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The monumental letters CUBA in La Alameda park, located along the waterfront of Santiago de Cuba, underwent professional restoration after experiencing significant deterioration caused by the marine environment and vandalism from graffiti on their surface. This vandalism reflects the local government's inability to protect this landmark, resulting in insecurity in the city.
The intervention was carried out by the artisan and artist Adalberto Rojas Caballero, under the direction of the Office of the Conservator of the City and the Caguayo Foundation for Monumental, Applied Arts and Design.
The work included the replacement of metal plates to reinforce the structure at the base of the letters and ensure their durability, as well as the use of electrodes, anti-corrosive paint, and finishing paint.
A statement from the Office of the Conservator described the extent of the damage: "The work addressed the advanced state of deterioration caused by the aggressive marine environment, as well as vandalism and graffiti that affected its surface."
The letters, one of the most popular photogenic spots on the Santiago beachfront, are regarded as a symbol of local identity.
According to Fonseca Pérez, "the imposing letters CUBA are not just a perfect backdrop for your photos: they are a symbol of identity and pride for the people of Santiago."
This is not the first time these structures have needed attention: in November 2023, repair work had already been carried out on the seaside promenade, which included interventions on the letters themselves and other decorative elements in the surroundings.
Vandalism against public heritage is a recurring problem in Cuba.
In Villa Clara, the losses due to vandalism in parks and monuments exceeded a quarter of a million pesos just in 2018, and in 2022, vandalistic acts were reported against a National Monument in Havana.
In 2025, a profile linked to the Ministry of the Interior described the graffiti in public spaces in Cuba as "visual aggression" and "vandalism," highlighting the extent of the phenomenon on the island.
After completing the restoration, the Office of the Conservator issued a direct call to the public: "From the Office of the Conservator, we urge the population to join in the care and preservation of this work."
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