The main city was founded on January 16, 1817. It is also known as "The
White Town", Spanish: La Villa Blanca. Gibara has a beautiful and breezy
landscape, and also possesses excellent architectural designs and a
well-planned layout of its streets, houses and parks. Even so, Gibara's
biggest asset, according to visitors, are its people, which are
described as cooperative, friendly, affectionate, and proud of their
village and of its history. It is said Admiral Christopher Columbus had
remarked of Gibara's environs that �it is the most beautiful land that
human eyes saw.�
"The White Villa" in Gibara, although small, is said
to possess a peculiar charm, exhibiting an architectural patrimony
reflecting almost two centuries of history, as well as its people's
cultural roots.
Currently, some controversy exists about whether it
was the Bay of Gibara or the Bay of Bariay that Admiral Christopher
Columbus' ships reached during his first voyage to Cuba.
Gibara was
declared a National Monument in 2002; additionally, since 2003, the
International Festival of Poor Cinema, where films are presented in a
number different categories, has been held in this small coastal city
