Just a short distance from the heart of Havana, in the Santa Fe neighborhood, lie the remnants of a casino that once epitomized luxury, gambling, and exclusive gatherings. Constructed between 1929 and 1930, the Santa Fe Casino quickly emerged as a discreet yet bustling haven for Havana's elite, welcoming guests by both land and sea.
Today, the building is a mere shell of its former self, overrun by weeds and the relentless sea air. Yet, it has recently captured renewed public interest, thanks to Cuban influencers like Juan Carlos from the YouTube channel Vámonos con Juanka, and Yase (@yasevids), who have ventured into the decaying site and shared its neglected state on social media.
Amidst the corroded structures, worn-out bridge, and nearly impassable paths, some original architectural features are still discernible. These include Moorish-inspired arches, coastal walkways, and remnants of what was once a lavish gaming hall with intricately carved wooden ceilings.
What Made the Santa Fe Casino Unique?
Situated on an artificial islet amidst mangroves, near the entrance channel to the Santa Fe Lagoon, the casino's strategic location offered natural seclusion. This geographical advantage shielded it from prying eyes and unwanted visits, creating the perfect environment for operations during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933).
Private yachts frequented the casino under the cover of darkness, arriving from Mexico, Panama, and Florida. Many would dock after sunset and depart before dawn, skillfully avoiding scrutiny and public attention. Patrons indulged in gambling, Cuban rum, private parties, and other pleasures, all away from the watchful eyes of the press and Havana's authorities.
The main hall featured roulette tables, poker, bingo, and some of the first manual slot machines. The building even boasted a natural ventilation system that channeled cigar and cigarette smoke through a central skylight.
A monograph about the Casino de La Puntilla in Santa Fe reveals that the establishment was an open secret in the capital, as its existence was never officially acknowledged.
The Casino's Decline and Aftermath
The end of Prohibition in the U.S. and the rise of family settlements in Santa Fe gradually diminished the casino's allure. By the late 1930s, it closed its doors as a gambling venue and began to serve other purposes.
In the 1940s, it was repurposed as a popular bathhouse and café. However, it failed to thrive due to more accessible social venues in Havana.
The Fate of Santa Fe Casino Post-1959
The Cuban regime never showed interest in preserving the building or recounting its history. As a place that didn't fit the official narrative and demanded significant resources for upkeep, it was gradually left to decay. The casino has become a forgotten relic, like many other historical sites under the government's neglect.
Many Cubans believe that the Casino de La Puntilla in Santa Fe could have been transformed into a cultural, tourist, or historical site. However, the government's pattern of allowing such structures to fall into ruin persisted.
Through the lenses of influencers, many Cubans have discovered this place for the first time, as it receives little mention in history books or official documentaries. Once a focal point for international tourism and clandestine economy in the 1930s, it now stands as a silent stone skeleton, a witness to an era of excess, secrets, and smuggling in Cuba.
The Santa Fe Casino was not merely a venue for gambling and revelry. It was an integral part of a multifaceted Havana, where glamour coexisted with the forbidden, and illicit activities fueled a thriving tourism industry that time and the regime's poor management have buried.
Insights into the Santa Fe Casino and Its Historical Significance
Why was the Santa Fe Casino strategically located on an artificial islet?
The casino's location on an artificial islet amidst mangroves provided natural seclusion, protecting it from prying eyes and unwanted visits. This made it an ideal spot for operations during Prohibition in the U.S., offering discretion to its elite clientele.
What led to the decline of the Santa Fe Casino?
The end of Prohibition in the United States and the growth of family settlements in Santa Fe reduced the casino's appeal. By the late 1930s, it ceased to operate as a gambling venue and was repurposed for other uses.
How has the Cuban regime's neglect affected historical sites like the Santa Fe Casino?
The Cuban government's lack of interest in preserving historical sites that don't align with the official narrative has led to the neglect and decay of many such places, including the Santa Fe Casino.