A video released this Friday has unveiled the complete neglect of the amusement park in Santiago de Cuba's José Martí district, affectionately known as "La feria del J." Once a beloved recreational spot, it now stands void of attractions, fences, or operational cafes.
Shared by Neidis Pérez on her Facebook profile, the video takes viewers through the remnants of what was once considered the city's second largest amusement park.
In just over ninety seconds, Pérez captures a landscape littered with debris. What used to be a vibrant space with a Ferris wheel, train, merry-go-round, inflatable park, and more, is now nothing but rusted and empty structures.
"There used to be a Ferris wheel here, a train over there, some small rides, and even a merry-go-round. Everything has been taken away," Pérez narrates as she navigates the area.
The park's cafes have fared no better. "It's beyond words, in ruins. These areas here were once cafes. Now, there's nothing left," lamented Pérez in the video.
The perimeter fences are also gone. Initially suspecting isolated vandalism, Pérez soon realized the extensive dismantling, with rides either removed or stripped for parts.
Comments from those familiar with the site express nostalgia and frustration. One resident recalls weekends when families flocked to enjoy ice cream and sodas in the José Martí district.
"It's heartbreaking to see a place that entertained so many generations fall apart. In Santiago de Cuba, it seems easier to demolish than to preserve or repair," one person mourned.
Others likened the park’s state to the aftermath of a hurricane, with one noting that the train, once associated with the Coppelia ice cream parlor, was dismantled piece by piece. "There's nothing left," another resident summarized.
Drawing parallels, one citizen highlighted the fate of the Dúplex cinema, partly handed over to private companies while the building itself remains unused: "This is indicative of Santiago's future," she emphasized.
Pérez concluded her tour with a statement encapsulating the sentiment of many locals: "This is how we progress backward, day by day, in Cuba."
The downfall of "La feria del J" is not an isolated incident. Just days prior, wooden benches at Plaza de Marte, Santiago's most iconic public square, were reportedly taken to be used as firewood amidst prolonged power outages.
This destructive trend has been observed in parks across Holguín, Matanzas, Camagüey, and Havana throughout the year.
In Santiago, the crisis is exacerbated by persistent power cuts, sometimes exceeding 20 hours a day, alongside protests, pot-banging demonstrations, and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in November 2025, which damaged over 95,000 homes in the province.
The Decline of Santiago de Cuba's Recreational Spaces
What has happened to the José Martí district's amusement park?
The amusement park in the José Martí district, once a popular spot, has fallen into complete disrepair. It no longer has any rides, fencing, or cafes in operation, and the area is now filled with rusted and empty structures.
Why are parks in Santiago de Cuba deteriorating?
The deterioration of parks in Santiago de Cuba is attributed to a mix of neglect, vandalism, and resource depletion. Prolonged power outages and the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa have also contributed to their decline.
How are residents reacting to the park's condition?
Residents have expressed a mix of nostalgia and frustration, lamenting the loss of a beloved community space that once provided entertainment for many generations.