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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 they builded 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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