Tireless Santiago

“Tireless Santiago”, that’s how José Martí labeled it. On February 14, 1712, the Spanish government described it as a noble and loyal city. In 1822 it was named as the Welcoming City of the Americas. Baptized as Loyal City in 1874 and Meritorious Municipality of the Americas several decades later. Hero City of the Republic of Cuba and Antonio Maceo Order, decorations handed by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, on January 1, 1984.

That’s Santiago de Cuba, a city that is presently making arrangements to celebrate a new anniversary of one of the most glorious developments in the history of Cuban independence: the Armed Uprising on November 30, 1956, to support the disembarkation of Granma yacht.

Kissed by the sea and mountains. Perched on a changeable, undulating, indomitable geography with a climate where the sun, pavement, walls, narrow streets and the mountain ring that surrounds it come together so the heat leaves an unmistakable mark.

The house of Governor Diego Velázquez, its founder, laughs at time. Since 1522, the Cathedral has witnessed centuries as they go by. Colonial houses coexist with contemporary buildings and they share secrets so nothing falls into oblivion. Tivolí stands as a permanent watchtower. Father Pico helps travelers on their way to Loma del Intendente. The bay refreshes the city’s feet. El Morro Castle, Mankind Heritage, guards the city.

The building of Saint Basilio the Great remains upright, housing the voices of illustrious educators and students.

Diego Vicente Tejera, a socialist thinker; Pablo Lafargue, a fighter for international proletariat; Juan Bautista Sagarra, an educator; Esteban Salas, labeled father of Cuban music. This was the cradle of José María Heredia, the acclaimed singer of El Niágara. This is where Félix B. Caignet designed the contemporary radio show. Centuries of history collected at Emilio Bacardí Museum, the first one in Cuba.

Since the very beginning, Santiago was given a transfusion of black and slave blood. Drums and songs left behind the pain caused by fetters. Ma´Teodora playing her mandolin. Pepe Sánchez, with Tristezas, the first bolero of the world. The cradle of Son. Its balconies and windows were opened to serenades given by Sindo, Matamoros, Compay Segundo, Ñico Saquito and other illustrious representatives of trova. The city – somebody said – was turned into novel by Soler Puig. The centenarian cradle of the French Tumba, oral and intangible heritage of mankind.

This is Santiago de Cuba. The city of Mariana Grajales, María Cabrales, Antonio and José Maceo, Guillermón, Quintín, Flor, América Labadí, Renato Guitart, Frank, Otto, Tony, Pepito, Vilma; the city of Gloria Cuadras. The city that first wore the olive green uniform, where mothers didn’t cry for their fallen children because they were signing the National Anthem and shouting Revolution!

The city that witnessed the assault to Moncada barracks, the armed uprising on November 30, the Clandestine Fight. A city without bolts, just like heroine Vilma Espín described it. This is here the Spanish colonial power came to an end in 1898. The triumph of the Cuban Revolution was proclaimed here on January 1, 1959, thus decreeing the end of the US neocolonial control.

This was the first Cuban capital established by Spain. The Moral Capital of the Revolution, as defined by Fidel.

This is the resting place of the mortal remains of our National Hero, José Martí, as well as the Father of Homeland, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes’; the author of our National Anthem, Perucho Figueredo’s; Mariana Grajales’. Santa Ifigenia graveyard is an urn that treasures the mortal remains of nearly thirty generals of our pro-independence wars; 40 heroes from the assault carried out on July 26, 1953; tens of heroes from our latest liberation war and internationalist missions.

This city seduces the muse of poets. It’s an oil painting for painters, an open page for writers. The windows always respond to the guitars. Its arms are always open for visitors. The city of carnival, conga, Chinese bugle, the Path. A city of street cries, open hands for friends and close fists for insults.

It was rebel yesterday, hospitable today, always heroic. A brave city. Daily stage of great deeds. Unrepeatable city. That’s our Santiago, heritage of all Cubans. In order to commemorate another anniversary of the glorious November 30, we give her what she has taught us: fidelity, strength, altruism, solidarity and present commitment for future generations to live proud of our Santiago.

Its name came from Spain; the surname was taken from the natives. Name and surname, a synthesis: mix of native, African, Spanish, Asian, French blood… all flowing through the same vein: Santiago.

Our history is made up of all those ingredients. They came together in our streets in the morning of November 30, 1956.

Out of so many attributes, what should we use to identify this city in each anniversary of its armed uprising? You shouldn’t be worried about finding words to praise it. Just call it Santiago de Cuba! Or name by the color it wore on this glorious date for all Cubans: The city in olive green. Its children are committed to pay tribute with our multiplied effort, our boosted work.