CubaPLUS Magazine

Well known is the guaracha quot;Cochero, parequot; played by popular Cuban orchestra Aragón, composed by musician Marcelino Guerra. 

Its parodic lyrics make a nod to the profession of coachman, the one who generally guides his horse-powered carriage.

These have existed in Cuba since colonial times and have become a tradition that continues to exist.

By the 16th century, tours of the Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana were usually carried out in these vehicles, which according to hearsay, the first of them arrived from Paris.  

The truth is that despite the years and the evolution of means of transport, horse carriages are still part of everyday life in Cuba, where they have become symbols of some cities.

Such is the case, for example, of Cárdenas, a municipality in the province of Matanzas. In this city, there is a considerable amount of carriages, in elegant styles such as the so-called &guagüitas" that are used to transport people inside the city.

It is also possible to find a notable presence of carriages in Varadero and in the Cuban capital, but not with social functions, but rather, tourist and recreational purposes. In both places, beautiful carriage designs grace the streets and offer those who board them attractive rides tinged with an air of history.

In this sense, they are in high demand especially among foreign visitors, as this type of vehicle is a historical gem that arouses curiosity.

It cannot be forgotten that Bayamo, the second town founded by Adelantado Diego Velázquez in 1513, is well known for the number of carriages traveling its streets day and night, which is why the well-known musician Adalberto &Aálvarez composed a beautiful melody: & To Bayamo by carriage ".