The emblematic Teatro Principal of Ciego de Ávila, known as the «Jewel of Avilanian Architecture», celebrated a historic rebirth this past 25 July. The National Monuments Commission officially approved its removal from the List of Endangered Monuments, thus culminating an exhaustive rehabilitation process that has restored its splendour.
Considered, without doubt, the most relevant architectural edifice in the entire city, the Teatro Principal began its history in 1924. Its construction was driven by the personal interest of Ángela Hernández. Local legend recounts that after attending a 1922 performance by renowned Mexican artist Esperanza Iris at the then Teatro Iriondo, and observing the limitations of that venue, Hernández conceived the idea of creating a superior theatre. Motivated by this experience, she commissioned her son to travel to Italy to bring back artists dedicated to its decoration.
This coliseum stands as the most magnificent example built during the republican era (1900-1959) within the province. Experts record it as a unique work in this period’s architecture in Cuba’s interior, highlighting its exceptional aesthetic, environmental and functional values.
The National Monuments Commission’s decision has been received with great satisfaction in the province. Doralis Nuez González, Director of the Provincial Centre for Cultural Heritage in Ciego de Ávila, emphasised the significance of this event:
«Removing the Teatro Principal from the endangered monuments list constitutes an achievement for the province. Firstly, we’ve rescued a property with exceptional heritage values. Through meticulous rehabilitation work, we’ve restored splendour to the finest example of Avilanian eclecticism – a jewel of our architecture, a property with high protection status.»
Nuez González added that this achievement transcends heritage matters: «This is an accomplishment not only from a heritage perspective but also socially. It will enable the promotion of performing arts and, of course, represents an institution that will benefit culture broadly. Protecting and preserving this architectural jewel is essential so the cultural heritage and historical past it contains can be transmitted to future generations.»
The Teatro Principal’s removal from the Endangered Monuments List marks a milestone in the conservation of Avilanian cultural heritage. Its rebirth, like the Phoenix, not only restores an irreplaceable architectural symbol but reopens its doors as a vital space for artistic development and cultural enjoyment for the entire community, ensuring its legacy continues illuminating Ciego de Ávila’s future.
