Bayamo, Cuba

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Bayamo, Cuba

Region: Granma

---

Geographic Coordinates: 20.381700, -76.642800

Climate: Bayamo, Cuba has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with average highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (29-32°C) and lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18-20°C). Hurricanes can occur between June and November.

Population: 235107

Language: Spanish

---

Bayamo is a charming city located in the eastern part of Cuba, In the province of Granma. It is one of the oldest cities in Cuba and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history. Bayamo was founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, A Spanish conquistador, In 1513 and was declared as Cuba’s capital until it was moved to Havana. Bayamo is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city witnessed several important events during Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain.

In 1868, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes led an insurrection against Spanish rule from his sugar plantation just outside Bayamo. The city also served as the birthplace of the Cuban national anthem when Pedro Figueredo composed La Bayamesa during another uprising against Spanish rule. The historic center of Bayamo is filled with beautiful colonial architecture that dates back to its founding days. The main square, Parque Céspedes, Is surrounded by impressive buildings such as City Hall and San Salvador Cathedral.

Visitors can take a stroll along Calle General García to see more colonial-style buildings like Casa de Estrada Palma and Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. One of the most popular attractions in Bayamo is La Demajagua National Park located about 20 kilometers outside the city center. This park features an impressive monument dedicated to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes who initiated Cuba’s first war for independence from Spain on this site on October 10th, 1868. Another must-see attraction while visiting Bayamo is El Paseo Turístico Río Bayamo (Bayamo River Tourist Trail).

This trail takes visitors on a scenic boat ride down Rio Bayano where they can admire stunning views of lush greenery surrounding them while learning about local flora and fauna. Foodies will love trying out traditional Cuban cuisine in Bayamo. The city is known for its delicious street food, Including tamales and churros. One of the best places to try these delicacies is at the local market, Mercado Agropecuario. Bayamo is a fascinating city that offers visitors a glimpse into Cuba’s rich history and culture.

From exploring colonial architecture to learning about Cuba’s fight for independence, There is something for everyone in this charming city. Whether you’re interested in history, Nature or food, Bayamo has it all!

---

---

1. Parque Céspedes is the main square of Bayamo, surrounded by historic buildings and monuments.
2. Casa de la Trova is a cultural center where visitors can enjoy live music performances and learn about traditional Cuban music.
3. Museo Provincial is a museum featuring exhibits on the history and culture of the province of Granma, including artifacts from the indigenous Taíno people.
4. Iglesia Parroquial Mayor del Santísimo Salvador is the oldest church in Bayamo, dating back to the 16th century.
5. Monumento Nacional Desembarco del Granma is a monument commemorating the landing of Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries in 1956, which marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.
6. Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú is a botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plants native to Cuba and other tropical regions.
7. Plaza del Himno Nacional Cubano is a plaza dedicated to Cuba’s national anthem, with a statue of its composer Pedro Figueredo.
8. Teatro Bayamo is an elegant theater built in 1869 that hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and other cultural events throughout the year.

---

• 1. Agriculture (sugar cane, coffee, tobacco)
• 2. Tourism
• 3. Construction
• 4. Education
• 5. Healthcare services
• 6. Government administration
• 7. Handicrafts (pottery and embroidery)

---



Noteable History

1. The Battle of Bayamo (1869). This battle marked the beginning of the Ten Years’ War, which was a rebellion against Spanish colonial rule in Cuba.
2. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. He was a Cuban planter and lawyer who became known as the father of the Cuban nation for his role in leading the Ten Years’ War. He declared Cuba’s independence from Spain in 1868 and founded a republic in Bayamo.
3. Perucho Figueredo. He was a Cuban patriot who composed La Bayamesa, which became the national anthem of Cuba.
4. Francisco Vicente Aguilera. He was a wealthy landowner who played an important role in organizing and financing the Ten Years’ War.
5. José Martí. He was a Cuban revolutionary leader, writer, and poet who fought for independence from Spain and later opposed U.S intervention in Cuba.
6. Fidel Castro led the 1959 revolution that overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista and established communist rule in Cuba.
7. The Granma landing (1956). This event marked Castro’s guerrilla war against Batista’s regime when he landed with 82 rebels on board an old yacht named Granma near Playa Las Coloradas about 60 miles southwest of Bayamo.
8. Hurricane Ike (2008). This devastating hurricane caused widespread damage to Bayamo and other parts of eastern Cuba killing dozens of people causing billions of dollars in damages.

