Matanzas
Encyclopedia
Matanzas is the capital of the Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n province of Matanzas
Matanzas Province
Matanzas is one of the provinces of Cuba. Major towns in the province include Cárdenas, Colón, Jovellanos and the capital of the same name, Matanzas...
. It is famed for its poets, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore.
It is located on the northern shore of the island of Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, on the Bay of Matanzas (Spanish Bahia de Matanzas), 90 kilometres (55.9 mi) east of the capital Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
and 32 kilometres (19.9 mi) west of the resort town of Varadero
Varadero
Varadero is a resort town in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, and one of the largest resort areas in the Caribbean. Varadero is also called Playa Azul, which means "blue beach" in Spanish.-Geography:...
.
Matanzas is called the "City of Bridges," of which there are seventeen crossing the three rivers that traverse the city (Rio Yumuri, San Juan, and Canimar). For this reason it was referred to as the "Venice of Cuba." It was also called "La Atenas de Cuba" ("The Athens of Cuba") for its poets.
History
Matanzas was one of the regions that saw intensive development of sugar plantations during the colonial era. Consequently, many African slaves were imported to support the sugar industry, particularly during the first half of the nineteenth century. For example, in 1792 there were 1900 slaves in Matanzas, roughly 30% of its population. In 1817, the slave population of Matanzas had grown to 10,773, comprising nearly 50% of the overall population. By 1841, 53,331 slaves made up 62.7% of the population of Matanzas. Census figures for 1859 put the Matanzas slave population at 104,519. Matanzas was the site of several slave insurrections and plots, including the infamous Escalera conspiracy (discovered in late 1843). Due to the high number of both slaves and, importantly, free Afro-Cubans in Matanzas, the retention of African traditions is especially strong there. In 1898, Matanzas became the location of the first action in the Spanish/American War. The city was bombarded by American Navy vessels on April 25, 1898, just after the beginning of the war.
Name origin
The name Matanzas means "massacre" and refers to a putative slaughter at the port of the same name in which 30 SpanishSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
soldiers were crossing one of the rivers to attack an aboriginal camp on the far shore. The Spanish soldiers didn't have any boats, so they enlisted the help of some native fishermen. However, once they reached the middle of the river, the fishermen flipped the boats, and due to the Spanish soldiers' heavy metal armor, most of them drowned. Only two women—one said to be the beautiful María de Estrada—survived, the result of being "taken" by a Cacique
Cacique
Cacique is a title derived from the Taíno word for the pre-Columbian chiefs or leaders of tribes in the Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and the northern Lesser Antilles...
. De Estrada is said to have later escaped the "power of the Cacique" and married Pedro Sánchez Farfán in the city of Trinidad
Trinidad, Cuba
-External links:* , Online travel guide to Trinidad* , Selected photos of Trinidad* , Photos of Trinidad...
. From 1900 to the 1950s Portuguese descendents moved to Cuba because of the hard times and they planted themselves in Matanzas to live build their families. Because of this change to Cuba's atmosphere, the town changed and people spoke Portuguese and Spanish, some not all, but that was the way of the town and to this day it is still strong.
Geography
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
coast by the Yumuri Valley and a coastal ridge.
The city of Matanzas is divided into three neighborhoods: Versalles, Matanzas, and Pueblo Nuevo. The municipality is divided into the barrio
Barrio
Barrio is a Spanish word meaning district or neighborhood.-Usage:In its formal usage in English, barrios are generally considered cohesive places, sharing, for example, a church and traditions such as feast days...
s of Bachicha, Bailén, Barracones, Bellamar, Camarioca, Cárcel, Ceiba Mocha, Colón, Corral Nuevo, Guanábana, Ojo de Agua, Refugio, San Luis, San Severino, Simpson y Monserrate, Versalles and Yumurí.
