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The Embassy of the United States in Havana issued an official alert this Thursday for U.S. citizens, warning that the Cuban regime is planning a demonstration for the morning of Friday, May 22, in front of its diplomatic headquarters on the Havana Malecon.
According to the alert, "the Cuban regime is planning a demonstration for the morning of Friday, May 22, 2026, in the square in front of the United States Embassy."
The diplomatic mission warns that "there may be an increased police presence, traffic diversions, and disruptions to travel," and that access to the embassy could be affected starting Thursday evening.
The call takes place at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune, an emblematic space of the regime inaugurated in April 2000 during the Elián González case crisis, featuring a symbolic design that includes a star on the ground pointing directly towards the U.S. diplomatic mission.
The most immediate precedent is the event of May 1st at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, when the regime moved the central event of International Workers' Day there under the slogan "The homeland is defended," with the presence of Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
On that occasion, the official press claimed an attendance of "more than 500,000 Havana residents," a figure questioned by independent reports that showed images with a low density of attendees.
The Embassy issued a similar alert for the May 1st event, warning about street closures and increased police presence starting the night before.
The demonstration on Friday occurs in the context of a severe internal crisis. On May 13, a record electricity deficit of 2,153 MW was registered, with power outages lasting up to 20 and 22 hours daily in some circuits in the capital.
That situation triggered spontaneous protests in several municipalities of Havana with slogans such as "Electricity and food" and "Down with the dictatorship," to which the regime responded with police repression and at least 14 arrests.
The Cuban Conflict Observatory reported 1,133 protests in April 2026 alone, an increase of 29.5% compared to the same month in 2025.
On May 15, the Embassy issued a security alert acknowledging that some of these protests resulted in "aggressive police repression" against Cuban protesters.
The call for an anti-imperialist mobilization in front of the U.S. Embassy reflects the historical pattern of the regime channeling internal discontent towards an external enemy in times of heightened citizen pressure.
The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to "avoid protests and crowds, stay aware of their surroundings, and consult local media." Those needing emergency assistance on Friday can call +53-7-839-4100.
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