There is something that not everyone is aware of but it seems incredible and magical to me.
Well, between Cuba and Cádiz there is a great, almost mystical, connection. Between both zones there are thousands of kilometers that separate them and the years of creation of the cities are also distant in millennials.
Well, even with all this, Cuba is very present in flamenco songs, especially those from Cádiz (alegrías, tanguillos, pasodobles, etc…). There are also Cuban songs adapted and already established in flamenco such as «Guajira Flamenca»
Both cities have a strong artistic expression and between their verses and lyrics they call each other «ciudad hermana»
It is due to the maritime location of Cádiz and the Spanish colonies of yesteryear that a certain affinity between both areas can be understood, Cádiz was the gateway to Spain for everything that came from «Las Américas». But what is a real mystery is this disturbing architectural relationship between the capital of Cuba and Cádiz city.
Differentiating them is not easy, but this resemblance is not as rare as it seems.
Spain was a colonial empire and Cádiz due to its, before mentioned, location became rich during that time. Wealthy merchants with money were allowed to emigrate to the Caribbean island. Of course, architecturally they followed the Cadiz line since it was more developed than the Cuban one. That is why Havana is so similar to Cádiz; and not the other way around since Cadiz is three times a thousand years older than Cuba.
There is another theory that my guitar teacher told me, with whom I share this fondness for beauty, which says that a viceroy that Cuba had came from Cádiz. Legend has it that this viceroy, longing for his land, ordered the construction of the Havana promenade in the image and likeness of the one in Cádiz. Personally, I would love this story that he told me to be true, but I can’t be sure since after much searching I have not found evidence of this feat
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