By : Odalis Cuadra Vazquez

When you visit Guantanamo, the easterner of all Cuban provinces, you find beautiful landscapes with impressive elevations and humble and friendly farmers that delight with their traditions and customs.

The mix of the Indian, Spanish, African, Chinese and French cultures form this land. Folkloric groups are highlighted for their professionalism; in their music and dance they reflect the parties of Yorubas, Abacuas and Blacks as well as Haitian rites, relevant among all is the Tumba francesa of African origin.

Among other attractions of the province is the Zoo Stone, the only of its kind in the country, located in Yateras and created by Angel Iñigo, a farmer that began his sculpture career without any educational or professional instruction.

Passionate by animals and the wild life, Iñigo began working with rustic instruments. He began working the stone and obtained an attractive and fierce lion, the first figure that protects the entrance of the coffee plantation that is invaded by many other stone animals.

None can talk about Guantanamo without mentioning the illegal Yankee Naval Base, a living evidence of the American expansion to the island. Very near the Base are Caimanera town and the hotel that with same name gives splendour to the surrounding and offers good and varied services.

Baracoa, first village and capital of the island was founded in 1512 by Diego Velazquez, here is found the Parra Cross, the oldest symbol of the Christian religion in the new world. The city treasures historical and cultural centres like Matachin fort and Saint Port hotel.

In the Prime Village you can also find El Toa River, the most abundant of the country, and 10 Indian archaeological sites. El Yunque is Baracoa's most representative mountain, nowadays a recreational centre of exuberant vegetation. Humbolt's Park is another of the city wonders, National Park and the zone of greatest biological diversity in Cuba and all the insular Caribbean.

Taking into account Guantanamo's authentic and cultural relation with the Caribbean is important to protect each item of historical and cultural value for those that admire our ancestral culture.