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There
is no other place which shows more of the Havana's
soul, or attracts more locals and tourists than the long
streched Malecon. This sea boulevard crawles 7 km along
the historical areas of the city, from the colonial center
(Habana Vieja) through the boring (Russian) apartments of
Vedado, if it is a resume of Havana's history. There are
a lot of very charming buildings along the busy street,
but it's the total thing what makes it interesting, in specific
when the Bay of Habana is lightened by the sunset. For Habaneros
the Malecon means tradition and religion, they bring offers
to the Yoruba
gods and throw it into the sea.
A
walk along the ocean: The History of the Malecon
On
the November 4 1901 American authorities who conquered Cuba
started with the work on the Malecon, a with trees decorated
walking boulevard which had to start at the Castillo de
la Punta. Because of the strong wind and the rough sea they
changed plans. The American architect Mead and the Frenchman
Jean Forestier developed a better plan to deal with the
wind and the sea. In 1902 they finished the music place
in front of the Prado. At the old Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
they built hotels and cafe's, this all while the beach facilities
had been concentrated at Miramar. In 1919 the Malecon already
reached till Calle Belascoaín, and in 1921 till Calle
23. It was the fast road between the old and the newer part
of Habana. Today it is partly restored, and still working
on it, in its old function.
Architecture
Along
the Malecon you will see beautiful buildings from which
their pastel colors paled by the sun and the salt of the
sea, and early 20th century 2- or 3 story buildings with
a veranda on top, all in a mixture of architecture.
Par example the Kariatide building; one of the most important
buildings in the beginning of the Malecon. Build in the
20th century recently renewed and named by the women figures
in Art-Deco Style under the veranda. Or the area between
Prado and Calle Belascoain. They are still busy renewing
this area (2004) Some very nice Casa Particulares and Paladares
are located at the Malecon.
Tranquilo
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A
walk along the Malecon will give you the real feeling
you must get while visiting Habana. In specific at sunset
the buildings get this magical touch when the sun shines
on the old buildings. Also at night, lots of lovers
kissing and hugging while looking at the sea. A meeting
place for young people.
On stormy days the waves attack the seawall and you
will see boys playing not to get slammed to the ground
by the waves. These storms are inspiration for Santaria
religious people, they consider it as the revenche of
the goddess Yemaya.
Many Cubans do fishing at the Malecon some by sitting
on the seawall itself, others take their inner tube
and go into the sea to catch their daily fish, dinner
for tonight. At daytime kids enjoy the sea while playing
games between the rocks of the seawall. |
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