The Cuban influencer Kary Sanchez reported on social media the serious state of neglect of the old recreation center El Dorado, located in Boca Ciega, east of Havana. She did this through a video in which she is seen touring the site with her husband Jhony and another content creator known as Mami primeriza.
“Here, everything was danced, but like everything in Cuba, it's another abandoned place”, he expressed in one of the most shared excerpts of his post. Throughout the journey, Sánchez showcased with images and comments the visible signs of decay: cracked walls, columns on the verge of collapse, rusted stairs, destroyed bars, and tennis courts overgrown with weeds.
According to the account, “the entire recreational area is at risk of collapse” and the pool is “full of trash and stagnant water.” On the second level, where shops used to be, he added: “the flooring and all the glass doors and windows have already been taken.” “It’s a pity that a place like this is lost to neglect,” he expressed regretfully.
"I worked there for years at El Dorado."
The full video of the visit was also shared on their YouTube channel titled "The most famous club in Havana is collapsing! This is what the abandoned neighborhood of Boca Ciega looks like". In the comments, followers of the influencer reacted with sadness, indignation, and nostalgia.
A user wrote: “I worked there for years at El Dorado and it’s a shame to see it like this.” Another commented: “Legend has it that I had some amazing parties there. It breaks my heart to see that place go from what it was to what it is now.” Someone else recalled: “The last thing I enjoyed in that pool was a concert by Chacal.”
Others joined in the widespread denunciation of the deterioration of public spaces: “The Comodoro nightclub is just as it was,” noted an internet user. “There is no reason or justification to let these places decline. It's simply abandonment and lack of interest,” wrote another. It was also mentioned: “Tourism of ruins,” and one summed up the scene with a powerful phrase: “El Dorado today is rusted.”
Boca Ciega: a ghost town by the beach
Kary Sanchez's complaint adds to others already published about the abandonment of Boca Ciega, a neighborhood facing one of the most well-known beaches in East Havana. In August 2024, the youtuber Literalmente cubano described the area as a "ghost town."
Earlier, in March 2024, the creator Juanka, from the channel "Vámonos con Juanka," also showcased the deterioration of homes and buildings in the area. “This is a crime,” he remarked. His complaint pointed to the prolonged and unjustified neglect of the area.
A critical and coherent line of content
Kary Sanchez has developed a clear line of social critique. In May, she showcased the neglect of La Esquina de Tejas, where she noted that “this place known in Havana for its commerce, which used to be a cinema, bakery, and even cafés, is now completely destroyed.”
It has also documented the deterioration of the National Aquarium, the Chinatown, and the Sports City.
In another post that sparked debate, he said: “In Cuba, having coffee for breakfast is more than just a luxury” and added that even professionals cannot afford it.
Kary's testimony not only depicts the ruin of a recreational center. It also reflects a city that is crumbling before the eyes of its own inhabitants.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of Public Places in Cuba
How is the El Dorado recreational center in Boca Ciega doing currently?
The El Dorado recreation center in Boca Ciega is in a state of severe neglect. The walls are cracked, the columns are on the verge of collapse, the stairs are rusty, and the tennis courts are overgrown with weeds. Furthermore, the pool is filled with trash and stagnant water, while the shops on the second level have been dismantled.
What is the current situation of tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba is facing a significant crisis. The arrival of visitors has fallen by 25% in January 2025 compared to the previous year. This is reflected in empty hotels, deserted streets, and high prices that are unaffordable for most Cubans. Despite the government's efforts to promote the island as a tourist destination, the lack of adequate infrastructure and basic services has deterred tourists.
What other iconic places in Havana are in a state of disrepair?
In addition to El Dorado, other iconic places in Havana are in a state of neglect. The National Aquarium, Chinatown, the Sports City, and La Esquina de Tejas are some of the sites that show visible signs of deterioration. These places, which were once symbols of recreation and culture, now reflect neglect and a lack of maintenance.
How does the deterioration of public spaces affect Cubans?
The deterioration of public spaces deeply affects Cubans, as it limits options for recreation and leisure in an environment already complicated by the economic crisis. The lack of maintenance and the abandonment of these places increase the sense of hopelessness and frustration among the population, who witness the crumbling of the sites that once formed part of their collective memory.
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