Patriotic Symbols

The Hatchet

The Hatchet of Holguin (found by a Spanish official in 1860), was declared as the territorial symbol, by law, in May 28^th, 1981

Aboriginals sculpted it in the 1400’s and it is by itself an exceptional piece of art within the Cuban aboriginal culture.

The sculptors used olive green peridotita stone. It is an engraving of a male being, with a diadem on the top and the arms over the chest.

The overall size is 350mm by 76mm by 48mm. A replica has been given to different personalities and visitors to the city, as well as institutions and people that have made important contributions to the territory and the country.

Among the recipients are Fidel and Raul Castro, Maurice Bishop-former president of Granada, Silvio Rodriguez-Cuban composer and interpreter, Jose A. Garcia Castañeda-city historian, Eusebio Leal-Havana historian and member of Cuban Parliament, Antonio Nuñez Jimenez-Cuban scientific, and many others.

The Doorknocker of the Periquera

The Periquera was the government building for more than one century and it was always linked to the independent wars. It was  birthplace to the most relevant historical and cultural events of Holguin during the colony and pseudo-republic.

From a residence and business place for the Spanish Francisco Roldan, it became the city’s most important place. It was first called “La Periquera” on October 30^th, 1868, while being attacked by Mambises, lead by Mayor Julio Grave de Peralta and the Dominican Luis Marcano. They shouted, “out of the cage, parrots!” to the Spanish soldiers, whose uniform colors resembled the ones of the parrot.

Mambises troops, lead by the general Máximo Gómez and Mayor General Calixto García Iñiguez, attacked it again in 1872.

Known for its notorious neoclassic architecture and its position in front of Arms Square, it was used for commerce, with shops, cafés and movie theatre on the lower level and chess club, public library, ballet and elementary school and expo gallery on the upper level.

Several historical, patriotic and political activities took place here: In May 20^th, 1902, the Cuban flag was officially raised for the first time, in 1936 it was seat for La Demajagua remembrance ceremonies and the funerals of prominent Holguinians like Pepe Tórres, Remigio Marrero y Panchito Frexes, former members of the Liberation Army. Many riots took place in front of this building and from its balconies important politicians spoke to the people.

It was declared National Monument and Provincial Museum on October 10^th, 1978. The municipality approved by law to consider one of the doorknockers of its front door as a symbol of the city. They were made of iron, representing a woman’s face, with neoclassic style.

It symbolizes friendship, and means that those who arrive to the city will have the doors open for them. It is given to Cuban or foreign personalities that have contributed in different ways to a better society.

As a museum it shows, in different halls, local history dating back from pre-Columbian times. It also exhibits art works from painters and sculptors of international prestige and its patio is used for poetry, music, dance and history gatherings.

The Coat of Arms

Since Holguin was declared a city, in 1752, the town hall started to ask for a Coat of Arms. It would represent the most important events for the territory, which at that time was the defense against English pirates and corsairs. 

The shield was designed but to the dislike of the town hall, it did not have any reference to the defense events. The petition was put aside until 1818 when Eusebio Escudero was appointed Governor of Cuba. He took this to the Supreme Council in Spain, along with a petition for noble naming of city councilors and uniforms for their soldiers.

It was not until 1831; when King Fernando VII approved a Royal Document giving those rights. They could not use them officially until the council deposited a certain amount of money in the Royal Treasury of the district.

The shield is very simple. It has a heart shape border, and a helmet with five feathers to the top center.

Inside there is a painting of the patrons of the city: San Isidoro and Virgin Rosario.

Both are holding the Spanish Crown. In the lower part, their feet rest on several hills.

Holguin Anthem

The Colonel of the Liberation Army Pedro Martinez Freyre composed the city anthem in May 17^th, 1870

The incidents of La Demajagua (the beginning of the Independence War) were still recent. The Holguinian patriots were euphoric, waiting for coastal arrival of expeditions with armaments and ammunitions. The author, in a patriotic gesture, wrote the verses of this battle hymn, which cries out for the freedom of the island from the Spanish oppression and invites the Holguinians to join the Liberation Army.

The musical score, which is still well preserved, was written by the local musician Porfirio Sanchez, according to the testimony of the Mambí (name given to the rebels) soldier Sigifredo Urbino Guillen, musician of the orchestra conducted by Manuel Aviles.

Anthem verses

To the combat, brave Holguinians

Fear not from the tyrant his rage

Do not bow your heads like a servant

To the wicked despot Spanish

We are free, the sound announces

Spread in the wings of the wind

From the cannon tremendous explosion

And the bullets continuous whistling

Freedom, freedom to thy name

The soul beats for joy in the chest

Freedom, freedom for thy men

Abandon happily goods and shelter

It is much sweeter a grave

Than life in a deep silence

And the opprobrious peace of the slave

Simply jeer and scoff at the World