Baracoa, Guantánamo.— The varied program planned to celebrate the city’s 505 years, this coming August 15, is characterized by the involvement of all sectors and the population’s leading role. Our Lady of Assumption of Baracoa, Cuba’s first city, was founded in 1511 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez.
Plans for the commemoration include the completion of a number of projects; remodeling and maintenance of dozens of buildings of socio-economic importance; plus festivals, fairs, sports and cultural events; as well as tributes to the region’s heroes, expert research conferences, and a gala to celebrate Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro’s 90th birthday.
Eduardo Zorrilla Romero, Vice President of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power told Granma that work is progressing on projects with significant social impact, such as the rehabilitation of Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja, Hospital, and expansion of the local food processing plant.
Zorrilla Romero added that projected is the remodeling of seven stores and restaurants; the comprehensive updating and expansion of the city’s emblematic Caracol Restaurant; and the opening of a new restaurant offering typical regional dishes.
On the eve of the commemoration, August 14, there will be a welcome reception for participants, and in the evening a gala in Cacique Hatuey Plaza; while on the morning of the 15th, several buildings and a popular art fair will be inaugurated. At 5:00pm, a mass will be celebrated for Our Lady of Assumption, and at 9:00pm, the Municipal Assembly will hold a special honorific session.
Baracoa is a word of Arawak origin, and means “the sea’s existence.” In addition to being the country’s first city, it is also called the capital of cocoa and coconut; the landscape city; and the city of mountains, given its natural environment. It is surrounded by high ranges adorned with prodigious vegetation, home to a plethora of endemic plant and animal species, boasting clear rivers and beaches dotted with sea grapes, almond trees and coconut palms – all of which gives Baracoa a distinctive air, truly unique in the country.
Located in the eastern province of Guantánamo, the city is a designated National Monement of 976.6 square kilometers with 81,000 inhabitants, bathed by the Miel, Toa and Yumurí Rivers, with the famous Yunque de Baracoa peak presiding over the landscape.
