population: 0.431 million
extension: 1,023.8 square kilometers
If you're interested in museums, I would recommend visiting the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum in Santiago de Cuba. It features a vast collection of art and artifacts from different periods of Cuban history. Additionally, you could visit the Casa Natal de Jose Maria Heredia museum, dedicated to the life and work of one of Cuba's most famous poets.
If you're looking for other similar museums in the area, you might consider checking out the Museum of Rum or the Carnival Museum, both also located in Santiago de Cuba.
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Santiago de Cuba are:
1. Congrí oriental: A traditional dish made with rice and black beans cooked together, seasoned with various spices and sometimes accompanied by pieces of pork or chicken.
2. Fufú de plátano: Mashed plantains mixed with garlic, onion, and pork cracklings.
3. Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef stewed in tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and garlic.
4. Tostones: Fried green plantains, usually served as a side dish or snack.
5. Tamal en cazuela: A corn-based dish that consists of ground corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, then steamed in a pot.
6. Chicharrones: Crispy fried pork skin, usually served as a snack.
7. Arroz con pollo: Chicken and rice cooked together with vegetables and spices.
8. Enchilado de camarones: A spicy shrimp stew in a tomato-based sauce, often served over rice.
9. Flan de leche: A creamy custard dessert made from milk, eggs, and sugar with a caramel topping.
10. Natilla: A sweet custard-like dessert made with milk, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Sure! Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Santiago de Cuba include:
1. Dancing to live music: Santiago de Cuba is considered the birthplace of several traditional Cuban music styles, including son and salsa. There are many venues in the city where you can dance to live music or even take dance classes.
2. Exploring the city's historic center: Santiago de Cuba has a rich history, and its colonial-era buildings and landmarks have been well-preserved. You can take a walking tour of the historic center to learn more about the city's past.
3. Visiting El Morro Castle: Located on a hill overlooking Santiago de Cuba Bay, El Morro Castle is a 17th-century fort that played an important role in protecting the city from pirates and naval attacks. It offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.
4. Sampling local cuisine: Cuban cuisine is known for its unique blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors. Local dishes to try in Santiago de Cuba include congri (rice and beans), ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), and tamales.
5. Watching a baseball game: Baseball is hugely popular in Cuba, and Santiago de Cuba has a strong baseball culture. If you have the opportunity, try catching a game at Estadio Guillermón Moncada, the city's main baseball stadium.