City history
Discover the rich history of Camagüey, a city defined by its unique colonial architecture, labyrinthine streets, and deep-rooted Cuban traditions.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"New Saint Mary"
While an indigenous name is not reliably documented, the earliest recorded name is Santa María la Nueva, established during the Spanish colonial period.
Devotion to the Virgin Mary
The original Spanish name given to the settlement upon its foundation in the region.
Disputed etymology
The name transitioned from the religious Santa María la Nueva to the name Camagüey over time.
Chapter two
The Cuban government officially decided to cease the practice of seasonal clock changes to maintain national time consistency.
Cuba synchronized its timekeeping standards to align with the America/Havana timezone, facilitating better communication and national transport coordination.
Chapter three
The settlement of Santa María la Nueva was established, marking the beginning of permanent Spanish colonial presence in the region.
The expansion of the railway network reached the area, significantly altering trade, travel, and local time coordination for transportation.
The city underwent significant construction of its characteristic colonial churches and squares, defining the unique urban landscape seen today.