Cárdenas and its Cemetery of the Ships: History, Forgetting, and Tourist Potential

In the heart of the Bay of Cárdenas, in Matanzas, lies the Cemetery of the Ships, a place where history and oblivion converge.

This site, located on a caye near the port of Cárdenas, is not only a place of abandonment, but also a testament to the rich maritime tradition of the city and its connection to the sea, reported the official newspaper Girón.

Cárdenas, known as the "City of Firsts," had a glorious past in the 19th century when its port was a vital hub for export and fishing.

In those days, the vessels that now rest in the cemetery sailed the waters, filled with hopes and sustenance for the fishermen and their families.

Today, however, its rusty remains are a reflection not only of a lost splendor but also of the neglect towards a heritage that once defined the identity of this region.

The landscape of the Cemetery of Ships combines the reddish hues of rust with the blue waters of the bay and the surrounding vegetation, creating a unique setting.

This contrast, combined with the calm that surrounds it, makes it a place that invites reflection on the fishing roots of the region.

However, this visual and cultural richness is at risk of fading away without proper intervention.

Additionally, the site stands as a bridge between the past and the present, with the potential to become a tourist and heritage attraction that benefits the community.

However, this potential seems to be overlooked, leaving an area rich in historical memory neglected.

The lack of proper management not only threatens to erase an essential part of Cárdenas' legacy, but also represents a missed opportunity to revitalize fishing traditions and generate economic benefits through tourism.

Transforming the Ship Cemetery into a tourist attraction would not only revitalize these traditions but also give voice to a story that deserves to be told and preserved.

The Bay of Cárdenas and its Ship Cemetery are more than just a reminder of what once was; they are an example of the neglect that affects the cultural and natural heritage of the country.

The preservation of this space requires urgent attention to ensure that its legacy transcends future generations, rather than becoming just another example of historical neglect on the island.

The current state of neglect facing the Cemetery of the Ships is not new. In 2022, the official newspaper Girón already warned about the progressive deterioration of this historic site in Cárdenas, Matanzas, and expressed concern that new generations were unaware of its significance as part of the local heritage.

The article described the cemetery as a unique space, where the destruction of the "time travelers" – the name given to abandoned ships – evoked both admiration and concern.

"Today, some of the pieces of ships that were visible back then can no longer be seen," the author noted, highlighting the progress of deterioration and the lack of conservation.

Although its uniqueness has made it an occasional setting for quinceañera photos and photography projects, the report emphasized that this sporadic use does not fully appreciate its true historical and cultural value.

"Part of the new generations is unaware of this space," he warned, emphasizing that without measures for its preservation, these "time travelers" will disappear, taking with them a crucial chapter of Cárdenas' maritime history.

The abandonment of this cemetery not only reflects the physical deterioration of the vessels but also the lack of institutional interest in preserving a heritage that could become an important tourist and cultural attraction for the region.

The deterioration and neglect of heritage in Cuba reflects the profound consequences of the economic crisis the country is facing, regarded as one of the most severe in six decades.

The once emblematic Teatro Musical de La Habana, a space that once shone as a cultural epicenter, now lies completely abandoned, turned into a dumping ground in Centro Habana.

The images shared last November by the user Pablo Salcedo on Facebook expose the deterioration of the place, covered in graffiti, trash, and ruins, which have turned its surroundings into a portrait of institutional neglect.

Neighbors and users on social media have pointed out that the situation at the Teatro Musical de La Habana has been ongoing since 2018, with no action taken by the authorities of Centro Habana to restore this icon of Cuban culture.

A similar situation arises with the Marcelo Salado Social Worker Club, located in the coastal neighborhood of Jaimanitas, which in the 1950s was one of many clubs that symbolized the vibrant social life of Havana, but today reflects the neglect and deterioration affecting a large part of the cultural heritage in Cuba.

Its construction began in 1958 but it was inaugurated after the Revolution. This club was part of a network of exclusive spaces, like the famous nautical clubs of the Cuban capital, intended for the leisure of an emerging middle class aspiring to modernity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ship Cemetery in Cárdenas, Matanzas