CubaPLUS Magazine

Traditional troubadours' house in Santiago de Cuba

By: Alina Veranes
Feb 25, 2022
Traditional troubadours' house in Santiago de Cuba

The most seasoned or veteran representatives of the traditional music of Santiago de Cuba have their headquarters in a House -with capital letters- that has welcomed them with love for many years and allows them the sublime act of root song and the meeting of friends and brothers, in the middle of a bohemian tasty and often rum.

Casa de la Trova Pepe Sánchez, is its full name in homage to the author of the first bolero composed in the world, back in the 19th century, called Tristeza. It is located in the most central part of a city that enjoys the pride of being the most Caribbean in Cuba.

The far from ostentatious property, located on Heredia street, between San Félix and San Pedro, has its walls filled with the history of a music that was born from the endearing bond between the man and his guitar, with the rhythm of the key then, for later incorporate new well flattened instruments.

From Pepe Sánchez, passing through Miguel Matamoros and his stellar trio and many more, Santiago manifests himself again in that type of creation as cradle and bread. So it is impossible to go through the city and not be curious to know that cult enclave of the great troubadours of yesteryear and those of today, who do not stop their work, along with remembrances.

With the imprint of the Casa de la trova, every March the Pepe Sánchez International Festival is usually repeated in Santiago de Cuba - only affected by the pandemic - which, in addition to the gift of this pure music, enlightens the participants with numerous workshops, conferences and visits to different places where the most native Cuban rhythms are cultivated.

The followers of this type of song are the simplest men and women of the town, lovers not only of music, but of the gathering and the fine disquisition on arpeggios, creations, authors and Cuban culture in general.

Advertisement
Get it on Google Play