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Christmas Eve 2025 has arrived shrouded in shadows for millions of Cubans. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced a shortfall of 1,960 megawatts, with a projected impact of 1,990 MW during peak hours, leaving the country nearly in the dark during one of the year's most anticipated dates.
The technical forecast not only confirmed the power outages but also ignited public outrage. Under the UNE post on social media, dozens of users expressed their frustration, sadness, and exhaustion over yet another night without electricity, marked by heat, mosquitoes, and helplessness.
"Tonight will be a dark night, not a Christmas Eve."
“Instead of a Christmas Eve, we will have a very bad night,” wrote a user, reflecting the general sentiment. Others lamented that the regime’s institutions “do not even respect Christmas” and that Cuban children “are forced to grow up because there are no gifts, no sweets, no light”.
In places like Consolación del Sur and Marianao, residents reported more than 30 consecutive hours without electricity service. “This is beyond an outrage; they don't think about the elderly or the sick,” one resident complained, while another remarked: “Not even during the worst days of the Special Period did we experience anything like this”.
A subdued Christmas marked by resignation
The country's energy situation has been dreadful for five years, but it has drastically worsened in recent weeks. According to UNE itself, the availability barely reaches 1,340 MW, compared to a demand exceeding 3,300 MW.
The official reasons: "unexpected departures and fuel shortages." However, many Cubans blame the regime for incompetence and a lack of foresight.
“Surely you will have electricity and celebrations with air conditioning; the people, only darkness and creative resistance,” wrote a citizen ironically. Another summed up the national sentiment in a phrase: “They give us blackouts and we return silence and resignation.”
Between the blackout and faith
In the midst of discontent, some Cubans hold on to hope.
“May the light of God shine upon this land, for we do not expect the light of men,” wrote a woman from the eastern part of the country, while another user requested “divine justice for those who have condemned the people to darkness”.
Christmas Eve in Cuba is once again sad for many, with family members far away due to the migration crisis, and without a feast to enjoy at the table.
Children without electricity to see their Christmas trees, grandparents restless in the heat, without fans. Meanwhile, the government remains silent, and darkness—both literal and symbolic—overwhelms an island that cries out for a bit of light.
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