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Located in Las Tunas, the Antonio Maceo Park has become a symbol of that city.
In times of the Spanish colony, the inhabitants of Las Tunas City called it Cristina Square, in homage to a Spanish queen of the same name, although at present it does not exist any monument in the park referred to this sovereign. It is known, thanks to photographs of the time, that it was an unpaved esplanade where children used to play in the neighborhood.
The Obelisk of the Antonio Maceo Park in Las Tunas.
In 1914, in tribute to the victims of the wars of independence and promoted by the Provincial Council of Orient, an obelisk was placed in the park, with of three meters of height, constructed by the Italian Company Ugo Luisi.
Bust of the Bronze Titan of the Antonio Maceo Park in Las Tunas.
On August 28th, 1947, on the initiative of Alfredo Guillen Morales, a bust of General Antonio Maceo y Grajales, known as the Bronze Titan, was placed in the park. The work was sculpted by the Holguin-born Jose Virelles and after its placement, became the reason of the name changing, and Cristina Square then became known as Antonio Maceo Park. The bust of Maceo was unveiled on August 28th, 1947 in a solemn and public act.
Sculpture to Brigida Zaldivar of the Antonio Maceo Park in Las Tunas.
Later, in 1960 it was located in the Antonio Maceo Park a sculpture dedicated to the mothers made in Carrara marble. The work was inspired by Brigida Zaldivar Cisneros, the wife of Major General Vicente Garcia Gonzalez, one of the most important mambises (Cuban patriots) born in Las Tunas.
Description and Characteristics of the Antonio Maceo Park.
This central square is one of the most welcoming areas of the town for its large trees, variety of flowers and numerous benches.
The current park is the work of the architect Vicente Navarro Betancourt. It has a rectangular plant, with the presence of green areas and granite benches, being the sculptural elements the most interesting points. The eclectic portals that border this public space give it a great harmony at the urban level.
But of all its elements the imposing figure of the legendary mambi which is, Antonio Maceo, is what distinguishes this area, always preferred for tributes, political acts and starting point for marches and pilgrimages of remembrance to the heroes and martyrs of the Cuban independence struggles . The well-known Bronze Titan, intervened in more than 600 combative actions, receiving 26 wounds in all its body. He was a teacher in the use of the military tactics and chief of high prestige, reason why it is considered today paradigm of tireless warrior.
The Antonio Maceo Park in Las Tunas is surrounded by important facilities such as the artisan market of the provincial capital of Las Tunas, the headquarters of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, the Palace of Marriages, the Enrique Casals Tobacco Factory, a pharmacy by the same name and La Camagüeyana, a shop.
For its historical value, the Antonio Maceo Park has become a symbol of the city of Las Tunas.
