In the heart of Cuba, Camagüey stands as a living labyrinth of cobblestones and traditions. Declared a World Heritage Site in 2008, this city not only preserves buildings but also breathes history in every alley.
Its historic center stands out for its labyrinthine urban layout, a legacy of the Spanish colonial adaptation to defend against pirates, and for its baroque churches and squares that fuse unique architectural styles.
But beyond its stones, Camagüey embodies a living culture: its pottery traditions, such as the iconic tinajones (earthenware jars), music, theater, and dance festivals, and culinary practices like ajiaco are some intangible expressions that maintain their relevance in everyday life.
But preservation goes beyond the architectural. Natural heritage, such as the Najasa fossil tree forest or the Sierra de Cubitas, is protected with equal fervor.
In communities like Vertientes, residents learn to care for the native vegetation of Potrero de Jimaguayú, the historic site where Major General Ignacio Agramonte fell in combat.
Citizen responsibility to care for heritage and public spaces is a shared duty that strengthens identity and collective well-being. Avoiding mistreatment, garbage accumulation, and vandalism involves acting with respect toward the history, architecture, and nature that surround us. Properly collecting and disposing of waste, using community assets with care, and reporting irregularities contribute to a safer and more pleasant environment for all.
Every inhabitant is a custodian of the community's cultural and environmental legacy, and their daily actions foster a future in which future generations can appreciate and enjoy these treasures.
Camagüey is not a city frozen in time; it is an organism that grows without erasing its roots; it is a future under construction.
True success in the care of both tangible and intangible heritage is measured by a society's ability to achieve a dynamic balance: protecting the authenticity of the past while allowing it to evolve in ways relevant to the present and future. (Maykel Torres La Rosa and Arleén Calvo Lacal/Radio Cadena Agramonte) (Photo: Taken from the Internet)