Amidst one of Cuba's most severe economic crises in decades, characterized by fuel shortages, extended blackouts, and a crumbling transportation system, the regime's political machinery remains unfazed. This time, several streets in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality will be closed to vehicular traffic starting Monday, April 14, in preparation for the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban Revolution's socialist character, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 16, at the intersection of 23 and 12.
The Provincial Traffic Safety Commission announced on Facebook that these organizational measures are aimed at ensuring safety during the event. Once again, state resources and mobilization are being deployed to glorify a political system that increasingly lacks support among the populace.
Street Closures and Impact
From 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14:
- 23rd Street, between Paseo Avenue and 12th Street, will be closed in both directions.
From 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16:
- 12th Street, between 17 and Zapata.
- 14th Street, between Zapata and 17.
- Streets 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, between 21 and 25.
- 23rd Street, from Paseo to the prolongation of Zapata.
Recommended alternative routes: Malecón, Línea, 17, 19, and Zapata.
Altered Public Transportation Routes
While many Cubans endure hours waiting for a bus due to fuel and parts shortages, the government has prioritized the reorganization of public transportation for this political event:
- Routes 55, 71, 222, P-4, and P-9 (from Playa): will use the prolongation of Zapata and B Street to rejoin 23rd Avenue.
- Routes from Malecón via 23: will take Paseo → 19th Street → Paseo → Zapata → prolongation of Zapata.
- Routes A27, A33, and 34 (via 12th Street): from 4:00 a.m. on the 16th, will be diverted through Línea → Paseo-24-27-Street A-Zapata.
National Crisis vs. Official Propaganda
The execution of such events starkly contrasts with the reality experienced by millions of Cubans: blackouts lasting over 12 hours, hospitals lacking supplies and emergency transport, streets piled with trash, and a nation at a standstill due to scarce resources.
Despite this, the regime continues to spend what little remains on fuel, logistics, and police deployment for political activities meant to reinforce a system that more citizens see as outdated and imposed. While there's no gasoline for ambulances or school transport, the government allocates resources to uphold socialism, even though most of the population no longer believes in its rhetoric or promises.
The Provincial Traffic Safety Commission requested "understanding" for the inconveniences, but the exhausted and optionless public finds it hard to comprehend why propaganda is prioritized over the country's real urgencies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Havana Street Closures
When will the street closures in Havana begin?
The street closures will start at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, and additional closures will begin at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16.
What event is causing these street closures?
The closures are for the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the declaration of the Cuban Revolution's socialist character.
How will public transportation be affected by the closures?
Several bus routes will be altered. For example, routes 55, 71, 222, P-4, and P-9 will use alternative paths to avoid closed streets.