Holguin - Culture

Holguin Cuba - Parque Calixto-Garcia is the center of attention of the town with its many art galleries and museum. The Museo Provincial La Periquera is devoted to the history of the town and is housed in the former residence of a wealthy local merchant. The Centro de Arte is devoted to contemporary works from artists from the Holguin region. Along the interesting Calle Maceo, the Museo de Historia Natural is small but worth a look at its collection of shells. At the end of the street is Parque Marti and the Iglesia de San Isidro. The church is presently being restored. The scenic and popular Loma de la Cruz San Andres is a little mountain topped by a cross and looking over the town.

Holguin attracts more and more tourists to its small beaches each year. Playa Esmeralda has beautiful water that attracts both novice and more experienced divers. The larger beach in Guardalavaca is also good for all sorts of water sports as well as relaxing. You can rent a scooter and zip around the area for a view of the surroundings. You can travel to the little town of Banes. This small fishing village is off the tourist track and gives you an idea of typical Cuban life.

Holguin is practically an eternal summer. Average temperatures range between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round and there are two seasons: the rainy season, from May to October; and the dry season, between November and April. Sugar cane and its derivatives are the mainstay of the economy, increasingly complemented by nickel and a line of traditional export products like Havana cigars, citrus fruit and the products of the fishing industry. Food is a kaleidoscope of flavours thanks to the influence of the Spanish, African, French, Chinese and Arab cultures in the country's culinary history. If any one dish had to be chosen to typify Cuban cuisine it would be pork roasted on a spit over an open fire, garnished with congri rice and boiled mandioc with garlic dressing, but fish and seafood are also very popular. The world knows that Cuban rums are the finest that may be had. Brands such as Havana Club, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Bucanero and many others are very much in demand on the world market. The most typical drinks are the Daiquiri and the Mojito, both made with lime juice and pure cane rum.

Holguin - Cuba natural wonders, the influence of the tropics and the Caribbean on the country, the hospitality of its people, its completely pollution free environment and the many other surprises awaiting visitors to the Largest of the Antilles is a great temptation for people who prefer to travel and move about on their own.