mobile devices, an intense propaganda campaign on official social media aimed to project an image of calm, dialogue, and complete control of the situation.
The independent organization Cubalex reported that several people were detained in connection with that protest, but all were released after signing warning documents. Additionally, the young man Alejandro Salazar Blanco, 21 years old, was arbitrarily detained, facing threats of a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Just hours after the protests, the Granma government responded with the organization of food fairs in several municipalities, as part of a well-known pattern of distributing basic goods as an immediate remedy to public discontent.
Despite the countless criticisms and the context of a severe energy crisis that the country is experiencing, and as a political maneuver, the authorities maintained the celebration of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba, from July 23 to 27, but with a strict limit until 10:00 p.m., applying the idea of “playing with the chain, but not with the monkey.”
In July as well, with Holguín in darkness and facing food shortages, the local government organized the so-called Crystal Festival, a celebration filled with beer and concerts that sparked public outrage due to its extravagance, opportunism, and complete disconnection from the reality of the people.
Frequently asked questions about festivals in Cuba and their socioeconomic context
Why are the Popular Festivals celebrated in Bayamo in the midst of a crisis?
The Popular Festivals in Bayamo are organized as a distraction strategy by the Cuban government, aiming to provide entertainment and maintain an image of normalcy despite the severe energy and economic crisis the country is facing. These celebrations, which include recreational and cultural activities, stand in stark contrast to the daily reality of the population, who endure blackouts, food shortages, and increasing repression.
How has the population of Bayamo responded to these festivities?
The reaction of the citizens of Bayamo has been one of indignation and protest. Many find it insulting to celebrate festivities while facing a crisis of basic resources. In May, the city was the scene of protests driven by prolonged blackouts and food shortages, reflecting the discontent of a people exhausted by the economic and social situation. The festivities are seen as an attempt by the government to mask the misery without offering real solutions.
What other similar activities have been organized in Cuba during the crisis?
In addition to the Popular Festivals in Bayamo, festivals and carnivals have been organized in other provinces such as Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba. These events, such as the Fiesta Cristal in Holguín and the Culture Week in Camagüey, have sparked criticism and discontent among the population due to the waste of resources and the disconnect with the urgent needs of the citizens. Despite the energy crisis and food shortages, the Cuban government has continued these celebrations in an attempt to project an image of stability.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address protests and social discontent?
The Cuban government has responded to the protests with repression and temporary alleviating measures, such as organizing food fairs in some municipalities. However, these actions have not addressed the underlying causes of discontent, such as the economic and energy crisis. The repression of protesters and internet outages have been common tactics to silence dissent, while structural solutions are notably absent.
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