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yA Timeline of Lucumí History; Author – Stuart Myers/Eguín Lade (Ócháni Lele); page #1

Timeline of Lucumí History

This timeline is an ongoing process; within it, I am hoping to document major dates and
events in Lucumí history, and eventually, the migration of various lineages throughout
Cuba, the United States, and the rest of the world. Because a timeline is history in a
capsule, theworks referenced for this project should be read individually to acquire a
fuller grasp of the Lucumí movement throughout Cuba and beyond. I will try to denote
where major scholars are at odds on important events; I will also notate which
scholarship I trust, and for what reasons. Conflicting data will be footnoted so the reader
can do his or her own research and come to his or her ownconclusions. Also, as can be
noted by reading this timeline, I am dividing the yearly sections into events that occurred
on Cuban shores and events that occurred on United States shores. I have done this to
make it easier for the reader to follow. As I reach out into other areas of the world
influencing or having been influenced by Lucumí events, I will continue to break the
timeline down into evensmaller subsections.

1492

On Cuban Shores

August 3: It was on August 3, 1492, that Cristóbal Colón (known also as Christopher
Columbus) set sail from Spain to find new trade routes.

October 27 – 29 (historical references vary on exact date): It was on October 27 - 29,
1492, that Cristóbal lands on the island that will later be named Cuba, and claims it for
the Spanish crown.

1508On Cuban Shores

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A Timeline of Lucumí History; Author – Stuart Myers/Eguín Lade (Ócháni Lele); page #2

Explorers believed that Cuba was connected to North America; however, in 1508,
Sebastián de Ocampo sailed around Cuba, proving it was an island.

1511

On Cuban Shores

Cristóbal Colón’s son, Diego, relocates to Cuba. Diego Velázquez is appointed governor
of the island bySpain. Note that when the Spaniards came in 1511, the native Taino
people offered a huge feast to welcome them. After the feast, the Spanish soldiers turned
on the natives. They were slaughtered and disemboweled in a vicious attack. The Taino
chief Hatuey was burned at the stake after this carnage.

1513

On Cuban Shores

The Spanish crown allows Amador de Lares to bring four Africans asslaves from
Hispaniola. The names of the slaves are not remembered, however, this is the first
documented evidence that African slaves were brought to the island.

1514

On Cuban Shores

Pánfilo de Narváez establishes the city of Havana. It was named after a local chief, San
Cristóbal de Habana.

1517

On Cuban Shores

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A Timeline of Lucumí History; Author – Stuart Myers/EguínLade (Ócháni Lele); page #3

More Africans, kidnapped from their homeland, arrive in Cuba in small numbers.

1519

On Cuban Shores

December 17, 1519: The first Catholic mass is celebrated in Havana, under a Ceiba tree.

1520

On Cuban Shores
Seven years after the first small group of African slaves were brought to Cuba, the first
large group of African slaves, 300 in total, werebrought to work in the gold mines.

1526

The Spanish crown issues a royal writ allowing slaves who can afford to do so to
purchase their freedom.

1533

On Cuban Shores

The first documented slave uprising in Cuba happens this year: four unnamed slaves from
the Jobabo mines battle the military; they fight to their death. To quell colonist’s fears,
the heads of the four men are removed anddisplayed in Bayamo.

1538

On Cuban Shores
Local slaves, assisted by French pirates, burn Havana.

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A Timeline of Lucumí History; Author – Stuart Myers/Eguín Lade (Ócháni Lele); page #4

Note that there were six Christian towns in Cuba at this time: Santiago (80 houses),
Havana (between 70 – 80 homes), Baracoa, Puerto Príncipe, Santi Spíritus, and Bayamo
with 30-40 homes each....