CubaPLUS Magazine

The Calixto García Íñiguez Park, located in the northeastern city of Holguín, capital of the province of the same name, is one of the most beautiful and emblematic of a city that prides itself of having a network of similar places, of which their natives feel very proud and boastful.

But this time we are talking about the central or main park of the town, which bears the name of an outstanding historical personality in the national life, the General of the wars of independence Calixto García, whose mother, Lucía, was a worthy daughter of that terroir. The countrymen assume it as their own, due to their close patriotic and bloody ties , to the distinguished patrician who died a victim of pneumonia in 1898, in the United States, while demanding rights to favor the Liberation Army, undermined by the intervention.

Very central since its beginning, however, that site was born around 1720 with the name of Plaza de Armas, to be a militarystopping center, announcements of political edicts and transit of troops of the Crown, as usual. Over time, it changed its name about two times: Plaza of the Constitution and Isabel II around the 19th century. It was a stage in which it was also interchangeably used as a walk and for commercial activity.

In times closer to the present, it was the venue for cultural activities, especially theater dramatizations. At present, it is a place of recreation and ineffable beauty, in contact with the history. When the name of the hero was given, at the beginning of the 20th century, the plaza was enhanced in its architecture by two outstanding monument groups. In the center rises a beautiful marble statue of Calixto García, the star general in the front, according to José Martí, at whose feet another sculpture lies kneeling symbolically representing Freedom.

Another sculptural ensemble stands out there, also in another allegory full of patriotism, with which the children of this land identify themselves. Towards the middle of the 70s of the 20th century, the gardens to complement with the green note that environment so appreciated by citizens. In an archipelago of perennial greenery, the refreshing and flowery nature is a component that should never be missing, because it is a symbol of the earth.

Around Calixto García Park, there are historical places such as La Periquera Museum, located in an old colonial mansion, which was a garrison of soldiers from the metropolis. It was the scene of rebellious actions  carried out by the people during the first war of independence. Life also radiates with creativity, joy and hospitality from this central place, in a city that is home to popular festivals such as the Famous May Pilgrimage and Iberoamerican Culture Day and Youth Culture Festival, all unrepeatable and inviting.