Finca de Los Monos, the site of a massive brawl that left at least six injured this past Saturday, admitted that they "underestimated the event's drawing power" and reiterated that there were no fatalities. "We regret that such an important event for our teenagers, designed with them and for them, with a suitable cultural program and affordable entry and food options, was ruined. This event was intended to provide a regular space throughout the summer, something desperately needed for that age group (12-17 years) which lacks similar venues," the entity, located in Cerro, Havana, stated.
The statement further clarified that there were no deaths and no injuries occurred inside or near the institution. "We underestimated the event’s potential reach and the power of its call," the entity acknowledged. The Finca de los Monos, situated at Santa Catalina and Palatino, concluded that the attendance numbers far exceeded the "usual figures" for events at the Palacio Tecnológico.
A poster promoting the event described it as the "2024 Summer Youth Kickoff," scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m., with an entry fee of 100 pesos and featuring new artists in the urban genre. Amid the flurry of reports about the incident, Quinta de Los Molinos—another popular outdoor recreation space—clarified on their social media that the brawl did not occur at their location, as some mistakenly believed.
The Government of Havana denied on Sunday that there were any fatalities during the brawl, which took place on Saturday evening around the Finca de los Monos. Hours after the news went viral on social media, the government issued a statement calling the reports of deaths "false" and explaining that the event was "unapproved," leading to a "disruption of order as people moved to the exterior areas of the facility."
Initially, the official source reported two non-life-threatening injuries and noted that government and National Revolutionary Police (PNR) authorities intervened to restore order. The statement also criticized independent media and social media profiles that publicized the incident. Despite the clarifications, the brawl resulted in stark images of youths armed with machetes and other sharp objects, demonstrating the high level of violence in the country.
In recent hours, government spokesperson Humberto López raised the number of injured to six and reiterated that the viral information was false. Although Cuban authorities labeled the event as "unapproved," videos and promotional posts on social media indicated that it did have the endorsement of the relevant authorities. As usual, the official denial came late, after social media had already been flooded with exaggerated numbers of deaths and injuries.
This recurring issue in Cuba prompted a brief but pointed reflection from popular actor Luis Silva: "Do you know why there is so much Fake News? Because you take too long to give the Real News," he succinctly expressed in his Instagram stories, a clear but veiled criticism of the government.
Key Questions About the Finca de los Monos Incident
This section addresses some frequently asked questions regarding the violent incident at Finca de los Monos. It aims to provide clarity on the event, the response of authorities, and the broader implications for public safety in Cuba.
What exactly happened at Finca de los Monos?
A massive brawl broke out during a youth event at Finca de los Monos, resulting in at least six injuries. The organizers admitted they underestimated the event's drawing power.
Were there any fatalities reported?
No, both the organizers and the Government of Havana confirmed that there were no fatalities as a result of the incident.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
Authorities, including the National Revolutionary Police, intervened to restore order. The government also issued a statement to clarify the situation and counter false reports circulating on social media.