CATHOLICISM AND CATHEDRALS IN CUBA
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The history of Cuba's Catholic Cathedrals
Cuba was discovered by Christopher Columbus and Catholicism quickly established here, in the early 1500s. Consequently, cathedrals dot the island – 11 in total. Fast forward to the 20th century and Catholicism under Communism in Cuba still existed, but just not out in the open. From 1959 Fidel Castro effectively banned Catholic celebrations, including Christmas – the beast! – and went on to stop Church-goers from joining the Cuban Communist Party as per their atheist ideology; pretty much alienating Catholics from the rest of Cuban society including being banned from jobs such as teaching. Priests and other religious influencers were jailed or exiled and schools stopped teaching religious education. This led to thousands of Cubans leaving the island and starting up new communities in America and Europe.In the 1980s it was thought that fewer than two percent of Cubans living on the island regularly attended Roman Catholic Mass and discrimination was still widespread. However, fast forward a decade and Catholicism in Cuba was making a comeback with the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998 helping to thaw relations with Fidel Castro; and a subsequent visit by Pope Benedict in 2012 continuing in the same vein with Raúl Castro. By the time Pope Francis held Mass with tens of thousands of Cubans in Havana’s Revolution Square in 2015, there could be no denying that Catholicism in Cuba was no longer underground.
Our top Cuba budget Vacation
Cuba cultural vacation
Immerse yourself in Cuban culture on this 8 day adventure
2021: 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 19 Dec, 26 Dec
2022: 2 Jan, 9 Jan, 16 Jan, 23 Jan, 30 Jan, 6 Feb, 13 Feb, 20 Feb, 27 Feb, 6 Mar, 13 Mar, 20 Mar, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 17 Apr, 24 Apr, 1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 10 Jul, 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct
Where to see Cuba’s Catholic Cathedrals
Catedral de San Cristobal, Havana
Where is it? Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana.
Look out for: Tiny fossilised marine creatures that remain embedded in the coral stone bricks used to construct the original exterior.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Cienfuegos
Originally opened in 1833, under the reign of the Spanish, Cienfuegos Cathedral has become the city’s most recognised and best-loved landmark with twin belfries, of differing heights and ages, providing easily identifiable markers. French-inspired arches, neoclassical columns and stained glass windows, featuring the 12 apostles, stand out alongside the main alter, whilst huge ceilings create amazing acoustics. A recent refurb, in 2019, was organised by local patrons to coincide with the 200 year anniversary of Cienfuegos.Where is it? Historical center of Cienfuegos opposite the Parque Jose Marti.
Look out for: Crystal and silver inlaid candelabras and polished wood decorations lovingly carved by local cabinet makers and carpenters.
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, Santiago de Cuba
Look out for: The views over the whole of Santiago de Cuba from the top tower.
Catedral de Santa Clara de Asís, Santa Clara
This neogothic style Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1940 as a direct replacement for the colonial Grand Church that had previously stood in the Parque Vidal since 1738. Elegant arches, Art Deco-esque interiors and upper balconies are flanked by stained glass windows to great effect, especially when they catch the light. Keep an eye out for an ancient marble font (pilón) that has been used down the generations to baptise Santa Clara residents – who are subsequently referred to as pilongos.Where is it? On Calle Marta Abreu, adjacent to the El Mejunje de Silverio LGBT cultural center and just a short stroll from Parque Vidal.
Look out for: The giant statue of the Virgin Mary that was taken from the road to Havana during the Cuban Revolution. The statue disappeared for three centuries until it was finally unearthed from the soil and undergrowth of a ditch in the 1980s and placed at the entrance of the Catedral de Santa Clara de Asís some 15 years later.