Cuba: The Kiosko Pando, a bandstand dating from 1909 in Plaza Marti, Remedios, Villa Clara Province

Remedios, founded in 1524, was eclipsed by Santa Clara in the late 17th century and has changed relatively little since. The main square, Plaza Martí, is dominated by two churches – the 18th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje with a fine bell tower, and the more important Parroquial de San Juan Bautista, dating from 1545. The latter is certainly one of the most beautiful churches in Cuba, particularly notable for its elaborately carved and gilded altar, as well as the only statue of a pregnant Madonna of the Immaculate Conception in Cuba, or as the locals say, in the world.

At the centre of Plaza Martí is the Kiosko Pando, a bandstand dating from 1909, where live 'big band' music is played weekly on Thursday nights.

Remedios is also famous for the Festival of Parrandas which takes place annually on 24 and 25 December.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia