Remedios |
Remedios is another quiet, unspoilt colonial town of the province of Santa Clara. Although this scenery completely changes in December: between the 16th and the 26th of December Las Parrandas, the oldest festivities in Cuba, erupt turning Remedios into a fascinating and almost wild party with everyone participating in the street parades, dancing, music and verses and the fireworks competition.
The origin of Las Parrandas dates back to the first quarter of the 19th century when the priest of the Grand Cathedral of Remedios gave the children jars, plates and spoons to go around the village making noise and singing verses, to get the people to come to midnight masses the week before Christmas. The idea persisted over the years and since 1871 it has divided the population of Remedios into two bands – San Salvador and El Carmen - , resulting in a competition-like party and the most attractive festivity in the country.
According to tradition, when the bells of the Parroquia Mayor (Major Parochial Church) strikes 9 o'clock on the night of December 24, the two neighborhoods start the competition showing off their creativeness, music and noise until the next morning. The Museum of Parrandas, which opened in 1980, where photos, documents and hand-made objects linked to the festivities are preserved, is dedicated to these festivities.
On our website www.househostelcuba.com we posted a home-made video with a detailed explanation of the Parrandas festivities.
The historic center of Remedios, declared National Monument in 1980, is the only one in the country with two churches in its municipal square: Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje and Parroquia Mayor. In the second one you will see a huge altar, totally gold plated, and a sculpture –presumed to be unique in the world– which represents Virgin Mary pregnant. We also made a video in which we give many details on this church and its peculiarities (of which there are plenty).
We can recommend a visit to this colonial town in any time of the year, not only during the festivities. You’ll be captured by the tranquility and the feeling to have stepped back in time. Remedios is also known for its arts and crafts. Every day there is a street market on the square where you can buy crafst and antiques at very good prices. On top, there are some gorgeous colonial houses in this town that rent out rooms. You´ll find details of them in our section Where to stay. |
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