In the Cuban region of Matanzas the slaves began the uprising. The sugar cane rose against the owner of a plantation under the leadership of Carlota. They campaigned among slaves and managed to extend the insurrection to other plantations throughout the region, communicating with each other through drums. The rebellion lasted for six months and ended after the slaves captured Carlota, killed and fragmented her body.

At present, the place where the uprising occurred is a sculpture dedicated to the revealed slave.