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Torchlight March in Santiago de Cuba Highlights Public Discontent Amid Blackout

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 by Isabella Rojas

A small crowd gathered for the pro-government Torchlight March in Santiago de Cuba, held to commemorate the birth anniversary of José Martí. The procession, moving through the dimly lit streets of the city, was marked by half-hearted chants from participants.

Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared a video on Facebook depicting a scene of decline, characterized by the dying echoes of official propaganda and a widespread blackout affecting much of the city. The event, taking place during a prolonged energy crisis, sparked significant criticism on social media. In the video, a voice could be heard commenting on the marchers: “Look at them, they probably haven’t even had a snack!”

The city's residents, suffering from continuous power outages, expressed their discontent and questioned the rationale behind allocating resources to political events while the population struggles with basic needs.

Power Outages and Public Discontent

The Electric Company announced a failure at the Pavón Substation, leaving circuits 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Santiago de Cuba without electricity. Although they promised a "gradual" restoration of service, residents reported that the outages lasted for hours, even days.

Social media comments reflect the widespread dissatisfaction:

1. “We’ve been without power since 9 in the morning… now they talk about Pavón. It’s one lie after another. Every day they show us more that they don’t care about the people, less marches and more solutions.”

2. “Circuit 19 is a constant ‘on and off’. My God, the appliances break and nothing happens. This is abuse and destruction of the people.”

3. “I’m from block 8 and they’ve devastated us. Almost 24 hours without power. This isn’t going to change; those who can leave Cuba should do so.”

Additional comments reveal frustration over prolonged blackouts with no coherent explanations from authorities. Some mentioned that circuit 24 was without electricity for over 16 hours, while others criticized the lack of gas and inability to meet basic needs.

A similar scenario unfolded in Camagüey, where the official march drew few attendees amidst a massive blackout, as documented by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada on social media.

Criticism of the Official March

The Torchlight March did not escape scrutiny from Santiago residents, who questioned the energy expended on organizing it in contrast to their daily hardships. One user summed up the collective sentiment: “That’s exactly how they held the march. They dare: the energy missing for electricity is spent on the march.”

Mayeta Labrada’s video ignited a wave of indignation, reinforcing the sense of abandonment by authorities and the perception that these official activities are disconnected from the realities faced by the Cuban populace.

The Torchlight March in Santiago de Cuba, conducted amidst a widespread blackout, served as a reflection of public discontent and distrust towards the authorities. While a few chanted slogans under the flickering light of torches, the majority of Santiago’s residents remained engulfed in darkness, grappling with seemingly endless shortages.

Understanding the Challenges in Santiago de Cuba

What was the purpose of the Torchlight March in Santiago de Cuba?

The Torchlight March in Santiago de Cuba was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of José Martí, a symbol of Cuban independence.

How did the public react to the March during the blackout?

The public expressed significant dissatisfaction, criticizing the allocation of resources to political events amid widespread power outages and basic needs shortages.

What were some of the challenges faced by the residents during this period?

Residents faced prolonged power outages, lack of gas, and an inability to meet basic needs, leading to increased frustration and criticism of the government's priorities.

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