Residents of the building known as 12 Plantas, located next to the Cultural Plaza of Olivos I in the city of Sancti Spíritus, reported that the recreational activities organized during the summer have turned into a nightmare for those living nearby, due to the loud music and the celebrations that extend into the early morning hours.
Through a letter published by the official newspaper Escambray and shared by the page "Sancti Spíritus through the Vitral", the residents claim that for several weeks, the parties have been ending between two and three in the morning, even on weekdays, with several speakers directed towards the homes and an entertainer who maintains the same level of loudness throughout the night.
"It's a nightmare to live with the noise of music that isn't always the most appropriate, but the worst part isn't even the artistic quality, but the auditory assault we endure from Monday to Monday, without a break," the letter states.
The signatories argue that the issue particularly affects the elderly, children, and workers who have to wake up early the next day.
"The walls of the building tremble, so you can imagine how it will affect the heads of the people, already overwhelmed by the blackout and daily struggles. Here live the elderly, children, people who have to work the next day, and they are all forced to endure this abuse, night after night, as it is said, until the end of August," the letter adds.
In addition to the noise, the neighbors question the high prices of the food offerings and the children's attractions set up in the square during the festivities.
Celebrations with electricity amid the blackouts
The report comes at one of the most critical moments of the energy crisis affecting the province. During the summer of 2026, Sancti Spíritus has experienced power outages of up to 50 consecutive hours and, in many cases, only a few hours of electrical service daily.
That contradiction did not go unnoticed by the residents. While a large part of the province remains without electricity for long periods, the recreational activities in Olivos I enjoy guaranteed supply, leading some residents to remark that the area seems to be part of a "privileged circuit."
A neighbor who claims to have lived across from the square for 35 years stated that the issue has been unresolved for a long time.
"We have been writing letters to all the relevant authorities for years, and it has always been the same. The competent institutions do nothing."
Another resident of the building explained that the difficulties go far beyond the noise, as frequent power outages disable the elevators and water pumps, forcing many elderly people to climb several flights of stairs daily.
A problem that extends throughout the province
Noise pollution has become an increasing concern in Sancti Spíritus. In a report published on July 18, Escambray described the phenomenon as a "silent epidemic" and raised alarms about the growing noise caused by speakers installed in bicitaxis, motorbikes with modified exhausts, and recreational activities that violate sound level regulations.
The Cuban Standard for Noise and Vibrations sets a maximum limit of 66 decibels during the night in residential areas, a threshold that, according to residents' complaints, is systematically exceeded in the Cultural Plaza of Olivos I.
Police operations at the parties
As complaints about the noise increase, the police presence at summer activities has also been strengthened.
The Facebook profile "My Tempered Loyalty", linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Sancti Spíritus, reported on July 21 about the operations carried out during the festivities.
The publication reported that more than 13 complaints had been received regarding the carrying of sharp weapons in recreational areas, warned about the presence of minors consuming alcoholic beverages during the early hours, and announced the impounding of vehicles for periods ranging from 30 days to six months for drivers operating without a license or without a helmet.
The message concluded with a warning directed at those who break the law: "The law will fall on whoever it may."
In response to the neighbors' letter, Escambray urged the authorities to review the situation and reminded them that recreation should not come at the expense of the rest of the community's peace.
"It should not happen that established regulations are violated, that noise reigns unchecked, and that an entire neighborhood has to suffer from permanent insomnia at the expense of maintaining options for the enjoyment of a specific segment of the population," the media concluded.
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