The city of Trinidad is in the central region of Cuba, to be precise, in the south of the province of Sancti Spíritus, and it is the capital of the municipality with the same name. It was the third town established by the Spanish crown in Cuba at the beginning of 1514. Diego Velázquez was present when it was founded and it developed quickly, becoming one of the most prosperous and largest cities in the Antilles as a result.
It’s easy to see why Trinidad is Cuba’s “museum city”. As if lost in time, Trinidad, with its vast palaces and colonial squares, ruins of sugar mills or presses and slave huts from a bygone age, provides us with a window on the past and the splendour it has basked in since it was created.
Highly recommended at this destination is the pleasure of swimming in the sea off one of its beaches—Ancón, the best in the southern part of the island, and María Aguilar— and going on an excursion to the green landscapes of Topes de Collantes, in the heart of the Escambray Mountains.
This city is also well-known for its elaborate traditions related to Catholic festivals, such as the Via Crucis procession at Easter and the end of year Christmas festivities. Discover them for yourself and experience Cuba’s festival spirit by planning your trip around one of the legendary fiestas that take place in this charming city.
La Candelaria and San Blas
These traditional festivals celebrated by the rural community take place on 2 and 3 February in the localities of Condado and Caracusey, respectively. They originated in the Canary Islands and they are based on the Catholic faith. The celebration comprises a large fair where all kinds of products are on offer: craftwork, industrial products, meals, drinks. There are processions, collective christenings, private parties, games of chance and cockfighting, which is currently prohibited. The Day of St Lazarus is celebrated on 17 December and all of Cuba goes to fulfil the promises they made.
La Cruz de Mayo (May Cross)
Celebrated in the community of San Pedro del Palmarejo, it is based on an ancient myth that said that if the saint was paraded through the streets in a procession, the drought would end and the rains would start. It is a typical Cuban rural festival with a lot of food and rum in abundance.
San Juan (Carnival)
These are the most popular and most celebrated traditional festivals in Trinidad and they are Spanish in origin.
Via Crucis
At Easter, devout Catholics follow the Via Crucis procession through the winding paved streets of Trinidad.
Christmas Festivities
Locals recreate Mary and Joseph’s journey during the Christmas season in Trinidad.
