A fair held at the park on Linea and L Streets in Havana's Vedado neighborhood was disrupted this Saturday by a brawl between a group of Mexican and Cuban citizens for reasons that remain unknown. Images of the incident were shared by the independent media outlet CubaNet on its social media platforms, indicating that "tempers are flaring due to the heat, frustration from power outages, and the daily struggle to find food."
"According to witnesses, the fight broke out between a group of Cubans and another group of Mexicans," specified the media outlet in its post, describing the images of the brawl as "regrettable."
The altercation involved at least three young Mexicans who behaved aggressively, chasing a young Cuban and confronting those who tried to calm them down. Ultimately, a headbutt delivered by one of the Mexicans against a Cuban ignited the mass brawl, involving a handful of Cubans who either tried to mediate or chose to engage in the violence.
In the video, a woman can be heard shouting to intervene in the scuffle. "They're drunk!" yelled the mediator as she assisted one of the young Mexicans, who had a bruise on his torso, presumably caused by a kick from a Cuban while fighting on the ground with another.
"We live in a jungle and behave like animals. Cubans wake up every day (if they even sleep) thinking about what to put on the table for their families. People often go to bed hungry, and all of this frustration leads to anger, leaving no room for conversation," concluded a netizen in the CubaNet post.
Background on Social Issues in Vedado
In June 2022, several Cubans reported the proliferation of agricultural markets in the parks of Vedado and claimed that the State is promoting the ruralization of Havana, causing discomfort among city residents.
"The municipal authorities have allowed—against basic urban planning principles, social coexistence, and discipline—the permanent installation of stalls for selling agricultural products. These spaces affect the areas at any time of the day, taking up more ground, benches, corridors, and sidewalks," one resident complained on social media.
Decades ago, prominent Cuban architect and urban planner Mario Coyula warned about the dangers of ruralizing Vedado and Havana in general. He highlighted the signs of urban landscape deterioration and the loss of residents' sense of belonging to the city, leading to its reckless degradation.
Recently, Havana's parks have also become sites for street selling of frozen chicken boxes imported from the United States. In November 2023, a group of Cuban barbers decided to offer free haircuts during the fair at Linea and L Streets, the same location where the brawl between Cubans and Mexicans occurred this Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vedado Fair Incident
Here are some common questions and answers about the recent altercation between Cubans and Mexicans at the Vedado fair.
What sparked the brawl between Cubans and Mexicans at the Vedado fair?
The exact reasons for the brawl remain unknown, but witnesses suggest that frustration from the heat, power outages, and the daily struggle to find food may have contributed to the incident.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
There is no specific information on how the authorities responded to the brawl. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, drawing public attention.
What is the broader context of social issues in Vedado?
Residents have reported the proliferation of agricultural markets in Vedado's parks, with many feeling that the State is promoting the ruralization of Havana, leading to urban landscape deterioration and social discomfort.