On the Havana Malecon
Photo Feature by Irina Pino
HAVANA TIMES – Nostalgia is often linked to the Havana Malecon. What Cuban, or foreign visitor, hasn’t sat on that wall that holds back the sea? It’s normal to walk along it, watching the changes in the ocean, whether in summer or winter.
I’ve read that this concrete seawall began construction in 1819, along Avenida del Puerto. Near that coastal area there were taverns, houses, fishermen had their boats anchored there, and locals would bathe and hang out. As the city developed its infrastructure, the wall was extended in sections, spanning 50 years of construction and completed in 1958. It’s said to stretch seven thousand meters in length.
There are buildings all along this marvel: the Castle of the Royal Force of Havana, the Caryatids, the Hotel Nacional, the Castle of San Salvador de la Punta, the Monument to Antonio Maceo, the Chorrera Tower, the US Embassy, the 1830 Restaurant, the Havana Tunnel, and the tunnel that connects Vedado with 5th Avenue, among others.
During the day, many brave the scorching sun just to enjoy the view. At night, a soft breeze wraps around them. You can see the city lights, or perhaps a ship in the distance. Sunset and sunrise are also unforgettable when you’re at the Malecon.
I’m sure each of us has anecdotes and stories that took place at this perfectly crafted structure. I, for one, have sat there to share romantic moments with lovers. I remember once, I was having some drinks with a group of friends, and I wanted to throw my watch into the sea. Though, most likely, it would have landed on the reef. But nothing happened because they took the watch off my wrist and hid it.
In these photos, there are fishermen, people sitting and chatting, and what caught my attention was an old man with several pieces of wet clothing laid out on the wall. When I asked if it was laundry day, he told me he was selling them.
Here are the pictures—I hope you enjoy them.
Havana’s Malecon should be filled with tourists, day visitors to the city, and residents all enjoying the fantastic view of the ocean from atop the protected barrier. Along the length should be street vendors selling Cuban trinkets, food, drinks, clothing, and umbrellas for shade. Others could be street buskers performing their unique, and familiar, Cubano musical vibes to help create an enjoyable and memorable enjoyable ambiance.
The Malecon should be a microcosm of life.
Where are the leaders? Where do they go after abandoning the beauty of the Malecon? Do they intentionally only remain in the interior of the city, within their protected bubbles? Where has the pride of Cuba gone?
I remember the malecon very well, I even enjoyed it when there were big swells that turned the areas near the malecon into a shower of salt water.
Many happy memories of those Malecon walks – shame it now looks so scruffy !!
This days the malecon is invaded at night by animals on drugs and alcohol.