Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant port city located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Known for its rich history, Afro-Cuban culture, and stunning landscapes, this city is a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Cuban experience. From exploring the bustling streets and colorful architecture to immersing oneself in the rhythms of traditional music and dance, Santiago de Cuba offers something for everyone. Come discover the heart and soul of Cuba in this lively and captivating city.
Santiago de Cuba has plenty of entertainment for all tastes
If you want to hear music, Casa de las Tradición, where Cuba's best musicians improvise, and if you like good food, the Paladan Salón Tropical offers a hearty sampling of local cuisine. You can admire the Fern Garden, which has an exhibit of 90 species of orchids and 350 species of ferns. The quiet Tivoli district, perhaps the most impressive in Cuba in terms of architecture, allows you to enjoy musical improvisations by fine ensembles, singers and soloists. Friday evenings are entirely dedicated to the musicians of the Nova Trová movement, the musicians in the style of Nico Saquito.
Certainly, here's a myth/legend about the origins of Santiago de Cuba:
Long ago, the land of Cuba was ruled by a powerful queen named Anacaona. She was loved by her people, and her kingdom flourished under her wise leadership. But one day, a rival tribe led by a warrior named Hatuey invaded her kingdom.
Anacaona's forces were outnumbered and outmatched, and they were quickly defeated. The queen herself was captured and brought before Hatuey, who offered her a choice: join him and his tribe, or die.
Anacaona refused to betray her people, and Hatuey ordered her execution. As she was led to her death, Anacaona prayed to her gods for mercy and protection.
Suddenly, the earth began to shake and a great storm descended upon the land. Lightning flashed and thunder roared, and Hatuey's warriors were struck down by the fury of the gods. Anacaona herself was lifted up into the air and carried away by the winds.
When the storm had passed, the people of Cuba looked upon the land and saw that it had been transformed. Where once there had been a vast plain, now there was a deep bay, surrounded by hills and mountains. And at the center of the bay, a new city had risen from the ground.
The people knew that this was the work of the gods, and they named the new city Santiago de Cuba, in honor of Saint James the Apostle, the patron saint of warriors. And they believed that Anacaona's spirit had been lifted up to the heavens, where she would watch over her people forevermore.