Statues that have walked off their Pedestals in Havana, Cuba

I travelled to Cuba and made some really nice friends. These were the silent observers on the streets of Havana that mingled with the citizens. These were the statues on the streets and corners of Havana. Interestingly, many of them were not on any pedestals. They were right there mingling with the crowds; having a drink at a famous bar or languidly sitting on the bench.

Havana, the vibrant and enchanting capital of Cuba, is a city steeped in history and culture. Amid the colourful buildings and bustling streets, one cannot help but notice the intriguing statues scattered throughout the city. These statues, often overlooked by passers-by, have stories to tell and contribute to the rich tapestry of Havana's heritage. In this blog post, we will explore some of these remarkable statues that mingle amongst the people, silently observing the city's everyday life.

Let’s first start with one of the most famous American imports of Cuba. Ernest Hemingway's life-sized bronze statue presides over Floridita, Havana's iconic bar. Commemorating the American author's love for the city and his favourite daiquiri haunt, this sculpture captures Hemingway's magnetic persona, inviting visitors to share a drink with a literary legend. We winked at the frozen in time author before we clinked our margaritas.

Another interesting one who I briefly spent time with was Bronze statue of a man leaning on a pillar looking over the cathedral square of Antonio Gades. And as you can clearly see from the way he puts his hands on his hips (and I also copy him), he was a famous flamenco dancer. Actually as you walk past these statues, you realise how much art is celebrated by Cubans, it doesn’t matter if the artist doesn’t belong to their country. They celebrate them.

Another beautiful one is El Caballero de Paris (The Gentleman of Paris). Located on Calle Obispo, a busy shopping street, this life-sized bronze statue represents José María López Lledín, a well-known character who wandered the streets of Havana during the mid-20th century. Known for his chivalrous behaviour and eloquent speech, El Caballero de Paris became a local legend. Today, visitors often touch his beard and fingers for good luck, which has left the statue's features polished over time.

Who doesn’t recognize John Lennon? Well, he is still sitting in Vedado, in the peaceful John Lennon Park. A life-sized bronze statue of the iconic musician sits casually on a park bench. Unveiled in 2000 by then-President Fidel Castro, the statue commemorates Lennon's contributions to music and his outspoken stance against war and violence. The statue even features removable glasses, which a park guard carefully places on Lennon's face when visitors approach for a photo opportunity.

In the heart of Old Havana, in Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, sits a bronze statue of Sancho Panza, the loyal squire from Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel, "Don Quixote." The rotund figure on a donkey appears to be deep in conversation with the locals and tourists alike, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise elegant square.

We also met the legendary Frederic Chopin. Here you can see the maestro in a contemplative pose, seated on a bench. We decided to ask his opinion on the current Hip-Hop music and shared a serene moment with the celebrated pianist.

Another one we came across was Cecilia Valdés statue. She was a heroine of a famous novel and the sculpture shows Cecilia standing gracefully, celebrating the spirit of Afro-Cuban women.

The statues that adorn the streets of Havana are more than just art; they are silent witnesses to the city's rich history and culture. Each figure holds a story and offers a glimpse into the lives and legends that have shaped Havana throughout the centuries. As you wander through this captivating city, take a moment to appreciate these statues and the tales they tell, and you'll discover yet another layer of Havana's undeniable charm. But my suggestion is that don’t go out of your way to visit everyone of them….just meet them by coincidence while you wander aimlessly through the streets of Havana.