One of the first seven villages founded by the Spaniards in Cuba, Camagüey played a prominent role as the urban centre of an inland territory dedicated to cattle breeding and the sugar industry. Settled in its current location in 1528, the town developed on the basis of an irregular urban pattern that contains a system of large and minor squares, serpentine streets, alleys and irregular urban blocks, highly exceptional for Latin American colonial towns located in plain territories. The 54 ha Historic Centre of Camagüey constitutes an exceptional example of a traditional urban settlement relatively isolated from main trade routes. The Spanish colonizers followed medieval European influences in terms of urban layout and traditional construction techniques brought to the Americas by their masons and construction masters. The property reflects the influence of numerous styles through the ages: neoclassical, eclectic, Art Deco, Neo-colonial as well as some Art Nouveau and rationalism.
The city is known as a treasure with colonial history and rich architecture. Museo Provincial General Ignacio Agramonte holds close to 1,000 works and is a hidden gem of the city. First opened in 1955, the museum has one of the strongest institutional holdings of Cuban art outside havana. Frank Milton Flores, conservator of the department of the historical heritage of Camagüey, says, "It tells the history of Cuban art." Camagüey native, Fidelio Ponce de León is included in the group of artists presented by the museum. Beyond the scope of art, the museum includes sections featuring natural history, archaeology, and decorative arts.
Culturally, Camagüey thrives in dance. This June, the theme performance of "Rumba, cultural heritage of the nation" will feature the event "Rumbatéate. The event will take place from June 9-12th and will feature the group Rumbatá from Camagüey. People are invited to participate and experience the musical genre within the visits of folklore from the professional music groups. Each province is highlighted through the revitalization of contemporary rumba in Cuba.
Staff writes for Cuba Journal on Dispatches.
