Romerías de Mayo, Cuba

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What are the “Romerías de Mayo”?

The Romerías de Mayo is a celebration of an artistic and religious character that takes place every year in the city of Holguín, the island of Cuba. Today, the festivities are carried out by the Asociación Hermanos Saiz, which is an organization with cultural and artistic purposes.

The festivities are usually held during the month of May and carry with them a deep artistic movement, especially focused on local young artists, taking place both a spiritual and creative event on the national and international scene.

 

 

The Romerías de Mayo include a large repertoire of activities and artistic events in all areas. In addition, ceremonies of great religious and fraternal importance are also held.

 

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When are the Romerías de Mayo[/h2>?

The Romerías de Mayo take place during the month of May, usually from May 2 to May 8.

 

 

History of the Romerías de Mayo

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When the city of Holguin was founded in 1752, when it was customary to place a cross on the highest point of the town, due to the belief that this would protect the city from possible catastrophes and diseases. This place is known as the Loma de la Cruz, a place where some events of the Romerías de Mayo take place.

In the mid-1990s, the beginnings of thes Romerías de Mayo, arose due to a project carried out by the Asociación Hermano Saíz. This association was the result of the union of the Brigada Raúl Gómez García and the Brigada Hermanos Saíz, both associations dedicated to the promotion and development of culture. This project was aimed at promoting and developing national and international art and empowering young artists, promoting their art in the different branches of design.

Today, the celebrations have a large participation of young Cubans and citizens of the world who come to know, learn and promote their art in a more cultural and spiritual environment. Holguín has become the city of young artists in Cuba, providing them with traditional spaces for artistic development with an inclination toward the contemporary.

 

Where are the Romerías de Mayo

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The Romerías de Mayo takes place in the city of Holguín, Cuba. One of the most important points of the celebration is La Loma de La Cruz.

 

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How the Romerías de Mayo are celebrated

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The Romerías de Mayo begin with a small parade before the official day, a procession is held from the main park of the city, culminating in Bosque de los Héroes. Then, the inauguration parade takes place while carryingEl Hacha de Holguín, acultural symbol, to the Loma de la Cruz.

The celebrations feature a host of events, dozens of them include exhibitions of different types, journalism, music of different genres, jazz, panels, discussions, book fairs, arts and visual projection, interpretive dance, urban dance in the streets, theatrical performances, electronic music and many more events that are distributed throughout the week.

 

Tips for going to the Romerías de Mayo

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If you wish to attend the Romerías de Mayo, we recommend that you plan your trip in advance, make a travel itinerary and book your lodging in the place of your choice.

Also, we recommend you to keep political topics out of the conversations, as sometimes it can be a sensitive subject.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country, I recommend this guide:

 

Events in the Romerías de Mayo

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The day before theopening of the events, a small parade is held, which transits from the central park of the city until it reaches the Bosque de los Héroes. The following day, an inaugural parade takes place up to the top of the Loma de la Cruz. Once the journey is over, a concert is held.

 

 

During the week dozens of events are held in different parts of the city, some of the activities are of academic training, while others of artistic expression. In the repertoire of activities you can find events such as:art galleries, photographic exhibitions, events of poetry, dance, theater, panels of history and culture, cinema, concerts of traditional, electronic, jazz and rock music and an endless number of activities that promote the development and creative of young people.

At the end of the Romerías de Mayo, it is tradition that a hearty meal is held with all the participants. Also, a tree is planted and a closing concert is held.

 

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Parades of the Romerías de Mayo

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During the festivities, a small parade is held from the city’s central park that culminates in the Bosque de los Héroes at midnight. The following day, theinaugural parade takes place where people carry to the top of the Loma de La Cruz a symbol of the festivities called Hacha de Holguín. Also, during the journey, cultural demonstrations are carried out such as typical dances with traditional and colorful costumes.

 

Parade route

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The first parade takes place the day before the inauguration from the central park of the city of Holguin and culminates at the Bosque de los Heroes at midnight.

The inaugural parade takes place on the official day of the festivities and a symbol of the festivities known as the Holguin Axe is carried to the top of the Loma de La Cruz. Then, the ceremony ends with a live music concert.

 

 

What to eat in the Romerías de Mayo[/h2>?

One of the must-try dishes in the area is arroz con jaiba, fried rice with adobo and crab. You can also try the coconut candy, which consists of grated coconut, sugar and milk. The presentation of the sweets can change from region to region.

Some of the options for eating out are: 1910 Restaurant & Bar, Restaurant El Uvero and La Maison Restaurant.

 

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Travel Insurance

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From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurances. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Romerías de Mayo

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Within the Romerías de Mayo you can participate in both inaugural parades, the last one ending at the top of the Loma de La Cruz with a concert. Likewise, you canparticipate in the different forums, exhibitions, presentations, workshops, dances, theatrical plays, music presentations and many other activities that take place during the celebrations.

In addition, you can participate in the closing ceremonies with the tree ceremony, the great meal and the closing concert.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

 

What to see and do outside of the Romerías de Mayo

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Some attractions that the city offers you are:

 

Guadalavaca Beach

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It is a beach with fine sand and clear water where you can go on boardwalks. In its surroundings there are several shops and services where you can find restaurants, stores and spas.

 

Loma de la Cruz

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This is a cross located 161 meters above sea level, is located in the historic center of the city and to reach it you have to climb 458 steps. During carnivals you will have the opportunity to visit it if you attend the parades.

 

Playa Pesquero

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A beach of fine sand and clear waters surrounded by palm trees. In addition, in its surroundings you can find several food services that you can visit.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

 

Safety in the May Pilgrimages

 

 

The city of Holguin is quite safe. We recommend you to carry out the same security measures you would carry out in your hometown.

Common sense is your best ally in celebrations. Also, we recommend the following products to store your belongings safely:

 

 

Weather in the Romerías de Mayo

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The weather during the Romerías de Mayo celebrations is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius. We recommend you to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly.

 

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How to get to the Romerías de Mayo

 

How to get there by plane

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The city of Holguín has its own airport called Frank País International Airport. From here you can take the different means of transportation to get to the city center.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by train

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From Havana you can take a train from La Coubre to Holguín. The journey takes 15 hours.

 

How to get there by bus

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From Havana you can take a bus of the Visazul line that will take you directly to Holguín. The trip takes 12 hours.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport you can take the Central Highway Cuba to the center of Holguín. The drive is 20 minutes.

In Havana you can take the National Highway and the Central Highway of Cuba. The trip takes 9 hours.

 

Where to stay in the Romerías de Mayo

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Booking.com

 

Mirador de Mayabe

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3 star hotel 8 km from the city center. Rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. Facilities offer bar and swimming pool.

 

Xanadu B & B

Bed and Breakfast 600 meters from the city center. Rooms feature television, private bathroom and air conditioning. The facilities offer bar.

 

Hostal La casona

Hostal 750 meters from the city center. The rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and private bathroom. In addition, the facilities include a bar.

We recommend using Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.

 

Thank you for reading

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