The once-thriving fishing community of Isabela de Sagua in Villa Clara, Cuba, now stands as a shell of its former self, a ghost town marked by deserted streets, crumbling docks, and dilapidated homes. Situated at the closest point to the United States, this port was once bustling with activity.
Recently, Cuban influencer Karina Sánchez Rodríguez (@kary_y_jonyyoutuber) visited the area, posting a video on social media that starkly illustrates the current desolation of the community. "Another abandoned place: Isabela de Sagua, the port closest to the USA," she captioned her post.
In her video, Sánchez Rodríguez recounts the history of the port, which previously buzzed with commercial activity as merchant ships arrived and departed. Now, the scene is bleak: broken structures, empty streets, and a silence only interrupted by the wind and waves. "Isabela de Sagua, a port that once connected worlds, is now merely the echo of a glorious past," she laments.
The Migration Wave and Isabela's Decline
For decades, access to this town was monitored by police checkpoints, set up to check the identities of visitors due to the high number of illegal departures from the area. Officers regularly searched vehicle trunks to track what entered and exited the community.
The neglect of Isabela de Sagua is not a recent development. In 2023, a report by CiberCuba highlighted the drastic population decline driven by the mass migration of its residents, particularly the youth, eager to escape the island by any means necessary. "The only people left here are mostly older; there's hardly any youth. They've all left," a local resident confirmed. Those who remain are aware that both migration and institutional neglect will continue, yet they cling to the little they have left.
A Testament to Cuba's Broader Crisis
What is happening in Isabela de Sagua reflects the broader crisis engulfing Cuba. A lack of opportunities, decaying infrastructure, and increasing emigration have left many towns almost empty, with only memories of better days remaining. As the Cuban government turns a blind eye, Cubans continue to leave their homes in search of a brighter future.
Once a vital hub for commerce and maritime life, Isabela de Sagua now stands as a poignant emblem of the abandonment and despair that plague the island.
Understanding the Decline of Isabela de Sagua
Why has Isabela de Sagua become a ghost town?
Isabela de Sagua has become a ghost town due to mass migration, especially of young people seeking better opportunities, combined with years of institutional neglect and a lack of economic prospects.
What role did Isabela de Sagua play in Cuba's history?
Historically, Isabela de Sagua was a bustling port that facilitated commercial shipping and connected Cuba with other parts of the world, making it a key point for trade and maritime life.
What challenges do the remaining residents of Isabela de Sagua face?
The remaining residents face challenges such as isolation, limited access to resources, and the emotional toll of living in a largely abandoned town with little hope for revitalization.