A video recently shared on Facebook reveals the dilapidated state of El Chapuzón, once the most cherished natural swimming spot in Bayamo, located in Cuba’s Granma province. This site was a childhood staple for many Cubans, offering a place to swim in the river and enjoy snacks from its cafes and kiosks.
Captured and posted by Juan Luis Vasallo Palomo, also known as "El Quijote Bayamés," the footage takes viewers on a poignant tour of what used to be a vital recreational hub for the city. As he walks through the area, Vasallo Palomo narrates with a mix of nostalgia and resignation, recalling the vibrant past of this beloved spot.
The Heart of Bayamo’s Social Life
El Chapuzón, also referred to as "Las Vegas" or "Vegas del Río Bayamo," was a riverside retreat that served as a popular gathering place for decades. Families, children, and local youth would flock here to escape the heat, dine at the ranchón, and enjoy amenities like a performance stage, broadcasting booths, and numerous kiosks.
Vasallo Palomo fondly remembers those days: "Bayamo was a town where hunger was not an issue. There were plenty of cafes and snack bars, and everything was affordable."
The Destructive Impact of Hurricane Melissa
The final blow came with Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba on October 29, 2025. The storm caused the Bayamo River to overflow, with water levels surpassing the height of trees and nearby structures, even reaching the edges of nearby homes.
The main cafeteria was obliterated by the floods, leaving behind only a few small kiosks that the workers have attempted to rebuild. Nowadays, the only visible commercial activity consists of trucks arriving on Saturdays to sell produce and spices.
A Legacy of Neglect
However, the site's decline began long before the hurricane hit. El Chapuzón had already been suffering from neglect, gradually turning into a deteriorated area that even served as shelter for the homeless. The hurricane simply hastened a collapse that had been unfolding for years.
"This is what remains of what we know as El Chapuzón," Vasallo Palomo states in front of the camera. The video has sparked a wave of reactions among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The ongoing urban decay in Bayamo by 2026—characterized by accumulated garbage, open-air waste burning, and damage to public facilities—paints a painful backdrop to the image of the resort in ruins.
Comments on the video range from nostalgia to outrage. "My God, there's nothing left, not even the little sales huts. It doesn't resemble what I left behind. How sad!" one viewer lamented.
Another reminisced about childhood visits: "I used to snack at that cafeteria when I was a kid. A group of friends and I went to the river every day."
Yet another commenter expressed a more political sentiment: "Brother, everything communism touches turns to dust."
Understanding the Decline of El Chapuzón
What was El Chapuzón known for before its decline?
El Chapuzón was known as a popular natural swimming resort by the Bayamo River, where families and youth gathered to enjoy the river, dine at the ranchón, and participate in community events.
How did Hurricane Melissa affect El Chapuzón?
Hurricane Melissa struck in 2025, causing severe flooding that devastated the area. This led to the destruction of key facilities like the main cafeteria, leaving behind only small, makeshift kiosks.
What factors contributed to the decline of El Chapuzón?
Neglect and lack of maintenance over the years led to its deterioration, which was further exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa, accelerating a decline that was already in motion.