No evil lasts a hundred years.

It must be said, some of us were skeptical about the results, but sometimes it is true that reality surpasses fiction. Narváez has taken over the role of meeting place for the people of Matanzas that the Parque de la Libertad has always had.

The Narváez promenade was a very busy street in the flourishing Matanzas of the 19th century. The houses that bordered it, with main entrance by the street of Rio and a beautiful neoclassical style, hid on the side facing the San Juan River the sugar warehouses that enriched their owners.

The flat-bottomed boats that transported the product to the warehouses, built to take advantage of the unevenness of the river bank, used to arrive there.

With time, the way of doing business changed and the once bustling commercial artery ceased to be used. Its deterioration grew with the passing of the years, in spite of the complaints of the Yumurinos, who, lamenting the disaster, always saw the unexploited beauty of the place.

But they say that no evil lasts a hundred years and among the actions of the Master Plan of the City Conservator’s Office to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the city of bridges, it was decided to rescue this space to turn it into a cultural corridor.

It must be said, some of us were skeptical about the results, but sometimes it is true that reality surpasses fiction. Narváez appropriated the role of meeting place for the people of Matanzas that the Parque de la Libertad has always had.

In addition to the coziness of the place, there is an open-air exhibition of works of art, some of which are understood and accepted, others not, like everything else in this field, but works nonetheless, and cultural activities, including the «Peña del Barquito de Papel», an excellent option for children’s weekends.

The gastronomic offer is also tempting because of the good service and quality, although at the end of a good lunch the bill almost causes a heart attack if we are not well prepared for what is to come.

In many years we had not seen in this so-called Sleeping City a place that attracted so many people of so many different ages and that there they had a good time, even if their pockets were only enough to enjoy the scenery.

And yes, after a few years it holds up. Things to improve, of course, as in any place. More shade, more cultural activities, a state gastronomic service within reach of more people. Fewer motorcycles circulating on what is a pedestrian promenade.

An interesting option would be the possibility to ride along the river in fishermen’s boats. Surely you have other ideas that could be implemented to further improve the place.

But, undoubtedly, it became a welcoming part of the city to have a good time and brings yumurinos and visitors closer to our beloved rivers and bridges.

Written by Sergio López.