Charcoal Producers in Nuevitas

Nuevitas, Camagüey, August 28 - The production of charcoal in Nuevitas is as old as the founding of the town. Both in areas near the bay and the heavily forested keys, as well as in intricate rural landscapes and regions close to population centers, the locals took the initiative to process the wood.

The ancient charcoal pits of Cayo Sabinal and Cayo Romano are well-known, as were the ovens built near Punta del Guincho in Nuevitas, and the larger, more established ones located in the historic site of Las 80, close to the picturesque resort of Santa Lucía.

The craft became so ingrained that it turned into a way of life for the so-called “arrancados,” who persistently sought to make a living, at least covering their minimal needs.

In October 1940, a strike by the charcoal workers of Los Robles in Cayo Sabinal occurred when they abandoned their duties due to the poor condition of the provisions being sold to them at high prices.

Additionally, on December 11 of the same year, it was reported that American companies attempted to seize the lands of Cayo Romano, claiming ownership rights from the Central Cunagüa S.A., threatening the possibility of continuing charcoal production.

Historically, charcoal workers have taken progressive and revolutionary positions since the establishment of the mediated Republic. For instance, on January 10, 1941, Antonio Ramírez Rivero attempted to organize a strike during the charcoal harvesting to pay tribute to the young communist leader Julio Antonio Mella, for which he was prosecuted by the Urgent Court of Camagüey.

The production of charcoal has always been closely linked to the oldest cries heard in the city, announcing the sale of charcoal in cans and complete sacks of jute. Some of those voices could be heard exclaiming: “Come buy good charcoal. It cooks well, lasts long, and doesn’t smoke” or “Fry your fish in the pan with the charcoal, just as I do.”

In addition to using various types of leaves, twigs, and herbs for medicinal purposes, the burning charcoal and embers from marabou provided the necessary heat to relieve the charcoal workers from the aches of long working days and years spent in the trade; however, this practice faded over many years.

Many of those pioneers of the trade, mostly Spaniards who dedicated their lives to charcoal production in Nuevitas, were cared for until their last days after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution by health institutions, particularly by the nursing home that was built there.

Now, even though there are still locals engaged in this task, the legacy of those who began it remains, as it was the primary fuel used for cooking food. (Text and photo: Radio Nuevitas)