Concelho de Cuba - Alentejo - Portugal

1. MUNICIPALITY OF CUBA
LOCATED IN THE PLAINS OF ALENTEJO,
SURROUNDED BY A LANDSCAPE OF HILLS, CROPS
AND OLIVE GROVES, CUBA IS A TOWN WITH
HOUSES THAT STILL KEEP THEIR YARDS AND
TRADITIONAL ORCHARDS. WE ARE A SMALL
MUNICIPALITY, WITH ROUGHLY 5 000
INHABITANTS.

2. MUNICIPALITY OF CUBA

3. THE NAME | THE HISTORY |CURIOUS FACTS
 For some, the name of the town of Cuba probably had its origin in the Arabic
word "Coba", short for small tower. Conquered by the Portuguese King D. Sancho
II from the Moors, no one knows for sure the origin of the name but it may have
been attributed due to the fact that a large number of tanks to store wine was
found here. These are theories of ancient times.
 From prehistory to our times, Cuba has shown a vast and rich cultural and
architectural history.
 It is in the local festivities that people, traditional singing and exquisite wine flavor
come together. Here the flavors are still pure, bringing to table bread, cheeses,
sausages and traditional dishes.

4.  Some historians state that Admiral Christopher
Colon, possibly illegitimate son of Ferdinand,
Duke of Beja, and Isabel Zarco was born here.
 CUBA - LAND OF THE COLON?
 It was under the name of Christopher Columbus
that the man who discovered America, in the late
fifteenth century, was known in the world. In the
80s, a new discussion about the nationality of the
navigator emerges, through the works of
Mascarenhas Barreto. This author has pioneered
a new perspective: Christopher Colon would not
only be portuguese but also from Cuba of
Alentejo!
THE NAME | THE HISTORY |CURIOUS FACTS

5. CANTE – WORLD’S CULTURAL HERITAGE
 Cuba is seen by its inhabitants as the “Cathedral of Cante”.
 Recently, the Municipality uses this expression to define the strategy of touristic promotion, invintig
visitors to hear and apreciate this kind of singing, combined whith our traditional food and local wines.
 Traditional Singing (Cante Alentejano) was declared “World’s Cultural Heritage last year, and it is
probably the highest cultural heritage of the Municipality of Cuba, considered the "Cathedral of
Traditional Singing".
 In spite of the several theories that try to explain the origin of this peculiar way of singing (some state its
origin in Gregorian chant, others support that it came from the Arabs) there is still no final conclusion,
since historical documentation is not proof enough. It is certain, however, that this form of vocal
expression is clearly related to the field work and the evening meetings, in the taverns, places of
excellence to create the songs of Alentejo.

6.  Nowadays, Cuba is a developing town, providing its residents a good quality of life. The new
International Airport of Beja and the biggest artificial lake in Europe (Alqueva) are changing the face of
this county, making it a land of opportunities!
 Thus, we propose you a charming discovery that may happen any time!