Marianao

Marianao is one of the 15 municipalities or boroughs (municipios in Spanish) in the city of Havana, Cuba. It lies 6 miles southwest of the original city of Havana, with which it is connected by the Marianao railway. In 1989 the municipality had a population of 133,016. Marianao is on a range of hills about 1500 ft. above sea level, is noted for its salubrious climate. The city dates from about 1830.

Overview

As Havana expanded during the 1930s and 1940s, Marianao became a suburb of the city.

A famous landmark is the monument built to honor Carlos Juan Finlay. Mr. Finlay was a doctor who helped eradicate yellow fever in Cuba in the 19th century. What is interesting about this building is the fact that it is shaped like a syringe. The monument is at the junction of calles 100 y 31, close to several major hospitals.

Marianao is home to the famous Tropicana Club and was home to the Oriental Park Racetrack. One of the most notable foods they make in Marianao is "Pollo A La Barbacoa".

Personalities

Marianao (Cuban League baseball club)

The Marianao baseball club played in the Cuban Professional League between the 1922–1923 and 1960–1961 seasons. The club represented the populous town of Marianao in Havana and played their games at La Tropicana Stadium, official site of the league.

History

According to some baseball historians, the Elefantes de Marianao (Marianao Elephants) was the first nickname used by the team. Although it is a little studied topic, the 1923-24 Billiken baseball card set includes pictures 15 cards each for each team that participated in the Cuban league during that season: Almendares, Habana, Santa Clara and Marianao. Indeed, Marianao players are wearing a uniform that shows the head of a white elephant on dark background.

At some point, the team wore gray uniforms and was recognized as the Marianao Frailes Grises (Grey Monks), probably a nickname based on the color of the robes of the Dominican and Augustinian monks that founded Marianao in 1719. Then, in 1948 the franchise was renamed as the Tigres de Marianao (Marianao Tigers), as they are usually cited, and also used a new uniform. Their flannels had black and orange piping with matching socks, perhaps recalling also those of its emblem, the tiger. The team contended until the 1960–1961 period, during what turned out to be the Cuban League's final season.