By: Hansel Pérez Collado (journalism student)

This November 12th marks 203 years since the town of Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe was granted, by the Spanish authorities, the title of city; as well as the right to use a coat of arms and ceremonial maces.

On this date, in 1817, the Mayor read a decree from King Fernando VII in the main square, where it was reported that from that moment on, the town would become the capital of the province.

Already in the 19th century, Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe had a prosperous population and a solid economy. Its religious, military, government and domestic buildings were numerous and accounted for the wealth of the territory. This condition granted by the crown, almost three centuries after its founding, constituted an important recognition of the splendor that had been consolidating in the region.

The design of the coat of arms was chosen by the chronicler of the Royal House, Don Francisco De la Carrera. In it, two silver doves were represented, each with a torch in its beak, as a symbol of peace. In addition, it included castles, lions, and a greyhound that denoted the bravery and loyalty of the villagers; also a ducal crown, which was granted only to cities with important institutions; just as the Royal Court, moved to Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe from Santo Domingo in the year 1800.

On February 1st, 1819, in the midst of public holidays, Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe celebrated the designation for the first time. Two centuries later, the people of Camagüey proudly celebrate the date on which our legendary town officially became a city.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García