The city of Holguín mourns the loss of Eleuterio Estrada Valdez, a cherished peanut vendor known for his memorable catchphrases that have resonated with generations of locals.
The Facebook page "Holguín en Fotos" confirmed the somber news on Thursday, bidding farewell to a man who was not just another vendor but an integral part of the city's popular culture.
"With deep sadness, we say goodbye to a man who captured the hearts of Holguín residents and visitors alike. Eleuterio was much more than a mere vendor; he was a local institution. His distinctive and catchy calls became the soundtrack of life in Holguín," the post read.
The tribute also highlighted some of his most famous phrases, such as "Trade peanuts for money," "No money, no peanuts," and "Pretty women don't pay, but they don't eat either," which became part of the regional vernacular over time.
Born in Jiguaní, Granma, on August 8, 1955, Eleuterio moved to Holguín after completing his military service. Initially working as a bricklayer for 20 years, he eventually turned to self-employment.
He first sold recycled clothing before dedicating the last 25 years of his life to selling peanuts. His charisma and unique calls endeared him to both locals and tourists, as noted in another post from the page.
"Perhaps some of the foreign visitors reading this post may have bought peanuts from him, making him a figure of Holguín known worldwide," the page remarked.
Accompanying the tribute were photos of Eleuterio wandering the streets with his cone of peanuts and his trademark smile.
"Thank you, dear Eleuterio, for the best peanuts, your smile, and the cone you didn't charge me for. Rest in peace; your community will not forget you," the heartfelt message concluded.
In recent days, Cuba has bid farewell to several key cultural and sports figures amid a deepening social and health crisis, making each loss even more poignant.
Among those mourned is Hermes Ramírez Silva, director of the iconic Steel Band of El Cobre, who dedicated his life to preserving a musical genre that, despite its Caribbean roots, has become a part of the national sonic heritage.
The passing of Julio Noroña, a founding musician of Los Van Van, has also caused significant sorrow. His flute playing left a lasting impact on Cuban dance music.
In the sports arena, the loss of Juan Francisco Centelles, a prominent athlete who represented Cuba in numerous international competitions, is deeply felt. He remains a symbol of dedication and discipline in Cuban athletics over the past decades.
Frequently Asked Questions on Eleuterio Estrada Valdez and Holguín
Who was Eleuterio Estrada Valdez?
Eleuterio Estrada Valdez was a beloved peanut vendor in Holguín, Cuba, known for his catchy phrases and his significant impact on the local culture.
What are some of Eleuterio's famous phrases?
Some of his famous phrases include "Trade peanuts for money," "No money, no peanuts," and "Pretty women don't pay, but they don't eat either."
How did Eleuterio become a vendor in Holguín?
After relocating to Holguín following his military service, Eleuterio initially worked as a bricklayer before becoming a self-employed vendor, first selling recycled clothing and later peanuts.