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While millions of Cubans were left in the dark due to a mass blackout following the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), the Cuban government pompously inaugurated the XV International Varadero Gourmet Festival 2025.
The gastronomic event takes place at the Plaza América Convention Center in the resort of Varadero, and began with a staging that contrasts with the reality faced by the rest of the country.
The official inauguration was presided over by the general director of the extrahotel chain Palmares, Lázaro Darién Casabella, and the vice minister of Tourism, Adalberto Venero, who praised the workers in the sector and highlighted the "opportunities for professional exchange" of the event, without mentioning the serious energy crisis affecting the entire island.
A gourmet party in a country without electricity
The festival will run until September 13 under the theme “Flavors without Borders: The Magic of Fusion Cuisine with a Cuban Soul.” The program is filled with tastings of wines, rums, and Cuban coffees, as well as workshops, lectures, and high-level tastings.
Renowned chefs, sommeliers, industry entrepreneurs, and local producers participate in an event that even includes an International Franchise Workshop. The public does not have access to this "feast of flavors" referenced by the official press.
The festival takes place while Cuban workers and the populace cope with endless days without electricity, without refrigeration to preserve the little food they have, and without access to basic services.
General blackout and official silence
The complete failure of the national electrical system occurred on September 10 at 9:14 in the morning, following the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant in Matanzas.
The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) confirmed that this was the second nationwide blackout of the year, reflecting a structural crisis and an energy system on the brink of collapse.
The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, asked for the public's trust and assured that "everything possible and impossible" is being done to restore the service. However, he did not provide a timeline or technical details regarding the extent of the damage.
A bubble for the privileged
While Cuba is facing one of the most severe energy crises in recent years, the festival in Varadero once again represents that bubble of privilege sustained by an elite connected to the state tourism sector.
The contradiction between the official rhetoric on "resistance" and the ostentation of such events is becoming increasingly difficult to justify to a population worn out by precarious living conditions.
In this context, Varadero Gourmet 2025 not only highlights the regime's disconnection from the daily reality of Cubans, but also reveals the government's priorities: to preserve the international image of the tourist destination, while households in the country survive in darkness.
The emphasis on "fusion cuisine with a Cuban soul" contrasts sharply with the scarcity of basic food items in the markets, the lack of electricity for cooking in homes, and the deterioration of national infrastructure.
Gourmet cuisine thus becomes an empty spectacle for a country that has nothing to fill its pots. The festival may leave a good impression on attendees and generate headlines in state media, but for most Cubans, it only leaves a bitter taste.
Frequently Asked Questions about Varadero Gourmet 2025 and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the Varadero Gourmet Festival 2025 and why has it faced so much criticism?
The Varadero Gourmet Festival 2025 is an international gastronomic event held in the Varadero beach resort, bringing together chefs, sommeliers, and industry entrepreneurs. It has faced criticism for taking place during a nationwide blackout in Cuba, highlighting the government's disconnection from the everyday realities of Cubans suffering from the energy crisis.
What is the cause of the widespread blackout in Cuba and how does it affect the population?
The widespread blackout was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas. This collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) has left millions of Cubans without electricity, impacting their daily lives, access to food, and basic services, and worsening the energy crisis the country is facing.
How is the Cuban government responding to the current energy crisis?
The Cuban government, through Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, has called for trust from the population, assuring that efforts are being made to restore service. However, a clear timeline for full recovery has not been provided. The official response has been viewed as insufficient given the seriousness of the crisis, as it only promises efforts without offering concrete solutions.
What impact does the energy crisis have on tourism in Cuba?
Despite the energy crisis, the Cuban government assures that tourism will not be affected, as hotels are equipped with electric generators and sufficient resources to operate normally. This stands in stark contrast to the reality faced by Cubans, who endure prolonged power outages, leading to criticism over the prioritization of the tourism sector over the basic needs of the population.
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