Relaxing on the Bayamo River

Ramon Andujar, photos by Ihosvanny

HAVANA TIMES, Feb. 28 — In contrast to the residents of Havana, Matanzas or Cienfuegos, for those people who live in the city of Bayamo the beach is pretty far away.  Nonetheless, “Bayameses” (the city’s residents) enjoy the privilege of a wide river that crosses their city and creates a kind of oasis there.

The Bayamo River is a tributary of the Cauto, which is the second largest tributary in Cuba after the Toa River.

On one of its banks, Bayamo residents have created a unique “beach,” which on hot summer days is turned to by thousands of villagers and even by people from the nearby provinces of Holguin and Las Tunas.

This site, is called El Chapuzon (“the dip”).  In addition to being ideal for escaping the torrid tropical heat, it’s also a place for general recreation.  Here you can listen to music or enjoy a Cuban-style lunch in the company of family and friends.

And if there are still any lingering doubts about the good times that Cubans know how to have — especially “Bayameses” — these photos by Ihosvanny are proof that the Chapuzon is a place to spend an afternoon of healthy relaxation in contact with nature.

Click on the tumbnails below to view all the photos in this gallery

1 2 ►