In the midst of a nighttime blackout, a large group of Cubans took to the streets in Havana to dance and sing in an impromptu conga.
"Cayo Hueso is heating up with the conga, there is no electricity, no water, and even less food, but the conga is never missing," expressed the user identified as Ofun Meyi Oneseven on Facebook, who shared a video of the event.
In the comments section, users claim that the conga originated on Oquendo Street, between San Miguel and San Rafael, in Centro Habana.
"Stop the nonsense with Key West," the participants chanted, some with drinks in hand, energized by drums and even a Chinese horn that could be heard.
Men, women, and even children joyfully swept along to the rhythm of an Afro-Cuban rumba, momentarily oblivious to the problems, the lack of electricity, and the widespread shortages.
"The Cuban has a unique charisma and joy; despite all the problems that exist, they are very supportive, cheerful, and brotherly," is one of the comments in the post.
"Let's enjoy, we're already used to the blackouts," said another.
In recent days, videos have surfaced on social media with messages that aim to show that "despite the difficulties," the Cuban does not lose his musical essence, love for festivities, and desire to have fun.
This is seen in a video shared on Instagram by the user Shaylor xx, in which an older man sings and dances in the middle of the street while some young people sing along from a balcony.
"Despite the difficulties we face in our country, the joy that defines us is never lacking," the author expressed.
There is a reality in Cuba, and that is that Havana continues to be favored compared to the rest of the country in terms of the distribution of state resources.
An example is power outages, which in the capital are much fewer than in the other provinces. For this Monday, the local Electricity Company announced the schedules for the outages, and the most affected areas will have a maximum of five hours without service, while in the interior, it can exceed 20 hours.
The regime does not hold back and organizes extravagant international events while the crisis hits the country.
In the last 15 days, the XXV Habanos Festival was celebrated with a spectacular party at the Capitol in Havana, where 600 selected guests enjoyed a luxurious dinner, performances by artists, and the worldwide presentation of the H. Upmann Magnum 50 Gran Reserva 2019.
Days earlier, the city hosted the ninth edition of the Salsa Festival at prestigious venues like Club 500 and Hotel Memories Miramar, featuring iconic national groups and artists from the United States and Peru.
Both events were heavily criticized, especially by people living in other provinces who face prolonged power outages while thousands of families go to bed without having eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Conga in Cuba and its Social Implications
Why do Cubans celebrate with congas despite the crisis?
Cubans celebrate with congas as a form of resistance and cultural expression. Despite challenges such as blackouts and food shortages, congas represent a moment of joy and unity, allowing people to temporarily forget their troubles and maintain their festive and musical spirit.
What criticisms does the Cuban government face regarding the organized congas?
The Cuban government faces criticism for using conga events as a distraction amid the economic and social crisis. Many citizens believe that these events do not reflect the true situation in the country and are a strategy to divert attention from real issues, such as the lack of electricity and food.
How are the congas related to repression in Cuba?
During events like the congas, there have been reports of police repression, especially in celebrations organized by the government such as the Conga de los Hoyos. These demonstrations often turn into scenes of violence and clashes between the population and law enforcement.
Filed under:
