A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Santiago de Cuba: The Cradle of Son and the Revolution

Introduction

Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba, is a place full of history, culture, and music. Located in the southeast of the island, this vibrant city is known as the cradle of son, a style of music and dance that is fundamental to Cuban identity. In addition, Santiago de Cuba played a crucial role in the Cuban Revolution, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers.

The Historic Center

The heart of Santiago de Cuba is its historic center, where some of the city's oldest and most emblematic buildings are located. Here you can visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which dates back to the 16th century, and the Museum of Clandestine Struggle, which offers a detailed view of the revolutionary struggle in the city.

The Castle of San Pedro de la Roca

This impressive castle, also known as El Morro, is one of the best preserved fortresses in America. It was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. Today, it is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers spectacular views of the bay of Santiago.

Céspedes Park

Céspedes Park is the social center of Santiago de Cuba. Surrounded by colonial buildings and filled with live music, it is the perfect place to relax and observe local life. At one end of the park is the House of Diego Velázquez, the oldest house in Cuba, which is now a museum.

The Casa de la Trova

For music lovers, a visit to the Casa de la Trova is a must. This place is famous for its live performances of son and other styles of Cuban music. Here, visitors can enjoy the music, learn to dance, and even join local musicians in a jam session.

The Cemetery of Santa Ifigenia

This cemetery is the final resting place of many important figures in Cuban history, including José Martí, Cuba's national hero, and Fidel Castro. Visitors can learn about the history of Cuba while strolling through this peaceful and beautiful place.

The Gran Piedra and Baconao Park

On the outskirts of Santiago de Cuba, visitors can explore nature at the Gran Piedra, a huge rock on top of a mountain, and in Baconao Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with beautiful beaches, an aquarium, and a natural history museum.

The Fiesta del Fuego

Every July, Santiago de Cuba is filled with color and music for the Fiesta del Fuego, a festival that celebrates Caribbean culture. Visitors can enjoy parades, live music, dancing, and the burning of a papier-mâché devil, symbolizing purification and renewal.

Gastronomic Products of Santiago de Cuba

• Santiago de Cuba Rum

  Santiago de Cuba is famous for its rum, considered one of the best in the world. Santiago de Cuba Rum is produced in the country's oldest distillery, founded in 1862. This rum is known for its smooth and sweet flavor, and can be enjoyed alone or in cocktails like the Mojito or the Daiquiri.

• Roast Suckling Pig

  Roast suckling pig is a traditional dish of Santiago de Cuba, especially during end-of-year festivities. The pig is marinated with a mixture of garlic, oregano, sour orange juice, and other ingredients, then slowly roasted for several hours. The result is tender and juicy meat with a crispy skin.

• Casabe

  Casabe is a flat bread made from cassava that is common in Santiago de Cuba. This staple of the Cuban diet can be eaten alone or can be used as a base for other dishes. Despite its simplicity, casabe is very versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

• Cuban Coffee

  Cuba is famous for its coffee and Santiago de Cuba is no exception. Cuban coffee is strong and sweet, often served in small cups called "tacitas". In Santiago de Cuba, it is common to enjoy a tacita of coffee after a meal or during an afternoon break.

Sports Activities in Santiago de Cuba

Diving

Santiago de Cuba offers a large number of diving sites, with an incredible diversity of marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Baconao National Park is a popular place for diving.

Hiking

Baconao National Park and the Great Stone are ideal places for hiking. The trails offer stunning views of the local flora and fauna, as well as the impressive Cuban coastline.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Santiago de Cuba, with a large number of fish species available. Tourists can rent a boat and fishing gear to enjoy a day on the water.

Baseball

Baseball is the national sport of Cuba and Santiago de Cuba is home to one of the country's most successful teams, the Santiago Wasps. Tourists can attend a game and experience the Cubans' passion for this sport.

Places near Santiago de Cuba

If you are in Santiago de Cuba and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Baracoa, the oldest city in Cuba, offers a rich history, pristine beaches, and unique cuisine. Try the bacán, a local dish made from banana and coconut, and enjoy the stunning views of El Yunque, the city's iconic mountain.

Guantánamo, Cuba, is famous for its rich Afro-Cuban culture, vibrant music and the traditional dance of Changüí. Visitors can enjoy delicious local dishes such as Bacán and Calalú, while exploring its colonial architecture and stunning natural landscapes.