In this city the Cuban National Anthem was first sung on November 8, 1868 in the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor de San Salvador. It was Perucho Figueredo who composed, in 1867, the music of the Anthem. Later, in 1868, when the independence forces seized the city of Bayamo, Figueredo wrote the lyrics. In the center of town at Parque Cespedes there is a bust of Figueredo with the words of the National Anthem. On the other side of the square is a statue of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in front of his native home, which you can visit. Alongside the square is the Ayuntamiento (town hall). In front of this building Cespedes proclaimed the independence of Cuba in 1868, the beginning of the First War of Independence. Next to the square you can visit the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor de San Salvador. Bayamo also played an important role in the Attack of the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba in 1953. The Carlos Manuel de Cespedes military barracks in Bauamo were attacked by 25 revolutionaries on July 26, 1953. This way the revolutionaries hoped to support the assault on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba by preventing reinforcements being sent. In the north-east of town is a beautiful Plaza de la Revolucion. 

Bayamo, Ayuntamiento

Bayamo, Casa Natal de Carlos Manuel de Cespedes

Bayamo, Iglesia Parroquial Mayor de San Salvador

Bayamo, Museo Nico Lopez

Bayamo, The Bust of Perucho Figueredo

Perucho Figueredo composed in 1867 the music of the National Anthem. Later, in 1868, when the independence forces seized the city of Bayamo, Figueredo wrote the lyrics:

Al combate corred, bayameses,

que la Patria os contempla orgullosa.

No temais una muerte gloriosa.

que morir por la Patria es vivir.

En cadenas vivir es vivir,

en afrenta y oprobio sumido.

Del clarin escuchad el sonido,

a las armas, valientes, corred.

People of Bayamo, to arms in the battle

that the Homeland contemplates you proudly

Fear not a glorious death,

for dying for the Homeland is like living.

To remain in chains is to live

in dishonor and vile subjugation

O, hark to the call of your nation

take up arms, all ye brave sons

Bayamo, Plaza de la Revolucion

Bayamo, Monument for Francisco Vicente Aguilera and the heroes of the first war of independence

Bayamo, Casa Natal Estrada Palma