A charming small town steeped in legend and refreshingly untouched by mass tourism, Remedios is the ideal Cuban destination for an authentic escape. At once a serene place brimming with character, it pulses with energy thanks to the legendary Las Parrandas festival held each December. Fireworks, elaborate floats, vibrant streets, and dance competitions await—promising entertainment worthy of your dream Cuban holiday. Book your flights and hotel now for a wonderful stay in Remedios, one of Cuba's most enchanting towns.

About Remedios

Remedios sits nearly at the heart of Cuba, just 5 km from the island's northern coast, in Villa Clara Province. This province nestles between Matanzas to the west and Sancti Spiritus to the east, with Cienfuegos marking its southern boundary. Also known as San Juan de Los Remedios, Remedios spans some 560 km² and is home to 46,482 inhabitants (as of 2004).

Remedios – Matanzas: 263 km (3h 30min drive)

Remedios – Sancti Spiritus: 82 km (1h 20min drive)

Remedios – Cienfuegos: 138 km (approximately 2h drive)

Brimming with colonial buildings and compelling historical monuments—particularly those on its central square—Remedios stands as Cuba's 8th oldest city. Best known for its Christmas festival called Las Parrandas de Remedios, it draws islanders each December. Visitors flock here exclusively to experience this major celebration.

The town's main attraction is the stunning Iglesia Mayor de San Juan Bautista, located on the central plaza. It ranks as Cuba's 2nd oldest church. Remedios is also home to the Iglesia del Buen Viaje on the same square—making it the only Cuban city with two churches sharing a central plaza. Its historic center was declared a National Monument in 1980.

Both tranquil and vibrant, Remedios deserves the label "historic." Beyond its age, the town holds fascinating mysteries from its past. Its historical monuments and the captivating story behind the Las Parrandas festival stand as testament to this rich heritage.

History

Remedios was founded between 1513 and 1524 as the eighth city established by the Spanish. During the 18th century, it survived through trade with corsairs and pirates, particularly French ones. The town has recently undergone renovation.

Of old Remedios, only the Mascotte Hotel and the Café El Louvre remain today. The beautiful central plaza gathers several noteworthy monuments worth exploring.

What to See and Do in Remedios

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista and Iglesia del Buen Viaje

How fortunate! Both churches stand on Remedios' central square, making them easy to visit. The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is Cuba's 2nd oldest church and the town's primary attraction. The original structure was built in 1570; the current church was erected in 1692 upon the existing foundation.

In 1944, the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista underwent restoration thanks to financial support from Eutimio Falla Bonet, a wealthy American philanthropist. Designed in neoclassical style, its bell tower was constructed between 1848 and 1858.

With pale ochre walls accented by white, the church features a striking baroque interior. Notice its ornate ceiling and cedar-covered altar. Gold leaf adorns the building throughout, earning it a well-deserved spot among Remedios' must-see sites.

The Iglesia del Buen Viaje was founded in 1600 and ranks among the architectural treasures of the colonial era, attracting many visitors.

The Christmas Festival "Las Parrandas de Remedios"

Experience the Las Parrandas de Remedios celebration between December 16–26, one of the Caribbean's most important and longest-running festivals. Its spectacular climax on December 24th features fireworks, firecrackers, music, dancing, dazzling light displays, allegorical floats, and plenty of cold beer.

According to local lore, this festival began in 1820 when a priest named Francisco Vigil de Quiñónez (affectionately known as Francisquito) organized groups of children to awaken villagers with loud noise during the early hours from December 16–24. His goal was to encourage participation in the Aguinaldo Masses or Misa de Aguinaldo—also called Misa de Gallo, the midnight Advent masses before Christmas, sometimes known as "Shepherd's masses." Children used spoons, pots, and bells to create a joyful racket. The practice evolved into an annual tradition rich with entertainment: serenades with guitars and mandolins, and much more.

Here's how the festival unfolds. Citizens divide into two competing groups: the Carmelitas (from the El Carmen neighborhood) with an eagle as their emblem, and the Sansaries (from the San Salvador neighborhood) with a rooster as theirs. Each group creates a grand allegorical float (carroza) and a massive decorated structure ("Trabajos de Plaza") adorned with multicolored lights that animate the night. They craft their own fireworks and firecrackers, prepare dance choreographies for competitions, and prepare for the ultimate showdown. The grand face-off happens on the evening of December 24th in the town's main square.

This traditional folk festival has made Remedios famous as a tourist destination. It's therefore an unmissable experience during any visit to the town.

Museo de la Música Alejandro García Caturla

Situated on Remedios' Martí Plaza, the Museo de la Música honors Alejandro García Caturla, a towering figure in contemporary Cuban music who lived from 1906 to 1940. The museum occupies a former masonry building and was inaugurated twice—in 1975 and again in 2007. The first opening revealed musical instruments, sheet music, artwork, historical collections, documents, publications, and photographs. The second inauguration marked the building's redesign. Today it features 3 thematic rooms, 5 permanent exhibition spaces, and one rotating gallery.

A Stop at Café El Louvre

Cuba's oldest café, El Louvre has been operating since October 10, 1886. Constructed entirely of wood with an elegant ceiling chandelier, its doors remain open today on Maximo Gomez Square, daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Take a coffee break at El Louvre while exploring Remedios' downtown.

The Attractions of Santa Clara

Located 50 km from Santa Clara, Remedios also grants you access to the historic richness of the famous "city of Che." You can follow the footsteps of the legendary revolutionary Che Guevara in Santa Clara to enrich your journey. Among must-see sites are the Tren Blindado Museum (the Armored Train Museum) and the Che Guevara Mausoleum-Memorial, which houses a statue of Guevara and a small museum chronicling his life from childhood through his death. Be sure to snap a photo with the life-size statue of Che Guevara holding a child.

Excursions to Cayo Santa Maria

Why not venture to Cayo Santa Maria, just 68 km from Remedios (about 1 hour's drive)? Famous for its beaches and water sports, this beach resort offers tourists diving, snorkeling, fly-fishing expeditions, and deep-sea fishing adventures.

When to Visit

Aim for December to witness the Las Parrandas festival (December 16–26). Fortunately, it takes place during the dry season (November through April), when rainfall ranges from 38 to 73 mm and temperatures hover between 18–22°C. The remaining months (May through October) see heavier precipitation of 196–225 mm.

If you land in Havana, Cuba's capital, you'll need to cover roughly 325 km to reach Remedios (by taxi, bus, or train). Santa Clara, positioned 50 km from Remedios, also has an airport with international service. The drive from Che's city to Remedios takes just one hour.