On the coast of Cuba there is a pool intriguing by its name. What is famous for the Bay of Pigs and why it is so named, will tell the material.
Spanish riddle
Matanzas is one of the largest provinces of the Republic of Cuba. On the territory there are dozens of factories working with sugarcane, and several oil refineries. Due to this, the zone is considered the most industrialized region of the country. The capital of this province is the city of Matanzas.
However, most of the tourists who had to visit Liberty Island (the so-called Cuba) remembered the province of Matanzas due to its beautiful beaches. One of the most exotic corners of this region is Cochinos Bay, which is better known as the Bay of Pigs. This pool is located on the southern coast of Cuba, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea.
In Spanish, the name of the bay is Bahía de Cochinos and translates as “Bay of pigs”. However, in fact, the nickname is not associated with animals. This is a homonym, that is, the word is different in meaning, but the same in sound. Therefore, from another translation, Cochino is the name of the tropical marine fish found in this territory. The second name of this species is the Royal Triggerfish.
The background of the uprising
However, for most people who are interested in history, it serves as an example of international military strategy Bay of Pigs. Why is the bay called so, today connoisseurs do not care. Instead, they want to know more details about the operation that took place on this island in 1961.
This unique event was due to the fact that Fidel Castro and his supporters seized power in Cuba. Batista's previous dictator was forced to flee. Together with the former ruler, officials and rich people left the island, most of whom found refuge in Miami and Florida (USA). The intelligentsia and the middle class were afraid of persecution and did not want to part with the acquired good.
If the top of the country did not support the new leader, then the poor liked him. Castro confiscated the land and property of the bourgeoisie and distributed it to the people. Therefore, his policy immediately sided with the ideas of communism.
Attack preparation
In this regard, the CIA began to organize an attack in the Bay of Cochinos (Bay of Pigs). What is famous for this pool and why the operation was a failure, is described further.
America did not want Castro and his country to side with the Soviet Union. It was decided to take advantage of the indignation of the Cuban emigrants, start an offensive operation and throw off Fidel. The US quickly found 1,400 disgruntled people who were ready to take part in the battle. The CIA was confident that the people would support the rebels and that the regime of the supporter of communism would be overthrown. But America did not take into account the fact that the people who received the land supported Castro.
On April 15, 1961, emigrants began to launch air strikes on unmarked aircraft. Bombed airfields. The goal is the destruction of aviation. However, this mission failed due to the inexperience of the rebels.
The next day, the Cubans were waiting for an attack from America. The leader of the country tried to protect people as much as possible. However, the attack took place only on April 17.
Instant war
The goal of the thousands of Cubans who landed on the island is to free compatriots from communism. To start the operation, a not very good place was chosen - a bay in the province of Matanzas, Bay of Pigs. This territory is limited by swamps, which were extremely difficult to move around. Losing no time, the rebels asked for help in the United States. Additional force arrived at a certain place after a few hours and immediately captured several points.
Castro decided that you can win this battle only by starting an instant war. Consequently, all the forces of the revolutionaries were immediately sent to this zone. Despite the fact that the United States was superior to the Cubans in military ammunition, the young and inexperienced Fidel soldiers managed to shoot down several enemy aircraft and flood two ships with help on board. Already on April 18, revolutionaries conquered part of the occupied territories.
Bad ending
The next day, the situation for the rebels worsened even more. The Bay of Pigs has become a kind of cage. On the one hand, this territory was washed by the sea, and on the other, it was surrounded by impassable swamps. In this regard, part of the rebel army surrendered. Another - ran back to the United States on ships. In total, more than 200 people died in this battle. More than 1000 soldiers of America were captured. Very soon, Cuban leaders accused Kennedy and the CIA of trying to take over the island. Subsequently, the United States redeemed its military for colossal amounts.
Conclusions from this battle are made by the whole world. The operation was poorly planned and delivered. If earlier Castro intended to cooperate with America, then after this event he categorically refused to deal with it. Moreover, he became close to the Soviet Union and allowed the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. All this led to the Caribbean crisis.
Entertainment for every taste
Pig Bay has something to seduce a sophisticated foreign tourist today. On the right side of the bay there are unique coral reefs. Also here are the Zapata swamps. This is a valuable find for tourists who are interested in nature. The territory is protected by law. Hundreds of animals live freely here, which can only be found on this island. For example, here people see pink flamingos, Cuban crocodiles and shiloklyuvy woodpeckers.
Next to this reserve is another tourist point. This is the village of Guam - a model of the Indian settlement. Small huts are built on tiny islets interconnected by beautiful bridges. In general, this is a picturesque and sincere place.
On the east coast are mangroves. The ecosystem of this zone amazes scientists, but the average tourist here can be bored and even dangerous. Today, many foreigners are attracted by the Bay of Pigs because of the opportunity to engage in recreational diving here.
Edge of Eternal Summer
Besides the fact that Cuba is the Island of Freedom, it is also endless summer. Even in January, the temperature here does not drop below 25-27 ° C. The air warms up the most in August. Then the marks reach 30-32 ° C. The rainy season lasts from May to November. Most precipitation is recorded in June and October.
Cuba has a lot of entertainment for vacationers. But the main thing that tourists come here for is the sea waves. Made popular the province of Matanzas Bay of Pigs. There are two beaches on the coast - Playa Giron and Playa Larga.
Recently, more and more tourists are interested in diving. In this bay spend real underwater excursions. In addition to the
coral islands, vacationers can visit the flooded caves.
Cochinos Bay is a unique nature reserve whose landscapes fascinate and inspire.