MUNICIPALITY OF CUBA

 LOCATED IN THE PLAINS OF ALENTEJO, SURROUNDED BY A LANDSCAPE OF HILLS, CROPS AND OLIVE GROVES, CUBA IS A TOWN WITH HOUSES THAT STILL KEEP THEIR YARDS AND TRADITIONAL ORCHARDS. WE ARE A SMALL MUNICIPALITY, WITH ROUGHLY 5 000 INHABITANTS.

MUNICIPALITY OF CUBA

THE NAME | THE HISTORY |CURIOUS FACTS

For some, the name of the town of Cuba probably had its origin in the Arabic word "Coba", short for small tower. Conquered by the Portuguese King D. Sancho II from the Moors, no one knows for sure the origin of the name but it may have been attributed due to the fact that a large number of tanks to store wine was found here. These are theories of ancient times.

From prehistory to our times, Cuba has shown a vast and rich cultural and architectural history.

It is in the local festivities that people, traditional singing and exquisite wine flavor come together. Here the flavors are still pure, bringing to table bread, cheeses, sausages and traditional dishes.

Some historians state that Admiral Christopher Colon, possibly illegitimate son of Ferdinand, Duke of Beja, and Isabel Zarco was born here.

CUBA - LAND OF THE COLON? It was under the name of Christopher Columbus

that the man who discovered America, in the late fifteenth century, was known in the world. In the 80s, a new discussion about the nationality of the navigator emerges, through the works of Mascarenhas Barreto. This author has pioneered a new perspective: Christopher Colon would not only be portuguese but also from Cuba of Alentejo!

THE NAME | THE HISTORY |CURIOUS FACTS

CANTE – WORLD’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

Cuba is seen by its inhabitants as the “Cathedral of Cante”. Recently, the Municipality uses this expression to define the strategy of touristic promotion,

invintig visitors to hear and apreciate this kind of singing, combined whith our traditional food and local wines.

Traditional Singing (Cante Alentejano) was declared “World’s Cultural Heritage last year, and it is probably the highest cultural heritage of the Municipality of Cuba, considered the "Cathedral of Traditional Singing".

In spite of the several theories that try to explain the origin of this peculiar way of singing (some state its origin in Gregorian chant, others support that it came from the Arabs) there is still no final conclusion, since historical documentation is not proof enough. It is certain, however, that this form of vocal expression is clearly related to the field work and the evening meetings, in the taverns, places of excellence to create the songs of Alentejo.

Nowadays, Cuba is a developing town, providing its residents a good quality of life. The new International Airport of Beja and the biggest artificial lake in Europe (Alqueva) are changing the face of this county, making it a land of opportunities!

Thus, we propose you a charming discovery that may happen any time!