The benches at Plaza de Marte, a key public space in Santiago de Cuba, have suffered yet another act of vandalism this month. This news comes from images shared by the official newspaper Sierra Maestra and the Facebook page "Santiago de Cuba Today."
This incident mirrors a similar one from just two months prior, when authorities had to urgently repair the benches after they were damaged.
In early August, Sierra Maestra, the official Communist Party newspaper for the province, reported the theft of wooden planks from these benches under the headline "The Wood for Firewood." The article suggested that the wood was likely stolen to be used as fuel amid the city's severe energy crisis, which has led to power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day in certain neighborhoods.
Authorities reacted swiftly, restoring the benches by August 15 with new planks and turquoise paint. Sierra Maestra called for legal action against the perpetrators, stating, "Conservation efforts in this heritage site must be accompanied by public care. It is also necessary to enforce the law against those who commit acts of vandalism in this and other public spaces."
However, skepticism among citizens has been evident from the beginning. One user questioned, "Now everyone needs to guard them. Do the parks have caretakers yet? It's important to prevent vandalism." Another user suggested a more permanent solution: "They should have been made of metal and welded... end of story."
Fast forward to October, and the situation has repeated itself. "Santiago de Cuba Today" warned against normalizing the squandering of resources meant for city improvements due to irresponsible behavior, pledging to "publish the vandals' faces on social media" if investigations yield results.
The degradation of Plaza de Marte is not an isolated case. In August, metal railings from a historic bridge in Matanzas vanished, a bronze star from the mausoleum of Major General Calixto García in Holguín was stolen, and the bust of Antonio Maceo in Las Tunas was toppled by unknown individuals.
In September, Camagüey's Ignacio Agramonte Park was defaced with graffiti, causing damage that the Office of the Historian warned might be irreversible.
This pattern reflects a broader structural crisis. The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 crimes in 2025, a staggering 115% increase from 2024, including 1,536 thefts—a 479% rise since 2023. The scarcity of fuel and electricity drives many families to turn to wood as their sole source of heat and cooking.
Plaza de Marte, home to a tower-monument honoring the Liberation Army and busts of José Martí and Camilo Cienfuegos, was restored in 2018 and received further conservation works in December 2023 and December 2025. The provincial headquarters of the Communist Party, located nearby, was even militarized in July 2026 for fear that protests over power outages might escalate.
Several residents of Santiago have called for the reintroduction of park caretakers, a role eliminated years ago. "I recommend considering restoring park caretaker positions, as their presence was very effective in maintaining our city's most iconic parks," one citizen wrote. Another summarized the prevailing sentiment: "This isn't about 'awareness,' this is about the law; if someone breaks it, they should pay."
Understanding the Vandalism Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
Why are the benches at Plaza de Marte repeatedly vandalized?
The vandalism of the benches is attributed to the theft of wooden planks, likely used as fuel amidst the severe energy crisis in Santiago de Cuba. This reflects the broader economic difficulties faced by residents.
What actions have authorities taken to address the vandalism?
Authorities have restored the benches and called for legal action against those responsible for the vandalism. However, repeated incidents highlight ongoing challenges in enforcement and prevention.
How has the community responded to the damage at Plaza de Marte?
Community members have expressed skepticism and frustration, with some suggesting the need for park caretakers and others calling for stronger legal measures to prevent future incidents.