As many members know I have traveled many times to Baracoa and here is info you might need if you decide one day to visit Baracoa Cuba:
THE BARACOAN IDENTITY NAME
The Baracoense o Baracoeso is a generic term that identifies the natives of village in eastern Cuba, and, as many say, the land ¨where Cuba begins.¨ Possessing unique traditions, it prevails as part of the citizenship and identity. It is the embryo of the cultural and ethnic fusion, with the most diverse influences that resulted in the Baracoan with a renown culture and unique speech, with their very own words and phrases. For centuries, they have been identified for their humility, humanity and hospitality, the sense of Aboriginal community and solidarity. They are noble, simple and modest in their behavior , sociable and treatable in any environment. They symbolize traditions, being distinguished by their speech, full of expressiveness, kindness, trustworthiness and, concern. They like to keep and live their traditions, customs and habits, both spiritual and material. They are party-lovers, and have a high sense of belonging to their land and patriotism. Although away for different reasons, they always feel the sons of the Primate of Cuba , captured by the legendary mythology of Miel river that whoever take a bath on its waters if does not remain, returns.
EVENTS
BARACOAN Culture Week:
It begins the last week of March and ends the first or April. It is a day full of history about the town,as it recalls the landing of Mayor General Antonio Maceo and his men by Duaba beach, National Monument, to join the independence struggle or 1895. Since 1903, it has become a beautiful tradition that takes place every year in order to rescue and promote the most authentic manifestations: craftsworks, music, cuisine, history and culture, among others. It starts with an opening parade of local workers of culture and talented amateurs and professionals. During the course of the day, culinary activities, workshops and danzón and cultural identity, and Kiribá Nengón paties are held in different parts of the city. At the same time, in the famous Calle de las tradiciones de Juración, in front of the local museum, others events are held as that of the regional historians: ¨Duaba: a necessary landing. ¨
It culminates in a pilgrimage to Duaba Obelisk, which recreates a symbolic landing and a political-cultural activity. At the end of the parade festivities begin for several days.
CELEBRATIONS
For the anniversary of the First Village
It is the most important event and commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the First Village of Cuba, baptized as Nuestra Señora de al Asunción de Baracoa on August 15th of 1511. This 2014 it celebrates its 503rd birthday, for that purpose, it has arranged a series of actions between days 12th to 16th of that month. This local event will spread across the Urban Historical Center-National Monument- with a comprehensive plan of activities exposing the village’s traditions. On display and sale will be handicrafts, pieces of plastic art and typical dishes, there will be workshops, presentations of traditional music and local dances groups such as the feast of Nengón and Kiribá and the meeting ¨Baracoa History, Culture and Traditions¨ to stimulate research and promotion of local events. This meeting will take the participation of specialist on the field and the population itself.
Baracoa Carnivals
It is the greatest exponent of popular feasts, since it covers the municipal jurisdiction in different areas designed for these purposes with local and national music. The most varied gastronomic offers support massive activities most of the day, turning the city into a major center of entertainment for children, youth and adults as well as the many visitors and vendors from around the island. Its main stage is Malecón Avenue and Plaza de La Punta. Around twenty fours hours will take the pastiest to the beat of congas, parades and the usual popular enlivenment. These festivities take place in commemorative dates like April the 1st , in summer and according to the popular interest.
Religious and fraternal institutions
The privilege of being the first Cathedral and Bishop of the island gave us the opportunity to own various religious and fraternal institutions and those of different faiths. The major institutions of this type are:
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ASUNCION PARISH It represents a historical-cultural relic of the city, heir to the ecclesiastical heritage of the first churches of the sixteenth century when the town was founded. It is known as the Church of the Cross of Parra, nowadays Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion de Baracoa Catholic Church. Inside it treasures the centenarian Cruz de la Parra(vine cross), ancient piece authenticated and blessed as a symbol of the historic district, located on Calle Maceo / Pelayo Cuervo y Ciro Frias, Baracoa.
There are also other ecclesiastical intitutions like the Baptists, Pentecostals and Adventists.
WHERE TO EAT IN BARACOA
La Punta Restaurant Part of La Punta fortress, at the entrance of the bay of Porto Santo, with a panoramic of the entire coastline, the green nature environment escorted by El Yunque, it provides a pleasant stay to taste the local food with the following offers: okra, vegetable salads, fruits and the house´s dish, fish steak served with Creole tubers, accompanied by desert, drink, coffee or tea, in addition to other options. From Monday to Sunday from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Avenida de los Martires, La Punta, Baracoa.
Tel: 021641480 021645224
Villa Campesina Rancho Toa It is a tradicional Peasant farm with different offers and services. Typical local foods like spit roast pork and the stew, vegetable salads and fruits, fried pork meat, rice with vegetables, coconut sweet and coffee are some alternatives. Optional ride down Toa river by cayuca and kayak, and a traditional group from the city add. Daily 8:00am to 7:00pm. On request, with night service. Located at Km 8 at Baracoa-Moa Highway.
Tel: 021645224
La Habanera Restaurant Maceo No. 126 e/Maravi y Frank Pais, Baracoa. Tel: 021645273
Chef’s Tip: Fish steak in the Baracoan style 7:00 am to 10:00pm.
