Holguin - History

The Indian rebellion headed by Hatuey was the first armed insurrection the Spaniards had to deal with in the New World. Then, in 1868, came the Ten Years' War, which was continued in 1895 following the Baire Pronouncement, this time with much better defined nationalistic objective. In 1898,when the Spanish troops were all but exhausted, the United States intervened dealing the death blow to Spanish colonialism and frustrating the true independence of the Cuban people. The period that followed, known as the pseudo-republic, lasted 50 years, until the desire for total independence led to the triumph of the Revolution in 1959. The revolutionary process introduced a great many important transformations in all aspects of the life of the nation.

Gibara - near Holguin This town has a lot of nautical history including several pirate attacks which led to the construction of the Bateria Fernando Septimo. This fortress designed protect against future attacks is now used to house festivities for Gibara's cultural week, starting January 16th. A hike up to the top of the Loma de la Vigia is worth it for the view of the town and the sea. This is the only town in Cuba other than Havana that is fortified with several forts and a wall connecting them. The historic section of Gibara has yet to be altered by the tourist industry. The parade ground, Parque Calixto-Garcia is a good starting point. The Museo de Historia Natural is a good place to view stuffed birds and fish along with skeletons of a dolphin and whale. Next door you'll find the Salon Municipal de Artes Plasticas which is a little art gallery worth visiting.