A report published on social media by the resident of Manzanillo Ismael Rodríguez Garriga has sparked a wave of sadness and discontent among Cubans who proudly remember the splendor of the Costa Azul cabaret, an architectural and cultural gem of the city of Manzanillo, now left to its fate.
“It hurts to see how what was once one of the most prosperous cities in Cuba is being destroyed little by little,” Rodríguez wrote alongside a series of images that reveal the current state of the building: collapsed roofs, looted facilities, floors filled with debris, and an atmosphere of total desolation.
Located on the banks of the Gulf of Guacanayabo, on the iconic 1st of May Avenue, the Costa Azul cabaret was much more than a nightlife venue. Founded in the 1950s as part of the "Yacht and Fishing Club," and transformed after 1959 into one of the most significant cultural hubs in eastern Cuba, the site came to be regarded as a "Colossal Complex," as described by the local press in 2009.
According to the blog La Presa de Cuba, the cabaret featured an outdoor dance floor with a capacity for over 300 people, barbecue areas, a restaurant, a nautical bar, private rooms, marble sculptures, and shows in the Tropicana style.
It was a frequent stage for figures such as Rojitas, Antolín, Leo Vera, Los Zafiros, Cándido Fabré, la Original de Manzanillo, among many others.
His constructions were praised for their design that harmonized with the coastal environment and for the quality of the materials used, which were resistant to salt and weather. The investment for their last major renovation, prior to its permanent closure, amounted to over four million pesos.
However, recent images show that nothing remains of the splendor that was once a symbol of manzanillera identity.
The roof has been partially dismantled, several spaces are destroyed, and the decorative elements have vanished. The deterioration is complete.
Facebook/Ismael Rodríguez Garriga.
Ismael's post, shared by dozens of users, has sparked an avalanche of comments from Cubans expressing sadness, nostalgia, and frustration over institutional neglect. Many recall dances from their youth, nights of entertainment, family celebrations, and the vibrant life that thrived at Costa Azul.
"The problem and the solution are known to us all. The day will come," wrote the author of the post, clearly alluding to the state's responsibility for the collapse of cultural and recreational infrastructure in Cuba.
The case of the Costa Azul is not isolated. Reports of the deterioration of iconic centers are becoming increasingly frequent, with no public restoration plans or official explanations.
Meanwhile, the ruins are piling up and the country is losing not only buildings, but also collective memories and essential spaces for community life.
Abandonment of the Costa Azul Cabaret and Cultural Heritage in Cuba
What is the current status of the Costa Azul cabaret in Manzanillo?
The Costa Azul cabaret is in a state of complete neglect, with collapsed ceilings, looted facilities, and floors strewn with debris. The venue, which was once an important cultural hub, is now in ruins, highlighting the lack of attention from the Cuban authorities.
What impact does the abandonment of cultural sites in Cuba have?
The abandonment of cultural sites like the Costa Azul cabaret represents a significant loss for the collective memory and cultural identity of Cuba. These spaces, left in ruins, deprive communities of places for gathering and cultural expression, exacerbating frustration and social disenchantment.
What other iconic places in Cuba are in a state of neglect?
In addition to the Costa Azul cabaret, other places such as the former Venus Hotel in Santiago de Cuba, the El Arte printing house in Manzanillo, and the National Aquarium of Cuba are also in a state of neglect. These sites, once symbols of prosperity and culture, now reflect the widespread deterioration and lack of maintenance.
Why doesn't the Cuban government restore these cultural sites?
The restoration of these places has not been prioritized by the Cuban government, which has focused its investments on the construction of new hotels for foreign tourism. This situation generates criticism, as cultural and architectural heritage is being overlooked, impacting the quality of life of the local population.
Filed under: