To the Roman Empress Helena of Constantinople also known as Saint Helenain the Catholic and Orthodox tradition, the small fishing village of Casildain TrinidadAs the patron saint of the town, every August 17 and 18, the people of Calsideños become one of the few places in Cuban geography that celebrates the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great.
Her presence in the calendar of saints is due, however, to the fact that she is credited with the discovery of the relics of the True Cross in Jerusalem, which made her a key figure in the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
The Trinidadian town has made it part of its identity through the traditional Santa Elena festivities, an event full of colour, music and competitions. The festivities begin on the morning before 18 August, with the most distinctive feature of the event: the maritime competitions. Swimming, boat races and cucañas in the water are just some of the activities that often do not involve mere tests of skill, but a tribute to the close relationship of the community with the sea.
On land, the merrymaking continues with parades, live music and dancing in the company of family and friends that fill every corner of Casilda with life. A fundamental part of this festivity is the mass in honour of Saint Helena, right on her name day. Although the original church that gave its name to the celebration no longer exists, the devotion of believers continues to be an essential part of the festival.
Hence, its recovery in 1990, after several decades of interruption, has meant the resurgence of an essential part of the town, its most important summer event.
Sun, salt, dance, music and religion coexist for two days in reaffirmation of the Caribbean roots of Casilda and its people.
