Remedios

Introducing Remedios

Aaah, Remedios - where historic homes line cobblestone streets and you can lounge in the leafy central park with nary a hustler to hassle you. Certainly one of Cuba's prettiest towns, the laid-back, colonial air of Remedios shatters every December 24 when the citizens take sides and face off with floats, fireworks and dancing competitions in the legendary Las Parrandas. Within easy reach of Santa Clara and Cayo Santa María, for many travelers this is best all-round base for exploring the province.

The energetic Vasco Porcallo de Figueroa was famous for founding San Juan de los Remedios in 1524. He is also reputed to have fathered more than 200 children. Locals will readily tell you that this is Cuba's eighth historic settlement after Diego Velázquez' magnificent seven and few neutral observers would dare to disagree. The town served as a regional center until Santa Clara was founded in 1689, and after a fire in 1692 its importance declined.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009