Excelencias Turísticas del caribe y las Américas
Spain Cannot Be Ignored
AMID CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAVANA, THE CITY OPENS ITS DOOR TO A COUNTRY LIKE SPAIN, BOUND TO CUBA BY SO MANY TIES
Along with Dr. Eusebio Leal, the most distinguished visitors who have arrived in this city -namely, former Spain's heads of states Adolfo Suarez and Felipe Gonzalez, Emeritus King Juan Carlos I, and former U.S. president Barack Obama- have unraveled the secrets and wonders of the Old Havana. The City Historian has always been next to them as he did with current Spain's head of state Pedro Sanchez, whose visit was highlighted as a gesture of friendship because “the people of Spain come with him. I said one day that we can ignore politicians, but not Spain. Spain is consubstantial to our people. We are linked by a common origin. We are a people that can forgive anything, except being humiliated. Some have tried to humiliate us, and here we are nonetheless.”
Leal, now absorbed by several restorations works undertaken amid the 500th anniversary, identifies this celebration as the starting point. “Our goal is to preserve, not to mummify the past. Our mission today is precisely to bring some life back to the city and make it to the likes of those living in it. That is why the Office has opened schools, health centers and houses in historical buildings. That is the
only way Havana and its Historical Center do not turn into an old town, or a travel resort, but a welcoming and livable town with open arms.”
Eusebio points out that thanks to the Spanish cooperation, the “Gaspar Melchor” Vocational Training Center in Jovellanos, where 5,000 students have already graduated, is still in service. As a result, the center has churned out highskilled workforce that has undertaken the challenging task of restoring the city of Havana, awarded by UNESCO.
“Spain lost Cuba in 1898. Instead of granting full sovereignty to the Cuban people, as it must have been, they gave it to the United States. That shouldn't have happened. There was a saying: Más se perdió en Cuba (Don't exaggerate a misfortune). This is perhaps the reason why they want it as well…Spain shall not lose Cuba once again.”
During his historical visit, President Sanchez brought with him the chair used during the war by Antonio Maceo —he died in combat on December 7, 1896. Built with royal palm timber, with a lone star engraved in its back, Valeriano Weyler had taken it to Spain. After 21 years, it has been granted to Cuba for two years, thanks to the support of the City Hall of Palma de Majorca.
How could not we perceive a beautiful gesture in this action, not looking for reconciliation —achieved a long time ago— but a sincere sign of friendship? What Spain brings is part of it and what we received is part of us. We are one heart and soul, for better or worse.”