Parrandas Remedianas The Cuban town of Remedios was founded around 1514, but it wasn’t until 1578 after a fire that it was given the name of San Juan de los Remedios del Cayo, popularly known as Remedios. This peaceful town has a small, well-preserved historic center around Plaza Martí. Overlooking the square is the city cathedral, San Juan Bautista, considered one of the most important churches in Cuba. Behind the church is the House of Alejandro García Caturla, a talented Cuban 20th-century composer, pianist, saxophone player, percussionist, violinist and singer. He was, and still is, a personality within the Cuban culture. His house gathers a comprehensive collection of his personal belongings, musical instruments, and photographs.

However, none of this makes the town as famous as it is. Undoubtedly, what is most renowned about it are the Parrandas Remedianas! This is a festivity based on the competition between the only two quarters of the town: San Salvador and Carmen. The festival has music, dances, and parades with floats (carrozas) and huge wooden contraptions (trabajos de plaza). The Parrandas begin on December 4 with concerts performed by various percussion instruments, and end with a great crescendo on Christmas Eve. The two quarters have to leave the Trabajos de Plaza made during the whole year on the Plaza Martí during the festivities so that they are illuminated at nine in the evening. They can have a historical, cultural, architectural, patriotic, or scientific theme. Afterwards, there are lots of fireworks to welcome the floats, which never come before 3 am and move among the crowd. The whole festivity stretches just until 6 am, at which time a board chooses the best quarter. The most prominent aspect of the Parrandas, however, is that absolutely all the residents take part.

Thus, there is a Mueseo de las Parrandas Remedianas in the town that is worth checking out if you’re not able to make it for the actual Parrandas celebration.