The Provincial Real Estate Management Company of Holguín has initiated a public bidding process to outsource the management of two of the city's iconic locations: the Palacio de los Matrimonios, situated on Maceo Street No.114, and the Emilio Bárcenas hair salon on Comandante Fajardo Street, Building 2.
The announcement, made on Thursday via the Facebook profile of the Holguín Trade Business Group, encouraged potential bidders to seize "the opportunity to bring your dream project to life."
This bidding process is open to non-agricultural cooperatives, state entities, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and self-employed individuals.
As with all similar processes in Cuba, the ownership of these properties remains with the state. What’s being tendered is solely the management or administration of these establishments.
The call for bids sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some citizens expressed optimism about the potential restoration of the Palacio de los Matrimonios to its former glory.
A former employee described the venue as "one of the emblematic places of our province" that, unfortunately, like others, has deteriorated over time. They expressed hope that someone would restore it "to its original function."
Nonetheless, skepticism prevailed among those familiar with these processes. One individual, claiming prior participation in several bids, was blunt: "I don't trust the bidding process. I've been involved in several. In the end, it's already decided. It's just protocol."
Others used the publication to highlight the broader decay of public spaces in Holguín. "It would be good if they bid out Parque Los Caballitos to clean up that huge dump," a user commented, referring to a children's recreational area that has become a garbage site, located near the Palacio de los Matrimonios.
Another person lamented the condition of the agro-market known as El Mambí: "It's sad to see how it's been gradually destroyed and turned into a dump. A landmark construction of Holguín."
The harshest criticism targeted the state model itself: "Another testament to the greatness of the revolution... institutions unable to produce anything."
This bidding in Holguín reflects a trend that has gained momentum throughout this year. In July, private entities took over the management of iconic gastronomic venues in Cienfuegos, including the Covadonga restaurant and the Coppelia and El Cairo ice cream shops.
In August, the government began bidding out the management of Family Care System dining facilities to non-state actors.
Similarly, Ciego de Ávila opened bids for six stores as part of the Barrio Market project, while a state company in Villa Clara sought private partners to operate 21 commercial premises in eight municipalities.
In Holguín, the most recent precedent was in August 2025, when the government handed over four state-owned bars in the Rafael Freyre municipality using the same scheme.
The pattern is evident: the State relinquishes control over what it cannot manage, while entrepreneurs take on the risk of investing in facilities deteriorated by decades of failed government oversight.
Public skepticism towards these processes is not isolated. According to a survey cited by Bloomberg Línea, 84% of Cubans distrust that recent economic measures will improve the country's situation, mirroring the skepticism voiced in comments about the Holguín bidding.
Understanding the Skepticism Around Holguín's Public Bidding Process
What properties are involved in Holguín's current bidding process?
The properties involved are the Palacio de los Matrimonios and the Emilio Bárcenas hair salon.
Who can participate in the bidding process?
Participants can include non-agricultural cooperatives, state entities, MSMEs, and self-employed individuals.
Why is there distrust in the bidding process?
Many people believe the outcomes are predetermined and that the process is merely procedural, based on past experiences.
What does the state retain in these bidding processes?
The state retains ownership of the properties; only the management or administration is bid out.