One of the highlights of the Cuba visit was a day trip to Remedios. It’s a 30 minute drive north from Placetas. We drove up there looking for a blender for my cousin. We both found a blender and got to visit the 8th oldest town in Cuba.
It’s a small historical and architectural jewel with a rich tradition of legends and myths. Remedios stages its traditional “Parrandas” fiesta every year on the 24th of December. The buildings, parks and monuments date back to the 1600s and include a restoration by a Cuban millionaire from more than a half century ago.
Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Remedios
The main attraction in the Plaza Isabel II is the “Iglesia Mayor” of San Juan Bautista containing 13 beautifully decorated gold altars. Its main church is said to be the 2nd oldest Church in Cuba.
The bell tower is a neoclassical design and the interior is a baroque. Some of the most important features to look for are the ornate ceilings and the gold leaf covered cedar altar.
The original church was constructed in 1570. The present church was built in 1692 on the existing structure of the original church. In the mid 1900s, an Cuban American millionaire called Eutimio Falla Bonet traced his family tree back to nearby Santa Clara, and found that one of his ancestors had been a founding member of the city. He found records in the church on the square that confirmed his ancestor had been born there. He spent $1 million renovating the church containing the records, the Iglesia San Juan Bautista de Remedios.
Remedios is best known by many Cubans for its Christmas festival, “Las Parrandas de Remedios”, one of the most popular events of the region. The Parrandas, yearly festival draws a large crowd of visitors from all the world. This festival takes place the night of December 24th or Nochebuena, and consists of a fierce competition between two “Barrios” (nearby towns) for the best “Trabajos de Plaza” or “Carrozas” (floats). It is celebrated with fireworks, music and dancing. The “Parrandas” is considered the oldest festival in Cuba.
Remedios was an amazing visit. Not only did they have pretty well-equipped appliances store (yes, we did find a blender) but it has some of the oldest and most beautiful churches not just in all of Cuba but in this hemisphere! I’d love to go back in December to see the full festival.
Stay tuned, my next post is on Trinidad, Cuba’s Prettiest and Oldest Town
Margherita @The Crowded Planet
April 20, 2014 at 8:15 pmLove Cuba! I had never heard of Remedios, but it’s so lovely to discover little local towns! Thanks for sharing!
Carmen
April 22, 2014 at 5:06 pmHi Margherita, Cuba is filled with many little towns that have lot of history. The church in Remedios is definitely a must to go see.
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey
April 21, 2014 at 4:36 pmI had no idea they had such old baroque buildings there – I feel so silly for not knowing that. And yay, for finding a blender! Thanks for linking up with us for #SundayTraveler again Carmen.
Carmen
April 22, 2014 at 5:10 pmHi SJ, I should of called this post “Traveling for a Bender”, Remedios is a unique little town with a lot of history that dates back to the 15 century. I can see why they pick this town for it’s annual festivities, It most be a blast to be there on Dec. 24th.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
April 22, 2014 at 2:39 amHi Carmen, I love Cuba! Been there twice and wish to go back again. However, i must admit I have not heard of Remedios. I think it’s a good thing. Makes me excited to return for something new and to know that I can have fruit shake each day because — there’s a blender! Lovely looking town. I’m sure I’ll love it like all Cuban towns.
Carmen
April 22, 2014 at 5:13 pmHi Marisol, Where in Cuba did you go? Remedios is well known for it’s Dec. 24 festivities. It’s like a carnaval during the holidays with people coming from all over Cuba and the world to see it.
Cuba-Junky
April 22, 2014 at 9:17 amRemedios – Indeed a very nice cultural place. Many travelers should put this town on their list, not only at Christmas time
Carmen
April 22, 2014 at 5:20 pmI agree. It’s a small little town worth spending the day and exploring all it has to offer. Thanks for stopping by.
Ming L. @OnALim1
April 22, 2014 at 4:00 pmI’d love to visit Cuba someday. Thanks for sharing this post!
Carmen
April 22, 2014 at 5:27 pmHope you get to visit soon. It’s definitely one of those places that will change quickly once the government is overtaken. Thanks for visiting.
Lauren
April 23, 2014 at 2:57 amI’m so happy that you are exploring Cuba! I know so many people that visit and never leave the resort. I’ve never heard of this town before but it looks like a great place to see!
Carmen
April 23, 2014 at 2:35 pmHi Lauren, I agree most tourist stay in Havana or Varadero and never get a chance to explore the small towns around them. If they want to see the true Cuba that’s the way to go.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
April 24, 2014 at 6:57 amI am always fascinated to learn and see more pictures about Cuba especially as an American with a bit more challenges to visit this charming country. Remedios looks wonderful. I love that church and its gold altars.
Carmen
May 1, 2014 at 12:27 amThanks Mary for following my post. It’s a shame that American can’t visit Cuba. It’s a beautiful country to see.
Adelina | PackMeTo
April 25, 2014 at 3:33 pmOh wow, those golden alters are beautiful. What a completely different view of the country that you’re giving us! Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler!
Carmen
May 1, 2014 at 12:07 amThanks Adelina! The Iglesia Mayor Church was one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen so far in Cuba. More to come next week…
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy
April 25, 2014 at 4:12 pmI love the picture of the old car! I’d love to visit Cuba one day. Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler 🙂
Carmen
May 1, 2014 at 12:03 amThanks Ashley, You would love Cuba, it’s filled with many antique cars and lots of history.
Brooklyn Chick Travels
May 11, 2014 at 4:17 pmHaven’t been to Cuba yet, thanks for the post! I love reading about it since I’m in NYC and the USA does not offer flights out unless we go on a specific trip, reason, or study etc. Someday tho..until then I continue to wanderlust!
inatrument ideas
November 17, 2020 at 11:45 pmhello carmen,
Seems you enjoy this trip, I also make a plan for a trip, BUt this year covid ruin all my plan.
Hope all get normal again and we can travel more,
Carmen Edelson
November 22, 2020 at 2:04 pmYes I am hoping the world will open back up for travel soon!