There is a place in Guantanamo city that keeps secrets of local history: a park. Its benches could reveal lovers confessions or children’s mischiefs, while a centennial ceiba tree would speak about the most transcendental events from old times.
José Martí Park is one of the most visited places by the youth of Guantanamo, and above all, venerated by those who already comb grey hair. They can find under their leafy trees the perfect shade to walk through the paths of memory.
The central square was built in 1833, but according to José Sánchez Guerra, the historian of Guantanamo, its relevance dates from the middle of the 19th century. Cuba was then, one of the most valuable colonies of Spain, for that reason, the local central park as well as many others of the island, were used by the Spanish army as an area for military practices.
The park was The Square of Arms until in 1880, when it began to be called as The Square of the Prince, in honour of the Spanish royal infant who was aspiring to the throne of Spain by that time.
In 1902, this spot received the patronymic that identifies it today, following a suggestion provided by the Cuban independentist General Pedro Augustin Pérez, one of the most outstanding personalities of Guantanamo.
By that time, the park had become a point of meeting among the locals that desired the absolute independence of Cuba. Though José Martí had fallen in the battle field, on earlier years, his thought and spirit had become the guide of those fighters who wished for the sovereignty of the island.
Thus, the legendary park of Guantanamo city received the final name of José Martí, as a tribute paid from those that continued his example and maintained alive the desire to free the country.
From that time on, the park has changed a lot. The photographs that are kept to the present show the structural change that has suffered since the start of its construction in 1833. Nevertheless, the transformations of the park did not hold back to continue being the most important social centre of Guantanamo.
Today, every cultural event of the province includes José Martí Park as one of its main settings. Some of the best dance companies have presented here, as well as musical and theatre groups of the country.
The capital city of the most eastern province of Cuba would not be the same if this park would not exist, to which some poets have dedicated verses, and musicians their songs.
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