Santiago: A Source of Inspiration for Poets, Troubadours

24 February 2015 2:54pm

This piece of land, established as a village by Diego Velázquez in 1515, has been, is and will be a source of inspiration for both Cuban and foreign poets and troubadours, because of its nobility and loyalty, rebelliousness, hospitality and heroism.

Click on Santiago de Cuba: A City of 500 Years

Spanish bard Federico García Lorca some verses to this place: “when full moon is up in the sky I’ll go to Santiago de Cuba, I’ll go, I’ll go to Santiago”.

On the other hand, Santiago-born poet Waldo Leyva wrote a poem entitled “For a Definition of the City”, where he describes the heroism and beauty of Santiago: "If you find a single stone that hasn’t been thrown to the enemy, if you discover a street that has never been walked by a hero; if you can’t see the sea from Tivolí; if there is any window that hasn’t been opened by guitars; if you don’t find any open door; then you can say that Santiago doesn’t exist.

Nowadays, the Cuban people hum something like this: “I feel passion for Santiago, there is no way I can forget it”, a bolero-son written by Miguel Matamoros and we all know that it was a reality until his final breath.

And what else could we say about the Master of the Rhythm, Benny Moré, who fell in love with this land and sang: “Santiago de Cuba, you’re so beautiful, Caribbean-looking, listen to my song”.

Troubadour Pedro Luis Ferrer, referring to the heroism history, said: “Santiago cradle and bread Santiago”, because this is the Cradle of the Revolution, the homeland of women and men that gave their lives for freedom.

Commander of the Revolution Juan Almeida Bosque, who loved its narrow streets, alleys and the way women walk here, as well as the entire Santiago, musicalized his verse: “Santiago, my Santiago, a gorgeous piece of Cuba”.

We could draw up a huge list, but we have just mentioned some musicians and groups, like Karachi orchestra, which proudly sing: “if I’m born again, I’d like to be born in Santiago de Cuba". This village will soon be five centuries old.