The fishing village Isabela de Sagua, in Villa Clara, was once a prosperous port, located at the closest point of the island to the United States. However, today its deserted streets, corroded docks, and crumbling houses have turned it into a true ghost town.
The Cuban influencer Karina Sánchez Rodríguez (@kary_y_jonyyoutuber) recently visited the area and shared a video on social media showcasing the heartbreaking condition of this community. "Another abandoned place: Isabela de Sagua, the closest port in Cuba to the United States," she wrote in the post.
In the audiovisual material, the content creator narrates the history of the port, which in the past hosted intense commercial activity with merchant ships arriving and departing. Now the scene is desolate: destroyed structures, deserted streets, and a silence that is only broken by the sound of the wind and the waves.
"Isabela de Sagua, a port that connected worlds, is now just the echo of a glorious past," the influencer states in her video.
The migration stampede and the decline of Isabela
This village had a police patrol on its access road for decades to verify the identity of those visiting, due to the number of illegal departures from the country that occurred in the area. The police would also check the trunks of vehicles to know everything that was coming in and out of the village.
The abandonment of Isabela de Sagua is not a recent phenomenon. In 2023, CiberCuba published a report highlighting the population decline in the area due to the mass migration of its residents, particularly the young people, who have sought a way out of the country by any available means.
"What remains here is mostly elderly people; there is very little youth. Almost all of the young people have left," assured a resident. The few inhabitants that remain in Isabela de Sagua are aware that migration and institutional abandonment will continue, but they are older now and cling to the only thing they have left.
A testimony of Cuba's decline
What is happening in Isabela de Sagua reflects the crisis facing Cuba as a whole. The lack of opportunities, the decline of infrastructure, and the increasing emigration have turned many towns into almost uninhabited places, where only memories of better times remain.
While the Cuban government ignores the situation, Cubans continue to leave their homes in search of a better future. Isabela de Sagua, once a key hub for trade and maritime life, has now become a sad symbol of the abandonment and despair that plague the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abandonment and the Crisis in Isabela de Sagua and Other Areas of Cuba
Why has Isabela de Sagua become a ghost town?
Isabela de Sagua has become a ghost town due to government neglect and the massive migration of its inhabitants, especially the youth, who seek better opportunities outside of Cuba. This phenomenon reflects the economic and social decline that the country as a whole is facing.
How has the economic crisis affected tourism in Cuba?
The economic crisis has severely impacted tourism in Cuba, resulting in a notable decrease in visitors. Despite the government's efforts to promote tourism, the lack of adequate infrastructure, constant power outages, and poor quality of services have deterred tourists, leaving places like Varadero nearly deserted.
What impact does institutional abandonment have on Cuban communities?
The institutional abandonment severely affects Cuban communities, resulting in the deterioration of infrastructure, lack of basic services, and the exodus of residents to other countries. This is evident in places like Isabela de Sagua, which has become almost uninhabited, and in other areas where the socioeconomic crisis is palpable.
What does the current state of Isabela de Sagua reflect about the overall situation in Cuba?
The current state of Isabela de Sagua reflects the general crisis affecting Cuba, characterized by a lack of opportunities, the deterioration of infrastructure, and mass emigration. These issues are common in various regions of the island, impacting both the population and key economic sectors such as tourism.
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