Muelle Real de Cienfuegos: Between History and Cultural Practices

The Muelle Real located in the city of Cienfuegos also known as the Pearl of the South is host to events that marks the history of the region and is currently considered a space for social and cultural gatherings.

The first version of the singular land dates back to 1851 when the Real Hacienda pier was constructed across the customs office, reports a study by Mery Berta Perez, head of the Applied Historic Research Department of the Conservation Office of the city of Cienfuegos.

The also known as Muelle Circular due to its circular shape was concluded five years later in 1856 by engineer Manuel Munoz who was also responsible of the budget of the dock and roof.

By the end of the 19th century, the structure had suffered significantly and another rectangular concrete was lifted with stairs to board and iron lighting according to the historian.

La Mar Street, due to its proximity to the bay, constituted per excellence the ideal artery of piers and warehouses. An example of the commercial and maritime life of the region is the fact that in 1887 there were already 21 installations of its type, said Perez.

Without a doubt, Muelle real become one of the most emblematic to our days with endless stories tied to the environment and preferred by many writers and songwriters ready to offer a song as a gift to the south central city like Luna Cienfueguera by Jose Ramon Muniz.

Researchers Adys Cupull and Foilan Gonzalez said that student leader Julio Antonio Mella left the country from the site in 1926 after he was given refuge in Cienfuegos by Dr. Gustavo Aldereguia Lima.

As part of the recollection of the historic center, declared a World Heritage Site in 2005 the Conservation Office added new values to the use of the area linked to the promotion of local artists and for those that visit the province

A small plaza is used for the presentation of Latin Sax quartet, Los Elementos Theater group, flamenco company of Joel Zamora and Ingrid Rodriguez and the Trova Jazz Group among other proposals that is aimed at offering healthy recreational options mainly to the youngest part of the population.

From the pier taking the Santa Isabel Corridor you reach the former Villa Fernandina de Jagua or vice versa. This is tour that many inhabitants and tourists love to take to enjoy the sea breeze, enjoy a pina colada or go fishing.

This region is not only rich in architectural, historic and heritage values but it is a dimension in the preservation of Cuban identity and culture enriched by the contribution of the community. (Por Dayarys García Chirino, AIN)