---



Museums and Things To See

1. Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Birthplace of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes)
2. Parque Nacional Desembarco del Granma (Granma Landing National Park)
3. Museo Provincial Bayamo (Bayamo Provincial Museum)
4. Plaza del Himno Nacional (National Anthem Square)
5. Iglesia Parroquial Mayor (Main Parish Church)
6. Teatro Bayamo (Bayamo Theater)
7. Casa de la Trova Pepe Sánchez (Pepe Sánchez House of Trova)
8. Monumento al Padre Francisco Leyva, el cura párroco que encabezó la sublevación en 1868 contra el colonialismo español en Cuba.
9. Monumento a los Mártires de Bayamo
10. Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú

---



---



Sports Teams

1. Granma Baseball Team: Founded in 1977, the Granma Baseball Team is among the most popular sports teams in Bayamo. They have won various national championships, including the National Series Championship in 2017.
2. Bayamo Basketball Club: Established way back in 1929, the Bayamo Basketball Club has had an extended period of success over time. They have won many national championships, including the National Basketball Championship in 1955.
3. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Boxing Club: The Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Boxing Club was founded back in 1968 and has produced numerous successful boxers over time. Some of their most notable boxers include Julio González who won a gold medal at Pan American Games and Yudel Johnson who competed at Olympics.
4. Granma Volleyball Team: The Granma Volleyball Team was founded back in 1976 and has enjoyed many successful seasons over time winning several national championships including the National Volleyball Championship held back in 1990.
5. Bayamo Football Club: One of Cuba’s oldest football clubs that were established way back in 1919 is none other than The Bayamo Football Club; they have had some success over time but are not as well-known as some of the other teams on this list.

---

---



Cultural Events

1. Fiesta de la Cubanía is a yearly festival in Bayamo that celebrates the cultural heritage of Cuba with music, dance, food, and art exhibitions in October.
2. Carnaval Bayamés is an annual carnival held in July featuring parades, live music, dancing and colorful costumes.
3. Festival Nacional del Changüí takes place every August to celebrate the traditional Cuban music style called changüí with live performances by local musicians.
4. Festival Internacional de Coros brings together choral groups from around the world biennially in Bayamo to perform together.
5. Semana de la Cultura Bayamesa is a week-long cultural event held every January that includes concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions and other cultural activities.
6. Feria Agropecuaria y Comercial Expo Granma showcases local produce and crafts exhibitions along with livestock shows and entertainment for all ages annually in February or March.
7. Fiesta del Fuego Santiago de Cuba-Bayamo is an annual event showcasing Afro-Cuban culture through dance performances such as salsa or rumba along with traditional food stands serving authentic Cuban cuisine.

---



Cuisine

• Ropa Vieja – shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce
• Congrí – a traditional Cuban rice and bean dish
• Tostones – fried plantains

Some popular restaurants in Bayamo, Cuba include:

• La Sevillana – known for its seafood dishes and live music performances
• El Senado – offers a range of Cuban and international cuisine
• Paladar 1516 – specializes in traditional Cuban dishes with a modern twist

---



Parks and Recreation

1. Parque Céspedes: A central park in Bayamo featuring a statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the father of the Cuban nation.
2. Jardín Botánico Cupaynicú: A botanical garden showcasing a variety of plants and trees indigenous to Cuba.
3. Museo Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Céspedes: A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.
4. Río Bayamo: A river running through Bayamo that offers visitors opportunities for fishing, swimming or kayaking.
5. Plaza del Himno Nacional: A square featuring a monument honoring the Cuban national anthem.
6. Parque Nacional Turquino: Located near Bayamo, this national park is popular for hiking and camping.
7. Teatro Principal: An old theater situated in downtown Bayamo that hosts cultural events and performances.
8. Playa Santa Lucía: Located about an hour’s drive from Bayamo, this beach offers visitors water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

---



Adventure Awaits!

---