Light, Trades and a historical triangle on Avenida del Puerto

A few meters from the bay, in one of the most attractive and busy areas of the city. Old HavanaLuz and Oficios streets form with Avenida del Puerto a unique city triangle.

The Aracelio Iglesias Park is located there today, which pays tribute to the port leader murdered on the Havana docks in 1948. However, due to its history and present, this site is much more than a simple place for walkers to rest or for the transit of neighbors and tourists.

Aracelio Iglesias Park, where the Mascotte Hotel was formerly located, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

In the background, the former residence of the Counts of Casa Barreto, on the corner of Luz and Oficios streets, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

In the space where Luz, Oficios and Acosta intersected – the other street that borders one of the vertices of the triangle – it was built more than two centuries ago. the Colosseum theaterthe first building built on the island to host theatrical and opera performances.

Stage of the most important performances of the time, although fragile and with its wooden interior, it opened its doors in 1775 and stood for about 13 years, when it had to close due to its dilapidated condition. It would reopen in 1803, already repaired and under the name of El Principal, with which it would remain in operation until in 1846 the impact of a cyclone decreed the end of its history.

Place where the “Coliseo” or “Principal” theater was located, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

Oficios Street, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

At the intersection of Luz and Oficios there was also the mascotte hotelin what was previously the luxurious residence of the Luz family, of Portuguese origin and from which the street would take its name. It was in the mid-19th century that its new owners decided to convert the building into a hotel, taking advantage of its privileged position near the port and Havana bay.

The facility would later be called Hotel Luz, like the artery itself, and would remain in activity until shortly after 1959. Then, the construction suffered deterioration and abandonment, which would turn it first into a barren lot and then into the park it is today.

Building in the surroundings of the disappeared Mascotte hotel, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

A man walks through the place where the Mascotte Hotel once stood, in Old Havana. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

Aracelio Iglesias Park is the center of the triangle. There, in addition to benches, street lamps, trees and ornamental plants, there is also a bust of the port leader, a statue of Archbishop Makarios III, first president of Cyprus; and other commemorative items.

Its surroundings are also very well known. Very close is the Paula Mallthe first promenade of the Cuban capital; and on the other side rises the so-called Emboque de Luz, the arrival and departure point of the famous small boats from Regla and Casablanca. Also nearby are the Armadores de Santander hotel, the port customs office and other historic buildings.

The photojournalist arrived there Otmaro Rodríguezwho this Sunday reveals to us through his images the present of this original triangle of the Cuban capital.