The Fascinating World of Cuban Pirates: A Journey Through History

When you think of pirates, images of the Caribbean often come to mind, with flamboyant characters, treasure maps, and daring sea battles. Among the many islands of this enchanting region, Cuba stands out as a hotspot for pirate lore and adventure.

Delve into the history of Cuban pirates and what makes their stories so captivating for tourists today.

The Golden Age
of Piracy

The Golden Age of Piracy, approximately from the 1650s' to the 1730s', was a time when piracy flourished in the Caribbean, largely due to the region's strategic location. As European powers like Spain, England, and France vied for control over trade routes and colonies, illicit sea raiders took advantage of the chaos. Cuba, with its numerous coves, hidden bays, and complex coastline, became a favorite haunt for these pirates.

"In an honest Service, there is thin Commons, low Wages, and hard Labour; in this, Plenty and Satiety, Pleasure and Ease, Liberty and Power; and who would not balance Creditor on this Side, when all the Hazard that is run for it, at worst, is only a sower Look or two at choaking. No, a merry Life and a short one shall be my Motto."

—Pirate Captain Bartholomew Robert

Notable Cuban pirates and their stories

1. Jacques de Sores

Jacques de Sores was a French pirate and corsair who attacked and burnt Havana in 1555.

Other than his attack on Havana, little is known of de Sores. He was nicknamed "The Exterminating Angel" ("L'Ange Exterminateur"). He was the leader of a band of Huguenot pirates and a lieutenant or former lieutenant of another French pirate, François Le Clerc, who was called "Pegleg" or "Jambe de Bois" on account of his wooden leg. Le Clerc and Sores had set out from France in 1553 with three royal ships and a number of privateers under commission from Francis I of France who was envious of the riches returning to Spain from the New World. Le Clerc had raided Santiago de Cuba in 1554, and some accounts mention a raid on Santiago de Cuba by de Sores, although whether this was as part of the attack by Le Clerc is not clear. He may have used Cayo Romano and Cayo Coco in the archipelago of Jardines del Rey adjacent to the northern Cuban coast as a base of operations.

2. Sir Henry Morgan
(1635 – 25 August 1688)

Although not Cuban by birth, Morgan's legendary raids often involved Cuban waters. His bold tactics and audacious attacks on Spanish settlements made him a celebrated and infamous figure in pirate history. Morgan conducted many successful and highly lucrative raids on Puerto del Príncipe (now Camagüey in modern Cuba) and Porto Bello (now Portobelo in modern Panamá).

3. Diabolito or Little Devil
died July 1823)

Was a 19th-century Cuban pirate. One of the more violent of the era, he engaged the United States Navy and Revenue Marine Service several times, being one of the main fugitives hunted and pursued later by American Naval forces during the West Indies anti-piracy operations of the United States in the Caribbean during the 1820s. He was also known for having a mixed-race crew, which included “English, Frenchmen, Spaniards, Mulattoes, and Negroes.”

4. Gilberto Girón

French privateer. Known by the Spanish as the lord of La Confiera. In 1604 he was anchored in the Bay of Manzanillo - eastern Cuban region - when he received information that the bishop of Cuba, Jamaica and Florida, Fray Juan de las Cabezas Altamirano - who had settled in Bayamo - was in the Yara herd. Gilberto Girón marched to that place at the head of 26 men and, after killing two locals, kidnapped the bishop and canon Francisco Puebla, administrator of the church's assets in the region. After leading the hostages aboard his ship, he demanded a hefty ransom for them. Two privateers - one Genoese, the other Flemish - who were also anchored in the bay of Manzanillo, perhaps because they were Catholic, served as guarantors for the bishop until the population raised the required ransom. Girón freed the bishop, but left the imprisoned clergyman as collateral.

The Impact of Piracy
in the Cuban Culture

The stories and legends of pirates have significantly influenced Cuban culture. Music, literature, and folklore are rich with tales of these daring rogues. Even today, local festivals celebrate this intriguing aspect of their history.

Cuban pirates represent a thrilling chapter in maritime history, capturing the imagination of travelers and adventurers alike. Exploring Cuba's rich pirate heritage allows visitors to connect with the island's past, indulge in unique cultural experiences, and perhaps even embark on their own treasure hunt. So, if you’re planning a trip to Cuba, don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the world of pirates and discover the legacies they left behind. Your adventure awaits on this captivating island.