Cuba - Bayamo

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The City of Bayamo was founded in 1513 and grew to be a center of wealth in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the birthplace of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes (1819), a wealthy lawyer, poet and land owner. Cespedes is known as the Father of the Nation. In 1868 he freed his slaves and created an army that fought for independence from Spain. The movement was known at the Grito de Yara (The Cry of the Yara) - a call for independence or death. His rebel army captured Bayamo and held it for a time, until it was clear that the reinforced Spanish army was about to defeat them, the rebel army burned the town rather than surrender.

The citizens of Bayamo are very proud that the national anthem of Cuba, La Bayamesa , was first sung in their city in 1868.

Today Bayamo has a population of about 130,000 and is the Capital of Granma Province. It is considered one of the cradles of Cuban independence and it is a very relaxed, friendly city known for its many talented artists.

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