Finca Duaba Restaurant It is an example of the Baracoa cocoa culture and its traditional process for chocolate and cocoa balls, to be known throughout the cocoa trail. It also has different offerings and services. Typical eastern food like steak in the rural style is the chef´s suggestion, as the stew, vegetable salads and fruits, rice, Creole sweets and coffee. Enlivenment will be on account of a traditional group from the city. Daily 8:00am – 7:00pm. On request with night service. Located at Km 5, Highway to Moa. Tel: 021645224.
e- mail: [a href="mailto:reservasps@gavbcoa.co.cu"]reservasps@gavbcoa.co.cu[/a]
Vista al Mar Restaurant (Russian) Máximo Gómez No. 161 e/Ciro Frías y Pelayo Cuervo, Baracoa. Tel: 021643011. Chef’s Tip: beef tenderloin.
Daily 7:00am to 10:00pm
OTHER PLACES TO EAT:
El Ranchón del Paraíso
El Paraíso S/N Baracoa Tel: 021643268
From Daily 10:00am to 2:00 am
Jalisco Restaurant
Calle Martí e/Céspedes y Coroneles Galano
485 Restaurant Calle Maceo e/Frank País y Pelayo Cuervo
Tel: 021643146
1511 Restaurant Calle Martí e/ Ciro Frías y Céspedes
Tel: 021641511
CAFETERÍAS GAVIOTA:
Yumurí Cafeteria Cafe near the canyon on of the river of same name. Visitors will have chances for the observation of important plant species endemic to Cuba and through a river tour with unique views along its banks. You can enjoy a stay in the key and a swim in the crystal clear river. The area is full of legends and stories. Maisí Road, kilometres 35 Tel: 021645224 Light food and seafood Monday to Sunday
9:00am to 5:00 pm
El Parque Cafeteria Variety of light food and sweet offers. Night recreational activities, live and recorded traditional music. Maceo S/N Parque Central Baracoa Tel: 021641203
From Monday to Sunday 24 hours
CIMEX Cafeteria CUPET – CIMEX La pasada Calle Martí , Baracoa
Pizzas, spaghetti, sándwiches, drinks and sweets.
Dí Tú Cafeteria La Pasada Calle Martí, Baracoa
Pizzas, spaghetti, sándwiches, drinks and sweets.
Maguana Cafeteria Kilometer 22 , Moa to Baracoa Highway Tph: 021645224 House specialty: Maguana spaghetti. Cafeteria located on the beach of same name, offering great variety of light meals. Nautical services. Monday to Sunday
From 10:00am to 7:00 pm
La Baracoesa Pizzeria
Ciro Frías esq. Maceo
URBAN AND ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS
Architectural Monuments Iglesia Parroquial ¨Nuestra Señora de Asunción de Baracoa¨. Arquitectura Doméstica de Madera. Edificio ¨Casa de la Cultura¨. Edificio del PCC Municipal. Sala Teatro de la Casa de la Cultura. Vivienda Maceo Street # 96. Vivienda Maceo Street # 86. Edificio de Ayuntamiento. Edificio Cine –Teatro ¨El Encanto¨. ¨La Rusa ¨ Hotel. Escuela Primaria Matachín.
Ruinas del cafetal ¨El Brasil¨.
Engineering Monumments ¨La Farola¨ Viaduct.
Avenida ¨Malecón¨.
Archeological Monumments Parque Ecoarqueológico Majayara. Sendero Aborígenes (arboriginal paths). El Santuario del Ser. Canales de agua aborígenes (aboriginal water channels). Cueva de los canales de agua Hispánicos. Cueva ¨La Perla del Agua¨. Cueva del Cangrejo. Sitio Arqueológico de Maguana.
Museo Arqueológico ¨La Cueva del Paraíso¨.
SQUARES IN BARACOA
Squares are part of the physical structure of the city, around them, all city functions articulate. Political, social and cultural activities are also developed here. They are places for recreation, and social activities, and have been linked to the evolution and growth of the town. In 1807 there were primitive areas of the Plaza Mayor or de Iglesia (the church square) and the Plaza del Mercado (market square), which developed because of the economic boom brought by merchants. The Plaza Mayor is situated opposite the parish church, gaining official status by the activities and institutions arising in its environment. La Plaza del Mercado or de la Carnicería (The market or The Butchery’s Square) is located to the left entering the parish, a few meters away from this. It is defined by the bifurcation of Mercaderes street and the continuous facades and a perpendicular street forming the triangular space is seen by analyzing the desing of 1776, made by Luis Huet, al Mercaderes street, which evolved into the Plaza de la Victoria.
Conmemorative Monumments
Obelisco de Duaba y Alto del Pino. Obelisco Playa de Duaba (Original landing Site) Obelisco de Duaba.
Conjunto monumental ¨ Alto del Pino¨.
Busts and sculptures
Bust to nacional Hero José Martí. Bust to Mayor General Antonio Maceo. Bust to Cacique Hatuey. Conjunto escultórico Cacique Guamá. Sculpture to Cacique Guamá. Bust to Coronel Félix Ruenes. Bust to Coronel Tomas Cardoza. Conjunto Monumental a Patricio Sierraalta.
Monumento a Luis Zúñiga.
I hope this guide will help you find some places in Baracoa Cuba such as where to east and what to see. If you discover some other interesting things please let us know in this thread. I know Baracoa is the last town on the map of Cuba but it was the first town that was discovered by Columbus. Enjoy!