History

Santiago de Cuba is of the utmost importance to Cuban history. Its founder Diego Velázquez Cuellar's body lies in the city's cathedral. During the first half of the 16th century it was the capital of the island, and at the time, had a population of 1,000 Spaniards, as well as the indigenous population;a figure quite remarkable for the time.

Its bishopric first, and later its archbishopric, made Santiago a centre of great religious importance. The Villa de Santiago de Cuba, founded towards the end of 1514, was a strategic centre of the island during the first years of the 'Conquista'. From the waters of its bay, among the most beautiful and unspoiled in the world, many expeditions departed: Grijalva, Narváez, De Soto and Hernán Cortes, who would become the city's first mayor.

Little can be said of its indigenous inhabitants. They were brutally and unashamedly exterminated by the greed and ferociousness of the colonizers, who left not a trace of the taíno and siboneye ways of life, culture and habits.

During the wars of independence, Santiago turned a blind eye to the arms and medicine dealing carried out by the 'Juntas' and patriots of the city, in order to provide their rebel brothers in arms against the despotic conquerors, with the equipment necessary to carry out their ploy. Unfortunately, Santiago's open doors also let in the first black slaves brought to Cuba, exploited in order to encourage the incipient wealth of the city. Its coasts were the scene of expeditionary liberator's actions. Within the city's walls, the famous event known as the 'Socapa' took place, with 'Generalísimo' Máximo Gómez in charge of an army force of the famous 'División de Cuba'. The heroic actions of Santiago's citizens Narciso Silva, Enrique Collazo and Capitán 'Flor Crombet' brought the victory. In its waters, with the impressive historical and archaeological 18th century monument known as the 'Morro' in sight, the decisive naval battle in the North American war of Spain against Cuba took place, with the triumph over the Cervera's Spanish fleet.

In order to understand the economic importance of Santiago, it is necessary to point out that it is Cuba's second port, and its intense trading activity has played an essential role in the development of Santiago and the Eastern province in general.

The city, as well as, to some extent, its inhabitants, has features that clearly distinguish it from the rest of the country. This beautiful deep valley, with its rivers and mountains, is home to a characteristic type of Cuban: proud, rebellious, down-to-earth and not in the least boastful. This is evident from its history, but particularly from certain episodes in such history. A clear example of this character is the battle against the pseudo-republic encouraged by the USA, in support of the actions of the brave youths of the 26 de Julio movement. Later it was in support of the Granma expeditionary men, who took shelter in the Sierra Maestra to await the final battle which would eventually lead to the triumph of the Revolution on the 1st January, 1959.

Santiago was built on the sea plateau formed during the Pleistocene era, and now rises majestically between the tall peaks of the Sierra Maestra which surround the city. The heavy French immigration towards the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century, has, over the time and due to their relationship with the native population, contributed to shape its inhabitants peculiarities and cultural development. It was the French immigrant population who built the first important theatre in Santiago in 1799. Other historically important events and places in Santiago are its Cathedral—the first one in Cuba (1522); the first lithographic workshop, founded by Don Juan Meta and Tejada, the first one in the world. In 1843 the railway of Punta de Sal de Cobre was opened. In 1580, the first musical band on the island got together. Other distinguished institutions such as 'La Antigua Filarónica' (later known as Sociedad Filarmónica Cubana), 'El Liceo de Santiago', 'La Sociedad Beethoven' are also well worth visiting and getting to know a little about their history. Santiago's fine arts academies also contributed to making Santiago de Cuba what it is today: the birthplace of eminent musicians, and a city with a cultural and economic development which make it one of the most important cities in America.