Once again, social media serves as a platform for citizens to spotlight the urban decay plaguing Havana. Content creator @kary_y_jony recently shared a video depicting the current condition of La Esquina de Tejas, a once-iconic location in the Cuban capital now marred by neglect and disrepair. “Everything in Cuba is falling apart,” she remarks while navigating the area. “Today, it's completely destroyed… The worst part isn't that it looks closed, but that it seems almost abandoned,” she observes, highlighting crumbling structures, shuttered shops, and a deserted café that was once a local landmark.
The online community quickly responded, with hundreds of comments echoing the sentiment that neglect is not unique to this location but prevalent throughout many areas of the country. Reactions range from sadness over the loss of historic spaces to comparisons with war zones or ghost towns, painting a collective picture of resignation and disenchantment.
Historical Significance Now Overshadowed by Neglect
For decades, La Esquina de Tejas was a bustling commercial and cultural crossroads in Havana. It lies at the junction of the 10 de Octubre, Infanta, Monte, and Cerro avenues, renowned for its bakeries, eateries, bars, and the famous Cine Valentino, which once drew large crowds. The name originates from the French-tiled roofs that were prevalent during the colonial era, establishing the area as a strategic hub of transit and gathering since the late 19th century.
Over time, and notably after state interventions in many private businesses, the area lost much of its vibrancy. Some establishments, like the popular bakery, retained their original purpose for a while, although the quality and variety dwindled significantly. A report from 2019 had already warned of the site's gradual decline.
Chronicling Havana's Urban Decay
This video joins a series of content by the same creator documenting the visible deterioration of other public spaces in Havana, including the National Aquarium, Chinatown, and communal areas inhabited by everyday Cubans. In each, she highlights the stark contrast between the tourist image of the capital and the daily reality faced by its residents.
“It's heartbreaking to see this once popular spot like this,” the young woman concludes, her voice echoing the sentiment of many Cubans who witness the erosion of places that once held collective memories for generations.
Today, La Esquina de Tejas, once a symbol of activity, commerce, and popular culture, serves as a reflection of an urban present marked by neglect.
Understanding the Decline of Havana's Iconic Locations
What factors have contributed to the decline of La Esquina de Tejas?
The decline of La Esquina de Tejas can be attributed to state interventions in private businesses, leading to a loss of vibrancy and reduced quality and variety in existing establishments.
How does the current state of La Esquina de Tejas reflect broader issues in Havana?
The current state of La Esquina de Tejas mirrors broader urban decay issues in Havana, highlighting widespread neglect and the challenges faced by the city in maintaining its historic and cultural sites.