Spanish Society

Spanish Society

Güines’ Spanish Society was founded in 1887 and named Spanish Circle, by a group of Spaniards residing in the Villa, among them, Jaime Lloveras, José M. Agesta, Miguel Maury, José Lavín, José de Valle, Mariano Torréns, José de Castro, Juan Tomás Dúo, Anastasio Arbildúa, Manuel Gómez, Severo Irurita, Ricardo and Saturnino Maza, Manuel Llanio, Simón Milián, Pascual Goicoechea and others, being also included Don Gabriel Guridi, its first President. This institution was the successor of the first one named El Recreo (The Recreation), later on being named, with the inauguration of the Republic, Casino Español (Spanish Society), because the original institution was converted into Güines Artistic and Literary Lyceum.

In 1903, being its President José de Valle, the Society acquired its building on Havana Street #65 later on re-numbered #551, in its corner with Soparda Street, where it had been operating since its foundation and in 1914, being its President Don Manuel García Braña, him and a group of his more enthusiastic friends, among them Francisco Rodríguez Pérez, Fernando Madera, Mariano Castro, Manuel Brage, Ramón Barros, Francisco Estrada, Francisco Antuña and others, totally rebuilt the place, converting it into a beautiful and modern building, motive of legitimate and proud feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction for Güines and its dear and hard working Spanish residents.

From 1930 until 1961, the Society’s Presidents were Manuel Troncoso, José Maroñas, Constantino Díaz, Gerardo Tosco, Roberto Pérez and Carlos Cruz.

The Spanish Society was an institution that spread culture, art, happiness and entertainment within Güines’ society. Its beautiful salons witnessed elegant and traditional balls where Cuba's best musical groups performed, among them, Saint Julian's Ball on January 28, Saint Barbara's Ball on December 4, as well as the Carnival Balls and the Ball of the Flowers celebrated during the month of May of each year with the coming of the Spring season. This institution also commemorated every year on April 30 a traditional ball on the eve of May 1, International Labor Day and, as far as we know, was the only institution from Güines that commemorated every year, the 4th of July, Independence Day of the United States. Like other local social institutions, it had ample and comfortable salons where its members enjoyed different games and distractions such as dominoes, pool, cards, etc. besides having a well supplied bar.

It emphasized the practice and development of sports. The baseball and basketball teams that participated in the national championships of Cuba's Athletic Amateur Union were famous for their quality and powerful performances, winning several championships and trophies for the Society’s display cases.

With the arrival of the Communist system this institution ceased to exist, being confiscated by Castro and his gang. We understand that its beautiful salons and all of its inventory, including furniture and art works—so full of history and tradition—were dismantled, transferred or destroyed by the new masters of Cuba. The beautiful building which was purchased due to the effort, work and tenacity of its members, has been converted into a dance and party hall called Latin American Circle trying to offer bread and circus to the population, so they can forget the extremely poor conditions under which they are now living.

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