A Spanish man revealed on Facebook what might be the ancestral home of his wife’s family in Havana. Francisco Guijarro, married to a Cuban woman who moved to Spain at the age of five, has been researching what could be his wife's family home.
"I am not entirely certain, but all my research points to this being the house in El Vedado of Juan Ignacio de Armas y Céspedes (my wife Consuelo Primelles's great-grandfather)," he stated in the Facebook group Fotos de La Habana.
Guijarro shared images of a grand, stately home that, despite showing the wear and tear common to most houses in Cuba, still retains its former grandeur and beauty.
According to Guijarro, Juan Ignacio de Armas y Céspedes, his wife's great-grandfather, was a member of the Royal Academy of History in Madrid and the Anthropological Society of Italy. "He wrote several books on the origin of Creole language that, incredibly, are still being published and we've been able to purchase them on Amazon!" Guijarro noted.
"Today, my children carry the blood of illustrious Cuban surnames such as Agramonte, Primelles, De Armas, Céspedes, Zayas Bazán, and Socarras, and I am very proud of that, while missing that wonderful Cuban land that we dearly love," he added.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ancestral Homes in Havana
Here are some common questions and answers about researching and discovering ancestral homes in Havana, inspired by Francisco Guijarro's story.
How can I find my ancestral home in Havana?
Researching your ancestral home in Havana involves genealogical research, historical records, and sometimes, reaching out to local historians or joining relevant online groups like Fotos de La Habana.
What resources are available for researching Cuban ancestry?
There are various resources, including historical archives, genealogical websites, and books on Cuban history. Online marketplaces like Amazon may also have relevant literature on the topic.
Is it possible to visit and restore ancestral homes in Cuba?
While visiting is often possible, restoring homes can be challenging due to Cuban property laws and the general state of disrepair in many buildings. It is advisable to research thoroughly and seek legal advice if restoration is a goal.