The Fair of the Indianos in Lloret de Mar
El Lloret de los Indianos, have you ever heard of it? Lloret de Mar has inherited an important historical, cultural, and social legacy from the Indianos. In the mid-18th century, many of its inhabitants were inspired to “make their fortune in the Americas” and try their luck in the American colonies.
Havana and Matanzas were the most popular destinations, Cuban cities where they pursued various occupations. Some of them managed to amass a fortune and returned to their hometown, where they were known as “Indianos.” Upon their return, they transformed the urban landscape of Lloret de Mar.
With their grand mansions, they built a beautiful and architecturally impressive promenade, financed several charitable works such as the hospital and schools, and actively participated in the modernist reconstruction of the parish church.
In this article, we will delve into the history of Lloret de Mar and discover the traces left by the Indianos in this beautiful coastal town.
The Indiano Route of Lloret de Mar
Paseo de Jacint Verdaguer
The visit of the Indianos of Lloret de Mar begins at what is now the Museum of the Sea, facing the beach. The building was constructed in 1887 for Enric Garriga and his family, which is why it is also known as Can Garriga. Lloret was an important center for sailboat construction, and the shipyards were located where the Jacint Verdaguer Promenade is today. When the shipyards disappeared, the municipality decided to divide the land for sale to finance the construction of the new town hall building. Not only did they succeed in paying for the project, but the Jacint Verdaguer Promenade was filled with Indiano-style houses as it coincided with the period when the “Indianos” began to return. They designed this palm tree-lined promenade to give Lloret a Caribbean flair since they enjoyed looking at the sea because it brought back memories.
Sant Romà Church
The Sant Romà Church is one of the most prominent buildings, not only on the Indiano Route of Lloret de Mar but also in the entire town. It was built in the 16th century but had become outdated architecturally. Therefore, those who had returned from America dedicated part of their fortune to renovating it, especially the facade, resulting in an impressive modernist church.
Can Font
The journey along the Indiano Route of Lloret de Mar ends at Can Font. Built-in 1877, it was the home of the Indiano Nicolau Font i Maig and is now a museum that recreates what an Indiano house was like. Some elements are original, such as the wonderful modernist entrance door or the double sink in the main floor bathroom, but most of the furniture comes from Can Garriga or from donations of objects from the period by the townspeople.
Relive Lloret de Mar’s Indiano past at the Fair of the Americans
The Fair of the Indians aims to take a trip to the past, where for three days, those times and its people will be remembered through craft demonstrations, theatrical performances, craft markets, exhibitions of overseas products, guided tours to showcase the artistic heritage inherited from the Indianos, concerts, rum tastings, and daiquiri workshops.
Don’t miss it!
📌 June 16th, 17th, and 18th at various locations in the city.
