Cubans Mark 65 Years Since Bay of Pigs Attack, Facing Economic Crisis

Residents of the Bay of Pigs area struggle with power cuts and exodus of young people amid U.S. blockade on fuel.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:44pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an old, weathered fishing boat on the shore of the Bay of Pigs, with the warm, golden light of the sun casting long shadows across the scene, capturing the quiet resilience of the Cuban people in the face of adversity.The once-vibrant Bay of Pigs, now a symbol of Cuba's economic struggles, stands as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Cuban people.Today in Miami

Cubans marked the 65th anniversary of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, a proud moment in the country's revolutionary history. However, the nation now faces a crippling economic crisis, with power cuts, fuel shortages, and a mass exodus of young people leaving the island. Residents in the Bay of Pigs area are adapting to the adversity, cooking with firewood and using flashlights, as they continue to fight for their country.

Why it matters

The Bay of Pigs invasion was a pivotal event in Cuba's history, solidifying the Communist regime's control. But now, decades later, the country is grappling with severe economic challenges that threaten the stability of the revolution. The exodus of young Cubans and the hardships faced by residents in the Bay of Pigs area highlight the growing discontent and the need for the government to address the country's pressing issues.

The details

On April 17, 1961, a brigade of armed, U.S.-trained Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs, where they were defeated by forces loyal to Fidel Castro. Veteran Orestes Chamizo recalled being ordered by Castro to hunt down the rebels in the woods, where over 1,000 of them sought cover. The victory marked one of the Cuban Revolution's proudest moments, with billboards in the area proclaiming the site where the invaders landed. However, 65 years later, the country faces a crippling economic crisis, with residents in the Bay of Pigs area facing power cuts for 22 hours a day. The situation has been exacerbated by the U.S. President Donald Trump's blockade on fuel, forcing people to adapt by cooking with firewood and using flashlights.

  • On April 17, 1961, the Bay of Pigs invasion took place.
  • Between 2020 and 2024, Cuba's population declined by more than 1.4 million people, or over 10% of its total population.

The players

Fidel Castro

The revolutionary leader of Cuba who ordered the forces to hunt down the rebels during the Bay of Pigs invasion.

Orestes Chamizo

A veteran of the Bay of Pigs battle who recalled being ordered by Castro to hunt down the rebels in the woods.

Madelin Guerra

A teacher in the Bay of Pigs area who has to use a headlamp when the power cuts out.

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What they’re saying

“He recalled Castro ordering him and his forces into the woods to hunt down the rebels, where he said more than 1,000 of them sought cover.”

— Orestes Chamizo, Bay of Pigs veteran

“People are facing the adversity, cooking with firewood and lighting their way with flashlights.”

— Madelin Guerra, Teacher

“If Cubans feel Cuban, she adds, they will continue fighting however they can.”

— Madelin Guerra, Teacher

What’s next

The Cuban government will likely need to address the country's economic challenges and the mass exodus of young people in order to maintain stability and support the revolutionary ideals that were forged at the Bay of Pigs.

The takeaway

The 65th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion serves as a bittersweet moment for Cubans, as they celebrate a proud moment in their history while grappling with a severe economic crisis that threatens the very foundations of the revolution. The resilience and determination of the Cuban people, as exemplified by residents in the Bay of Pigs area, will be crucial in navigating these challenging times.