Matanzas experienced a blackout that left it dark not only in the streets but also on radio and television. The provincial station Radio 26 and TV Yumurí went off the air due to technical issues with the generator that powers both signals.
“Due to energy disruptions and difficulties related to the generator that supplies power to Emisora Provincial Radio 26 and TV Yumurí, the transmission of both media outlets has been halted. We apologize to viewers who can access this service in areas covered by special circuits,” states the official announcement.
The response from Cubans was swift. Direct, clear messages with historical memory dismantled the official narrative, targeting the root of the energy crisis and the inability to provide accurate information.
Radio Rebelde was broadcasting from the Sierra Maestra, clandestinely, and with many difficulties, if I remember correctly in 1958. “That’s how bad we are in the middle of Matanzas in 2025,” said an internet user.
The comparison did not go unnoticed. More than 60 years ago, guerrilla fighters managed to run a clandestine radio station from the mountains, but in today’s Cuba, the State is incapable of operating a television station in the center of a city.
The phrase “protected areas by special circuits” sparked the most reactions on social media. Many Cubans questioned why only a select few privileged individuals would have access to information during outages.
“Fortunately, they clarified that the apologies were intended for the viewers in protected areas and special circuits. My respects to the one who wrote that note,” said a reader of the official media.
“I don’t understand why they make those programs if nobody can listen to them. We are in the dark. They apologize only for the special circuits, the rest of the people can fend for themselves. They have no shame,” expressed another user.
The journalist José Miguel Solís acknowledged that this is a “difficult situation for Yumuri radio and TV.” He expressed on his social media: “I confess, this is the first time in 41 years of working in radio that we have witnessed such an event.”
The energy crisis continues to deepen
The blackouts in Cuba have exceeded 20 hours in many areas, and the generators are no longer sufficient. The situation in Matanzas reflects the collapse of the national electrical system and the government’s inability to sustain its own media outlets.
After five years of continuous blackouts in Cuba, what is most surprising is not the lack of electricity, but the way in which Cubans have responded, using history to highlight the failure of socialism.
In 1958, a clandestine broadcaster challenged a government at war. In 2025, a state socialist television station struggles to stay on air in a city under the control of the regime itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Impacts in Matanzas
Why is Matanzas experiencing blackouts in provincial radio and television?
Matanzas is experiencing blackouts in radio and television due to energy issues and problems with the generator that supplies the signals for Radio 26 and TV Yumurí. This situation reflects the collapse of the national electrical system and the government’s inability to keep its own media outlets operational.
How have Cubans reacted to the blackouts in Matanzas?
The response from Cubans has been critical and straightforward, using the regime’s history to highlight its failures. Many compare the current situation to the guerrillas’ ability in 1958 to maintain a clandestine radio station under adverse conditions, while in 2025, the State cannot keep a television station operational in Matanzas.
What does “protected areas by special circuits” mean in the context of the blackouts in Matanzas?
The phrase “protected areas by special circuits” refers to privileged zones that maintain access to information and electrical supply, while the rest of the population suffers prolonged blackouts. This has generated outrage on social media, where Cubans question why only some have access to these privileges.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on the daily lives of the residents of Matanzas?
The energy crisis in Matanzas, with power outages lasting more than 20 hours, severely impacts the quality of life of residents. This limits access to basic services such as food, water, and medical care, increasing frustration and discomfort among the population.