Travel Guide Holguín

Founded in 1545 by García de Holguín, the city developed considerably during the 19th century thanks to the growth of the sugar cane culture. Third city of the country with 500 000 inhabitants and capital of the eponymous province, Holguin strikes first by a semblance of prosperity more visible here than elsewhere. Orderly, clean and airy, it is good to stop there for a day on the way to the north coast, towards the beaches of Guardalavaca and the pretty port of Gibara. We will go for a walk to visit the Parque Calixto García and the San Isidoro cathedral, before climbing the Loma de la Cruz to enjoy a nice view of the city and the vast surrounding plains.It is worth noting that more recently, the city has experienced a particularly important cultural and artistic development thanks to the impulse of the local authorities. Holguín now hosts a festival dedicated to young artists from around the world, and it has developed a street theater culture that could be compared to the Avignon festival. Finally, if you pass through here at the beginning of May, join the Romerias, festivities dedicated to culture and creation.The province of Holguín remains one of the main industrial areas of Cuba. Its important mineral deposits (nickel, iron and cobalt) constitute a crucial source of income and exports for the regime. As an indication, the province of Holguín contains 30% of the world's nickel reserves, rankingfifth in the production of this mineral in the world. Other activities to note are the large production of sugar and fishing. Not to mention tourism, which has also gradually become part of the economic fabric, even if the province, except for Guardalavaca, remains outside the major itineraries offered by most tour operators.