Wajay
Wajay is a municipality in Matanzas. In 1954, the Asociación de Scouts de CubaAsociación de Scouts de Cuba
The Asociación de Scouts de Cuba was the national Scouting organization of Cuba from 1927 to 1961. Scouting in Cuba started in 1914, in 1927 the ASC was founded and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement the same year and was suspended from WOSM membership in 1961...
held its third national Jamboree
Jamboree (Scouting)
In Scouting, a jamboree is a large gathering of Scouts who rally at a national or international level.The 1st World Scout Jamboree was held in 1920, and was hosted by the United Kingdom...
in Wajay, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Scouting in Cuba.
Infrastructure
TransportationMatanzas is served by Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport
Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport
Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport is an international airport serving Varadero, Cuba and the province of Matanzas. The airport is located closer to the town of Matanzas than to Varadero. The closest airport to Varadero is Santa Marta Airport...
, 15 km east of the city.
The city has two railway stations. The main station is on the main line
Ferrocarriles de Cuba
Ferrocarriles de Cuba or Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Cuba , the only railway operating in the Caribbean islands, provides passenger and freight services for Cuba.-Route Network:...
from Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
to Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island, some south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana....
. The electrified Hershey train operates by a different route to Havana from a separate station in the barrio of Versalles.
Matanzas is also served by Viazul and Astro buses.
The Via Blanca
Via Blanca (Cuba)
Via Blanca is a highway in northern Cuba, connecting the capital city of Havana and the city of Matanzas. A second section extends eastwards from Matanzas to the tourist town of Varadero.It is mostly a four lane highway, with some divided sections...
highway connects the city with both Havana in the west and Varadero
Varadero
Varadero is a resort town in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, and one of the largest resort areas in the Caribbean. Varadero is also called Playa Azul, which means "blue beach" in Spanish.-Geography:...
in the east.
Education
The University of Matanzas
University of Matanzas
The University of Matanzas "Camilo Cienfuegos" is a university located in Matanzas, Cuba...
is the province's secondary education institution.
Attractions
- Pharmaceutical Museum - established in 1882
- Museo Historico Provincial de MatanzasMuseo Historico Provincial de MatanzasPalacio de Junco nka the Museo Historico Provincial de Matanzas was built for the del Junco family in Matanzas between 1835-1838. It has housed the Museo Historico Provincial de Matanzas since 1980. It is located at the Plaza de La Viga on Milanes Street, between Magdalena and Ayllon streets in...
- Provincial History Museum - Sauto TheaterSauto TheaterThe Sauto Theater opened in 1863 in Matanzas, Cuba, and has since then been a proud symbol of the city. The U-shaped 775-seat theatre is almost entirely covered with wood-panelling. It has three balconies, and its floor can be raised to convert the auditorium into a ballroom. The original theater...
- Teatro Sauto - Opened in 1863, the theatre hosts plays, opera, ballet, and symphonic concerts. It is a National Monument of Cuba. - Catedral San Carlos De Borromeo
- nearby Bellamar caveCaveA cave or cavern is a natural underground space large enough for a human to enter. The term applies to natural cavities some part of which is in total darkness. The word cave also includes smaller spaces like rock shelters, sea caves, and grottos.Speleology is the science of exploration and study...
s, also a National Monument of Cuba. - boating on the Canimar River
- Matanzas bridges
- Casino Español - Now being restored (May 2008).
- Matanzas High School (Palm Coast)
- Necropolis de San Carlos BorromeoNecropolis de San Carlos BorromeoNecropolis de San Carlos Borromeo aka Cementerio de San Carlos or San Carlos Cemetery is located in Matanzas, Cuba. It was inaugurated on September 2, 1872 on 13.5 hectacres. The U.S. Congressman Joseph Marion Hernandez is interred there in the del Junco family crypt....
- Quinta de BellamarQuinta de BellamarLa Quinta de Bellamar was the one of largest homes in Matanzas. It is located on the Bay of Matanzas in Cuba. It was located on the Via Blanca in the neighborhood of Bellamar outside of the City of Matanzas....
