Bayamo - Plaza del Himno Nacional

Plaza del Himno Nacional, near the Plaza de la Revolucion, is one of Bayamo's historically significant squares. Plaza del Himno Nacional translates to 'Square of the National Anthem' and is so named for the first playing of the national anthem, which took place in the church near this square. A monument in the Plaza del Himno Nacional pays tribute to the creator of the national anthem, Perucho Figueredo. His bust stands on top of a large plaque with the words and music to the song. The national anthem was first played here on October 20, 1868. The following year, the town's people burned Bayamo to the ground rather than see it fall to the Spanish. As a result the town is known as the birthplace of the Cuban Nation.