The New Social Hubs of a Darkened Havana

Discover the shift in Havana's social center from El Vedado to the informal markets of 100 and Boyeros, where a sedated population seeks survival amidst total blackouts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 11:39 AM EDT

Source: Havana Times

The 100 and Boyeros Marketplace: "We Have Everything"

While the overpasses above sit silent due to the lack of fuel for trucks and buses, the space beneath has become Havana’s most vibrant commercial artery. This flea market serves as a mechanical necessity for a city in disrepair, offering:

Hardware and Spare Parts: Essential items for maintaining the city's crumbling infrastructure, such as sink traps and soldering tin.

Informal Drugstores: A massive, unregulated trade in antibiotics and psychotropic medications.

Prostitution: A visible presence of young people, many from the generation involved in the 2021 protests, selling "companionship" alongside household goods.

Currency Exchange: The constant refrain of "I buy gold" and "I buy dollars" underscores the total informalization of the Cuban economy.