Hill of the Cross / Loma de la Cruz Does anybody else love the view from the hill of the cross... One of my favorite spots..!!! At almost 300 m high, for the more adventurous of you out there, put your best walking shoes for the 460 steps up this hill.... Or just sit back and let someone drive you up there.. For the best view on the city, And it is also quite a sight to see in the evening to. History of Loma de la Cruz.. May is the month for celebrations in Holguin. They are called Romerias de Mayo, and while they are going on thousands of people dance and sing from morning til night, in line with a long tradition. The highest spot in the city, La Loma de la Cruz, is the center of the festivities. Every May 3, thousands of people of all ages climb the enormous stairway built into the hillside and camp out on top for several days. This custom has its history: on May 3, 1790 Friar Antonio Alegria, prior of the Franciscan community in Holguin, ascended a stony elevation known as Bayado Hill on the edge of that district. On his shoulders he carried an enormous rustic cross, which from that moment on would remain on the top of that hill. According to historians, this Christian pilgrimage coincided with pagan celebrations known as Romerias. The climb up Loma de la Cruz became easier starting in 1927, when the first stone was placed on what would be a great staircase. A circular structure was built and the Romerías acquired greater elegance, with musical performances at the top of the elevation and at its base, where there are several electrical generators. In 1955 the original cross was replaced with the one standing there now and a monolithic base, designed by architect Roguez Columbie, was placed there. With time, the Romerias de Mayo were forgotten, but in 1994 the Hermanos Saíz Association of young artists took charge of reviving the old tradition. Thus, the fifth month of the year has become a time of great celebration for the people of Holguín when thousands of Cuban and foreign visitors spend a few enjoyable days in that city. Well worth a visit
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 09:45:34 +0000
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