Founded in 1963, the Tampa Cuban Civic Club stands as a beacon of resilience, unity, and cultural preservation for Cuban exiles and their descendants. Established in the wake of the 1959 communist revolution, a determined group of Cuban patriots sought refuge in Tampa, Florida. These visionaries, driven by a shared mission, came together to protect and celebrate their rich heritage. Their goal was not only to safeguard the cultural roots and Christian-democratic ideals of their homeland but also to build a legacy of pride and identity for future generations.
The Cuban Civic Club is a vibrant hub of versatility, blending elegance and community spirit. Its spacious ballrooms transform into picturesque venues for unforgettable weddings and grand celebrations. The same halls hosting sophisticated dances and cultural galas echo with cheers from sports enthusiasts enjoying the club’s facilities. Beyond events, the club fosters connections through workshops, family gatherings, and charitable initiatives, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of culture and camaraderie for generations.
The Cuban Civic Club is a vibrant hub of versatility, blending elegance and community spirit. Its spacious ballrooms transform into picturesque venues for unforgettable weddings and grand celebrations. The same halls hosting sophisticated dances and cultural galas echo with cheers from sports enthusiasts enjoying the club’s facilities. Beyond events, the club fosters connections through workshops, family gatherings, and charitable initiatives, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of culture and camaraderie for generations.
The club’s guiding motto, “Sin Patria Pero Sin Amo” (“Without a country, but free”), is a stirring tribute to the enduring words of the Cuban patriot and poet José Martí. This sentiment became the foundation of a community that refused to let the flames of Cuban culture be extinguished.
In July 1964, the Cuban Civic Club was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization under Florida state law. Dr. Enrique Jova, the club’s first president, led its initial efforts, creating a home away from home for Cuban exiles. In its formative years, the club met in local venues across Tampa and Ybor City. By October 1971, the dream of a permanent headquarters became a reality with the acquisition of over five acres of land.
January 1977 marked the grand opening of the club’s new facilities, a milestone that celebrated the perseverance of its members. The clubhouse, adorned with a ballroom, the Tropicana Cantina Ballroom, a terrace, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and sports amenities, quickly became a vibrant hub of activity. The club hosted monthly teen dances, bi-monthly grand balls honoring the provinces of Cuba, and events celebrating Cuban traditions. Annual debutante presentations and the crowning of a teen queen added a touch of elegance and continuity to its cultural offerings.
Through decades of change, the Tampa Cuban Civic Club has remained a steadfast pillar of Cuban culture in the United States. It continues to honor the sacrifices of its founders, celebrate the beauty of its heritage, and provide a sense of belonging for all who walk through its doors. The club is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that, while exiled, remains passionately connected to its roots.
