Elvira Cape: A Woman of Pedigree

Some people have heard of Elvira Cape Lombard because of her contribution during the pro-independence war; other people have her as the myth of the woman of lineage that crowned the life of Santiago de Cuba, her hometown.

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Over eight decades after her death, we still recall the patriot and revolutionary woman, with her solid and charismatic character complemented by nobility.

She was born on January 25, 1862, in Tí-Arriba, the municipal term of Alto Songo. She was very young when she met her friend and husband, historiographer, journalist and industrial Emilio Bacardi Moreau.

With her body and soul, she was the mother of five daughters: Marina, Lucia, Victoria, Adelaida and Amalia; the result of a marriage devoted to the Cuban homeland.

Phociona, a pseudonym she used to develop revolutionary activities as an agent of mambi forces, had decided to do anything so as to see her flag standing alone.

Jamaica met her history and her influence is still present at Marti Ladies Revolutionary Club.

It was 1895 and Elvira Cape’s ideological maturity helped her understand the need to fuel and preserve the historic heritage of the territory and the whole nation.

She had to endure the physical disappearance of Bacardi Moreau, along with other adversities and the impact of the war.

With extraordinary passion, she helped finish the museum-library started by Mr. Emilio, which would be her greatest contribution to the national culture. Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum and Elvira Cape Provincial Library store the historic pillars of the city.

Santiago de Cuba granted her the title of Adopted Daughter and the position of Mayoress due to her marked Cuban nature.

The hospitality, beneficence and responsibility she showed when it came to helping victims, children and women, made her deserve the love and respect of her people.

Thousands of people in Cuba recall the date when her soul passed away and sowed the seed of determination, courage and strength in each person. It was June 15, 1933, but today we have the opportunity to pay tribute to a woman whose actions shed glory on the pages of our history.