CubaPLUS Magazine

The arrival of sugarcane in Cuba some 500 years ago was arguably one of the most significant contributions of the Spanish colonial era, as it laid the foundation for the island nation to become a major producer of this coveted commodity.

In Caibarién, a city in the Villa Clara province, stands the "Marcelo Salado" Museum of the Sugar Agroindustry. Here, visitors can trace the history of this vital sector, from the plant's initial introduction to Cuba up to the present day. According to its administrator, Santiago Machado, the institution serves as both a reflection and a microcosm of the entire Cuban sugar industry.

During a recent tour of the former sugar mill, we witnessed the deep-rooted traditions embedded within its walls. The grounds feature thriving sugarcane crops, sculptures of indigenous peoples, and a replica of an ox-drawn cart, offering a glimpse into the industry's origins.

Led by Machado, a 41-year veteran of the installation who began his career as a sugar production specialist, the visit commenced with a tasting of guarapo, the delectable juice extracted from sugarcane. We then sampled various rums, including Mulata and Vacilón, underscoring the fact that all spirits produced in Cuba are derived from sugar.

Founded in 1831, this central (sugar mill) was transformed into a museum by a decision of the country's leadership, as it was the oldest functioning mill at the time. Machado explained that the museum showcases two distinct eras: the primitive and the contemporary.

The facility operated entirely on steam power, utilizing the sugarcane fiber itself as fuel.

In essence, the museum also features videos narrating the Cuban sugar tradition, scale models of workers engaged in the sugar production process (from cane harvesting to crystal formation), and an area dedicated solely to steam locomotives, known as the Steam Museum. This area boasts a collection of 19th-century locomotives, including the largest of its kind in Latin America.

To culminate their visit, guests can enjoy a ride on a steam train that is over 117 years old. Lovingly restored by the museum's dedicated staff, these individuals spare no effort in maintaining these artifacts, which stand as testaments to the sweet history of the Cuban sugar industry.