Pelegrín`s Paradise

When we got to the town of Puerta de Golpe in Pinar del Río Province and entered the Patio de Pelegrín (Pelegrín's Courtyard) we had the immediate sensation of being in some part of heaven.

Puerta de Golpe is a small town near the city of Pinar del Río in the western area of Cuba, 135 km west of Havana. One of its most distinguished inhabitants, Mayito, short for Mario Pelegrín Pozo, is the creator of a place that captivates all passersby.

Six years ago his courtyard turned into a singular community project with many exotic fruit trees: soursop, orange, coconut, plum, custard apple trees and many others. Flowers find their space here too with orchids and night jasmines providing a pleasant smell throughout the patio. There is even a mini-zoo with sparrowhawks, turtles, a crocodile, two Santa María serpents (endemic Cuban snake) and sweet water fish. Beyond all the natural mixture, cum national model of urban agriculture, it is through the intense artistic performance there that the place has gained energy. During the academic year, students from area schools meet in the patio for special music, dance, literature, sports, recreation, public health and other lessons.

In addition, each Wednesday third agers meet there for evenings of danzon (national Cuban dance) and on Saturday afternoons poets and singers promote the most authentic traditions of the Cuban countryside