In Bayamo, a concerned citizen has raised alarms about the deteriorating condition and potential collapse of the San Juan Evangelista Tower, situated in El Rastro de los Héroes. This historic landmark is part of the city's rich heritage, recognized as a "Monument City."
Juan Luis Vasallo Palomo, who shares his observations on social media under the alias "El Quijote Bayamés," recently documented the precarious state of the structure on Amado Esteve Street at the corner of Martín Street. His video highlights the building's prolonged neglect, with makeshift supports holding it up, and an apparent lack of action from local authorities to undertake necessary restoration.
"Will they ever fix this?" Vasallo Palomo questioned at the start of his video, clearly frustrated by the site's condition.
Historical Significance Under Threat
The San Juan Evangelista Tower is steeped in history, having served as the entrance to Cuba's first open-air cemetery, established in 1798. It also honors Francisco Vicente Aguilera, a prominent figure from Bayamo who served as vice president of the Republic in Arms during the Ten Years' War.
"This used to be an open-air cemetery. I believe it was the first in Cuba and possibly in Latin America," the video creator noted.
"This was the entrance to the old cemetery and is one of the oldest architectural structures here in Bayamo, but it's at risk of collapsing," he added.
Aguilera, born in Bayamo on June 23, 1821, was one of the wealthiest men in Eastern Cuba, with a fortune of over two million pesos in 1868, all of which he dedicated to the independence cause. José Martí once described him as "the heroic millionaire, the impeccable gentleman, the father of the republic."
Wider Heritage Neglect Across Cuba
During his walk, Vasallo Palomo also mentioned the monument to José Joaquín Palma, a Bayamo-born poet from 1844 who wrote the lyrics to the Guatemalan National Anthem, underscoring another cultural emblem of the city.
The decline of El Rastro de los Héroes is not an isolated case but part of a widespread pattern of neglect affecting Cuba's historical patrimony, exacerbated by insufficient funding and state investment.
In November 2024, the roof of the Matanzas Art Museum collapsed. The Colón Cemetery in Havana, a National Monument since 1987, suffers from extensive decay, theft, and vandalism.
Numerous national monuments remain without maintenance, with restoration plans frequently announced but seldom executed.
Bayamo, the capital of Granma Province, holds a significant place in Cuban history as the site of the first call for independence and the heroic burning of the city in 1869 to prevent its capture by Spanish forces, marking it as one of the most profound symbols of Cuba's past.
FAQs on the State of Cuban Heritage Sites
Why is the San Juan Evangelista Tower significant?
The San Juan Evangelista Tower is historically significant as the entrance to Cuba's first open-air cemetery and a tribute to Francisco Vicente Aguilera, a key figure in Cuba's fight for independence.
What challenges are faced by Cuban heritage sites?
Cuban heritage sites face numerous challenges, including neglect, inadequate funding, and a lack of state investment, leading to widespread deterioration and neglect.
How does Bayamo contribute to Cuban history?
Bayamo is historically significant as the location of Cuba's first independence call and the courageous burning of the city in 1869 to prevent its capture by Spanish forces.