In the coastal neighborhood of Jaimanitas, the Marcelo Salado Workers' Social Club once stood as a beacon of Havana's dynamic social scene in the late 1950s. Although construction started in 1958, it was inaugurated post-Revolution. This club was part of a network of exclusive venues, akin to the city's renowned nautical clubs, catering to an emerging middle class yearning for modernity. At its peak, Havana boasted nearly 40 nautical clubs, predominantly in the Playa municipality, stretching along the coast to Santa Fe, including the CSO Jorge Sánchez Villar.
The YouTuber, Literalmente Cubano, recently visited the Marcelo Salado in Jaimanitas, showcasing the breathtaking view of Havana’s skyline and documenting the institution's utter neglect. Following Hurricane Rafael, the extent of damage to the area remains uncertain.
Misidentifications and Misconceptions
It's important to note that this club, located on Playa's coastline, should not be mistaken for the Marcelo Salado Swimming School (formerly the Professionals' Club), which is also in Playa but nearer to the Hotel Copacabana. The Jaimanitas Marcelo Salado was more accessible, intended for seaside enjoyment, and surrounded by other facilities like the Club Cabo Parrado (Los Marinos) and the children's beach resort, La Playita.
From Prosperity to Ruin
Today, only ruins remain of these institutions. After the government expropriated them in 1959, promising to open their doors to the people, they gradually fell into decay due to the government's inability to maintain and utilize their potential. Similar to other iconic Havana clubs, the Jaimanitas Marcelo Salado suffers from structural deterioration, frequently battered by hurricanes and neglected restorations. No longer do they offer the entertainment services that once defined them.
These spaces, which should have remained as sanctuaries of leisure and recreation for the residents of Havana, now stand as silent witnesses to a past that seems increasingly distant, reminders of an era when access to the sea and recreation was part of life for those dreaming of a brighter future.