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Remedios is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Cuba that we recommend including as a stop on a tour; it is the eighth of Diego Velasquez's seven colonial villas (dating back to 1523, while the other seven were founded between 1514 and 1516) and, being somewhat off the beaten path from the carretera central, it has managed to remain somewhat removed from the large mass tourism circuits with a historic center.

It is located northeast of Santa Clara, just 40 minutes from the city.
The only town to feature two churches on the main square, Remedios was originally founded on the coast in the early 16th century and, after a fire caused by a pirate attack, was moved inland.

In 1980, its historic center was declared a "National Monument." Here you can find several examples of seventeenth-century Spanish architecture in good condition.
Its main attraction is the Church of San Juan Bautista, which has 13 beautiful gold-plated altars. These altars and other works of art remained camouflaged under layers of paint for several centuries to prevent their looting by pirates. They were gradually rediscovered between 1944 and 1954, when Eutimio Falla Bonet, a remembered Cuban philanthropist, paid for the reconstruction of the church.

MARKETS and FESTIVALS: The so-called "San Juan fairs" are celebrated twice a year, on June 24 (Nativity of San Juan Bautista) and August 29 (Martyrdom of San Juan Bautista).

Its Christmas festival "Las parrandas remedianas," which begins on December 16 and ends on December 24, is known throughout Cuba. These coincide with the Aguinaldo masses corresponding to the Novena of Baby Jesus. During the festival, the city is divided into two groups, "El Carmen," also called Carmelitas and represented by the falcon, and "San Salvador," represented by the rooster. The climax comes on the last day when the competition of decorated floats, fireworks, and works takes place. The celebration begins at 5:00 PM and does not conclude until dawn.

There is a museum dedicated to these parrandas where a precious collection of models, photos, and works from past years is exhibited.

It will surprise you with the serenity it offers visitors, especially thanks to the mighty trees of Plaza Martí, the cultural heart of Remedios.