Baracoa is one of Cuba’s first communities and in a few years, it will be celebrating its 500th birthday in 2011. Find out about Baracoa’s history with Columbus, the Spanish and its famous historical sites.
The Celebrations!
In early preparation for the big celebration in 2011, Baracoa residents are getting ready. One of their attractions, the Our Lady of Ascension Church which has been standing for hundreds of years, will be restored. Encased in glass at this church is where the only existing wooden cross planted by Christopher Columbus in 1492 stands.
Baracoa‘s History
Located at the most eastern tip of Cuba, Baracoa is found in the Guantanamo Province and was founded by Diego Valazquez de Cuellar in 1511. Valazquez was sent by Christopher Columbus, who had visited the same spot years before in “1492 when Columbus crossed the ocean blue.”
The indigenous people living in Cuba at the time were the Taino. Unfortunately, they were forced to convert and/or be “eradicated.” Many became slaves and were killed by the Spanish all throughout Cuba. Today, the only descendents of the Taino people can be found here in Baracoa.
Valazquez is known to have founded this city; the oldest Spanish settlement and its first capital. Here, he built an estate and was then appointed the first governor of Cuba. In 1518, Baracoa became an official city when the first Cuban bishop was appointed here.
Baracoa Today
Throughout the centuries, trade became an important part of Baracoa’s economy, including banana, coconut and cacao. This is also the main spot for Cuba’s chocolate manufacturing.
Due to its remoteness, Baracoa attracts fewer tourists than most cities in Cuba. Few hotels and resorts still exist, however. Guided tours to its El Yunque Mountains are available – these mountains are thought to have been Columbus’ first sightings of Cuba.
There are any Baracoa cultural dishes because of its proximity to its industries. One dish is called Cucurucho is described as, “an ambrosia of honey, coconut, nuts and fresh seasonal fruit served in palm bark cone.”
Want to join in the celebrations? Visit TripOutlet.com for great last minute and up to date travel deals to Cuba, Mexico, and other great destinations!
