Matanzas

Matanzas is the birthplace of many cultural aspects significant to Cuba. The music and dances of danzón and rumba have been born here, as well as the African descent religion Santería, which, after Catholicism, is the second most common religion in Cuba. Varadero is no doubt the most important tourist destination in Matanzas. Having an endless beach of 22 km, Varadero not only is the all time favourite beach of Cuba but it is also the biggest holiday destination in the Caribbeans. In the southern part of Matanzas lies the Zapata Swamp. The infamous Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos), once known for the failed invasion in 1961 by the US funded Cuban counter-revolutionary military, is now a major centre for scuba diving. This region is also home to the sightseeing village of Guamá, constructed to reflect the lifestyle of the Taíno, the most advanced aborigine tribe living on the island before the Spanish invasion.