The Holguin coast is protected by a giant that withstands the weight of the years and the onslaught of the winds: the Punta Lucrecia Lighthouse. This construction remains so, fulfilling a goal more than a century and a half old: to guide any sailor who finds himself near its light to a safe harbor.
Located in the municipality of Banes, this colossus stands as a symbol not only of guidance for sailors traveling the waters off Cuba’s northeastern coast. But also as a silent witness to the history and culture of the region.
This lighthouse, considered one of the 100 most important in the world due to its strategic geographic location, has a history dating back to 1858. When the then Captain General of the island, José Gutiérrez de la Concha, approved its construction to facilitate navigation on a low-lying coast surrounded by reefs, according to contemporary documentation.
The need for this construction was justified by the dangers it posed to vessels. Making the lighthouse an essential element for maritime safety.
Its light has guided countless ships for more than a century, becoming a beacon of hope on dark nights and stormy days. A stoic figure on the Holguin coast, it has withstood the test of time and the onslaught of countless cyclones.
The history of the Punta Lucrecia Lighthouse is intrinsically linked to the Cuban independence struggle. Its lighting, on October 10th, 1868, coincided with the beginning of the armed uprising led by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. An event that highlights its relevance not only as a maritime structure, but also as a symbol of resistance and freedom for the nation.
This historical connection was further deepened by the attack by the Liberation Army in December of that same year. Also which sought to deprive the Spanish colonial forces of their navigational facilities. Highlighting the lighthouse’s role in the struggle for independence.
Today, the Punta Lucrecia Lighthouse stands as a local monument in Banes. The only 19th-century structure preserved in its original form with minimal modifications.
Its heritage value is incalculable; it is not only an architectural testament but also treasures legends and stories that enrich the local culture.
The preservation of this lighthouse is crucial not only to keep historical memory alive but also to promote cultural tourism in the region.
In a world where modernity is advancing by leaps and bounds, the importance of the Punta Lucrecia Lighthouse lies in its ability to connect the present with the past.
It is a tangible reminder of the struggles and dreams of those who came before us, as well as a guide for future generations.
On World Lighthouse Day, celebrated this August 7th, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of these structures in maritime signaling and the role they play in our context.
Celebrating their history and legacy is a way to honor not only the navigators who trust in their light. But also all those who have contributed to forging Cuba’s cultural and historical identity.
By: Leannis Berbén Leyva
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