, heritage house and church
Demographics
In 2004, the municipality of Matanzas had a population of 143,706. With a total area of 317 km² (122.4 sq mi), it has a population density of 453.3 /km2.Notable residents
- Espiridiona Cenda - Famous vedetteVedetteThe French military term vedette , also spelled vidette, migrated into English and other languages to refer to a mounted sentry or outpost, who has the function of bringing information, giving signals or warnings of danger, etc., to a main body of troops...
of 26 inches who succeeded in New York and Paris in the XIX century. - Luis GarciaLuis Garcia (boxer)Luis Enrique Garcia Campoalegre is a Cuban professional boxer who competes in the Super Middleweight division...
- An undefeated Super MiddleweightSuper middleweightSuper Middleweight is a boxing and Muay Thai weight division that has a weight limit of 168 pounds .- 1960s–1983 :There was interest in a division between Middleweight and Light Heavyweight in the late 1960s, the mid-1970s, and the early 1980s...
boxerBoxingBoxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
. - Lyen WongLyen WongLyen Wong, born August 5, 1974 in Matanzas, Cuba, is a German-Cuban fitness athlete. Since her competitive debut in 2005, she has won a number of national and international titles in the fitness and figure categories.-Biography:...
- Cuban-German fitness athlete was born in Matanzas in 1974 - Leo CardenasLeo CárdenasLeonardo Lazaro Cárdenas Alfonso was a prominent shortstop in American Major League Baseball for 16 years...
- Former major league baseball player and 5-time All-StarAll-starAll-star is a term designating an individual as having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry...
was born in Matanzas in 1938 - Perez PradoPerez PradoDámaso Pérez Prado was a Cuban bandleader, musician , and composer. He is often referred to as the 'King of the Mambo'.His orchestra was the most popular in mambo...
- Famous mambo bandleader and composer was born in Matanzas. - Elian GonzalezElián GonzálezThe custody and immigration status of a young Cuban boy, Elián González , was at the center of a heated 2000 controversy involving the governments of Cuba and the United States, González's father, Juan Miguel González Quintana, González's other relatives in Miami, Florida, and in Cuba, and Miami's...
- A little boy who was the subject of a custody dispute in Miami, Florida - Jose CardenalJosé CardenalJosé Rosario Domec Cardenal is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for the San Francisco Giants , California Angels , Cleveland Indians , St...
- MLB player for the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, California Angels, Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, New York MetsNew York MetsThe New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
, and the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium... - Carlos LamarCarlos LamarCarlos Lamar was a Cuban fencer. He competed in the individual and team épée events at the 1948 Summer Olympics.-References:...
- Olympic fencer was born in Matanzas in 1908. - Humberto López y GuerraHumberto López y GuerraHumberto Lopez y Guerra was born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1945. He began his film career 1960 producing and directing a series of documentary films for the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinema, ICAIC. In 1963 he was given through election a scholarship to study film directing at the Cinema Superior...
- Film director, born in Matanzas in 1945. - Hector LombardHector LombardHector Lombard is a Cuban-Australian mixed martial artist. Lombard was a Judo Olympian competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games, and is a multiple time national champion and world finalist. After 2000, Lombard began pursuing a career in mixed martial arts...
- MMAMixed martial artsMixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo and other styles. The roots of modern mixed martial arts can be...
Fighter, Bellator Fighting ChampionshipsBellator Fighting ChampionshipsBellator Fighting Championships is a mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States. "Bellator", which is Latin for "Warrior", is organized into seasons with each event hosting the rounds of championship knockout tournaments for three-five weight divisions.-History:In its first season,...
Middleweight Champion, born in Matanzas in 1978
Further reading
- Miguel A. Bretos. Matanzas: The Cuba Nobody Knows (University Press of Florida; 2010) 317 pages; combines scholarly and personal perspectives in a history of Matanzas, a city that was known as the "Athens of Cuba" during a sugar boom of the 19th century.
External links
- Ciudad de Matanzas - Sitio con amplia información sobre la Ciudad de Matanzas, desde la fundación de la ciudad hasta la actualidad
- :es:Matanzas (Cuba)
- Ciudad de Matanzas - City of Matanzas
- Portal de la Ciencia en Matanzas
- Radio 26 Matanzas 97.3 FM