Santa Clara – "Congratulations to the people of Santa Clara on the 337th anniversary of that city, so dear and dear to me," wrote the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on his social media account, where he shared his feelings with the Cuban people.
The president, a native of the city, sent a warm embrace and words full of patriotism to the people of Santa Clara, whom he described as a heroic and hardworking people.
In his message, the Head of State, who represents this municipality as a deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power, expressed the special affection he feels for this land, the forge of his identity and revolutionary values.
The celebration of this founding date coincided with Villa Clara's status as an Outstanding Province in anticipation of National Rebellion Day. This designation was based on the province's main economic, productive, and social indicators, as well as the way in which the territory has addressed the challenges of the current context, adding even more joy to the festivities.
It's important to remember that a son of this land, Osvaldo Socarrás Martínez, gave his life in the actions of July 26th, 1953, and that, by a twist of fate, the leader of that attack, Fidel Castro Ruz, would later wear eyeglasses made in this city by Marta Abreu and Che Guevara at the Moncada Barracks.
On his way to Santiago de Cuba, on July 25, 1953, Fidel stopped here at López Opticians, located on Cuba Street, to replace the eyeglasses he had left behind at Melba Hernández's house. These new glasses were made in less than an hour by Rafael Gutiérrez, a technician at the shop.
As a prelude to the festivities, revitalization efforts were carried out throughout the city, extending beyond the historic center to several of its outlying districts. These efforts included cleaning, park restoration, and the cleanup of the Cubanicay and Bélico rivers, as well as the beautification of the ring road and the city's entrances.
Santa Clara, capital of the central province of Villa Clara, was founded on July 15, 1689, by 18 families from Remedios. It boasts a rich history, having been the site of important patriotic events and serving as a key player in the country's political, cultural, and economic life.
