One of the three bronze stars from the mausoleum housing the remains of Major General Calixto García Íñiguez (1839-1898) was stolen by unknown individuals on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. This theft occurred mere hours before Holguín was set to celebrate the 187th anniversary of the hero's birth.
Historian Víctor Aguilera Nonell publicly reported the theft after he discovered the missing star during a visit to the Calixto García Revolution Square on Tuesday, August 4, to honor the figure known as the General of the Three Wars.
"Unscrupulous hands have taken the top bronze star from the mausoleum where the esteemed patriot rests, one of the three stars positioned at the front of the burial niche," Aguilera Nonell, who is also the first vice president of the Union of Cuban Historians in Holguín, stated on his Facebook account.
These three bronze pieces, installed in 1981, represent the rank of Major General that García earned during Cuba's three wars of independence. Declared a National Monument in 1991, the mausoleum complex is among the few public spaces outside of cemeteries that preserve the remains of an independence hero.
Aguilera Nonell emphasized that the incident is not isolated. "For several years, our plaza has been assaulted by numerous individuals, and little to nothing has been done to safeguard it. Once again, I call upon the collective conscience and the Holguín authorities to protect this significant site for our province," he stressed.
Outrage quickly spread across social media. "Why is the plaza no longer protected? Why is such impunity allowed?" one user lamented in the comments.
Another summed up the widespread issues with a simple remark: "All of Holguín. Parks, schools, every fence. Everything is stolen."
Many commenters noted the timing of the theft, questioning if it was mere coincidence that it happened on the eve of the anniversary. "Coincidences don't exist. How else to explain this happening on the same day as the Major General's anniversary? This is what happens when the site lacks effective protection," wrote one individual, warning: "Don't be surprised if one day the remains of Lucía Íñiguez (García's mother) and Calixto turn up in some neighborhood on the outskirts."
Others pointed to the area's neglect: "The plaza has become a recreational spot for beer drinking and motorbike races; we need to address this," suggested a local resident.
For another citizen, the theft goes beyond material loss; it's an assault on symbolic heritage. "It's a reflection of the neglect we've been tolerating," they asserted.
This act of cultural vandalism is part of a troubling pattern in Holguín. In December 2025, a man brazenly stole a gate from the Parque de las Flores during daylight, without interference. More recently, in late April, the sword from the statue of Major General Julio Grave de Peralta was stolen for at least the third time from the park bearing his name in the City of Parks.
In July, four solar panels were taken from the water system near the 18-story buildings close to the Holguín Revolution Square. Shortly thereafter, a marble plaque dedicated to Pablo Neruda was destroyed in Loma de la Cruz.
On a national scale, the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from the previous year, with 1,536 thefts—a staggering 479% rise since 2023.
Theft and Vandalism in Holguín
What was stolen from Calixto García's mausoleum?
A bronze star, one of three symbolizing Major General García's rank, was stolen from the mausoleum.
Why is the theft significant?
The theft is significant as it represents an attack on Cuba's cultural and historical heritage, highlighting neglect and lack of protection for such important sites.
How have the authorities and public reacted?
Authorities have been urged to enhance protection, while public outrage on social media calls for accountability and better safeguarding of historical sites.