It is easy to say "half millennium" to refer to the years of founded the town of Santiago de Cuba by Diego Velázquez, but in truth, seems much time elapsed five centuries when we say it?
It was July 25, 1515 the date chosen by historians to mark the event, occurred in a peaceful place, near the sea, in an area characterized by irregular topography with a system of terraces.
They settle today the three main squares and parks of the eastern city: Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, Dolores and Marrte
In many events, events, births, deaths or natural shocks has witnessed the city, distinguished early with the title of Very Noble and Loyal, surely, are many.
Suffice it to glance at the Chronicles of the patriot and writer Emilio Bacardi to get an idea, in chronological order, of what happened.
Other researchers have been given the task of giving continuity as Olga Portuondo Zuniga, who today is the Historian of the City, despite having its roots in another village, founded just in the east of the country: Santa Maria del Puerto del Principe, Camagüey today.
Undoubtedly live in Santiago is a privilege, by the idiosyncrasy, joy and hospitality of its people, for its rich history, which made him deserve the honorary title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Order Antonio Maceo.
And what about their carnivals, the pride of having been the birthplace of renowned singers and genres like trova and son.
Much could talk about Santiago on this birthday of his heroes, monuments, architectural attractions and heritage, its streets, alleys, stairways and pretorios.
Undoubtedly there is every reason to celebrate the July 25, especially for people who have grown to natural adversities, a town that is at the heart of Cuba.