Regla: Home of Unique Events in the History of Cuba
Many visitors know of Regla for its church, attracted by the Virgin, failing to explore its grounds, they do not enjoy the attractions of the town across the bay with interesting identity and history
By: Carlos Heredia Reyes
With a current population close to 50, 000 inhabitants and a territorial extension of about 10 km2, which makes it the smallest municipality in Havana (besides being the second in economic importance), Regla has the merit of being home of unique events in the history of Cuba.
Let’s recall that March 3, 1687 is its foundation date, and such origins are associated with a chapel built then which later became a temple to the Virgin of Regla or Yemayá, mistress of the sea, according to the African cults, inherited from the black slaves brought from Africa to this island, in the sixteenth century.
Human settlements that little by little were developed arose around that sanctuary. Many Cubans and foreign visitors know this town mainly because of its church located near the pier, and particularly attracted by the Virgin.
Therefore, failing to explore its grounds, its streets or neighborhoods, the people do not get to enjoy the attractions of this beautiful town across the bay, with rich and interesting traditions, identity and history.
In 2017 its inhabitants celebrated the 330th anniversary of the town, condition acquired in the 16th century, and it is worth remembering curiosities that start from the own name Regla had, that of Guaicanamar, which meant “facing the sea”.
There is also the fact that in 1598 the sugar mill “San Pedro de Guaicanamar” was founded there, the first in Cuba moved by animal traction in that period.
In that town the first Abacuá society of African slaves was established and the first coolies Chinese entered through its port to Cuban soil, which denotes the cultural mixture present in the territory, where santería and Afro-Cuban syncretic religions predominate.
Its location across the bay led to the typical “lanchitas” of Regla, as it is customary to call those roofed vessels, which incessantly cross the waters to go from the coast of Old Havana to that town, loaded with passengers, with a point of departure and destination from the famous “Emboque”, a kind of maritime terminal on Regla’s soil.
The small town holds a unique heritage, in which monuments such as the National Shrine of the Virgin of Regla, the Liceo Artístico y Literario (at whose inaugural evening, on February 8, 1879, Enrique José Varona and José attended) meet. Martí), the Lenin Hill and the Christ of Havana.
The first half of the 20th century was characterized by the growing development of the workers’ movement in Regla, where in 1921, the local proletariat obtained, with the approval of the mayor, Dr. Antonio Bosch, a mayoral decree to celebrate Mayday as a universal commemoration. This same mayor on January 24, 1924 issued a resolution determined to plant an olive tree in memory to the “Great citizen of the world”, Vladimir Ilich Lenin, for which all the settlers of the territory were summoned, fact that was reflected in the history of Cuba and the world, as the first monument to Lenin outside Russia.
In this town of deeply rooted patriotic and revolutionary sentiments, there was never a truce during the Batista dictatorship. For each fighter killed, clandestined, imprisoned or in exile, new combatants took their places, and thus continuity in the struggle was always guaranteed, which is why the municipality was given the well-earned name of Regla, Sierra Chiquita.
In the field of culture, Regla stands out as the birthplace of the important ballads singer Roberto Faz, also the members of the popular duo of Clara and Mario, and comparsas like “Los guaracheros de Regla”, whereby it has won not only national but also international prizes.
Translated by ESTI