What made the Bay of Pigs famous, and why is it so named?

On the coast of Cuba there is a pool, intriguing its name. What became famous for the Bay of Pigs and why it is so named, will tell the material.

Spanish mystery

Matanzas is one of the largest provinces of the Republic of Cuba. On the territory there are dozens of factories working with sugar cane, and several oil refineries. Due to this, the zone is considered the most industrially developed region of the country. The capital of this province is the city of Matanzas.

However, most tourists who had to visit the Island of Freedom (the so-called Cuba), remembered the province of Matanzas thanks to the 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.

From the Spanish language the name of the bay sounds Bahía de Cochinos and translates as "bay of pigs". However, in fact, the nickname is not related to animals. It's a homonym, that is, a word of different meaning, but identical in sound. Hence, from another translation Cochino is the name of tropical sea fish that is found in this territory. The second name of this species is the Royal Spinorhorge.

The Background of the Uprising

However, for most people who are interested in history, it serves as an example of the international military strategy of the Bay of Pigs. Why is the so-called bay, today experts 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. The previous dictator Batista was forced to flee. Together with the former ruler from the island, officials and rich men left, most of whom took refuge in Miami and Florida (USA). The intelligentsia and the middle class feared persecution and did not want to part with the acquired good.

If the top of the country did not support the new leader, the poor people liked him. Castro confiscated the land and property of the bourgeoisie and distributed it to the people. Therefore, his policy immediately took the side of the ideas of communism.

Preparing for an attack

In this regard, the CIA began to organize an attack, which took place in the Bay of Kochinos (Bay of Pigs). What became 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 Cuban emigrants, launch an offensive operation and reset 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 insurgents and 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, the emigrants began air strikes on aircraft without identification marks. Bombed airfields. The goal is the destruction of aviation. However, this mission failed because of the inexperience of the rebels.

The next day, Cubans waited 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 area is limited to swamps, it was extremely difficult to move around. Without wasting time, the rebels asked for help in the United States. The extra force arrived at a certain place in a few hours and immediately seized a few points.

Castro decided that it was possible to win this battle only by starting an instant war. Consequently, all forces of the revolutionaries were immediately sent to this zone. Despite the fact that the United States outnumbered Cubans in military ammunition, young and inexperienced Fidel soldiers managed to shoot down several enemy aircraft and to flood two ships with assistance on board. Already on April 18, the revolutionaries recaptured part of the occupied territories.

Unsuccessful final

The next day, the situation for the rebels worsened even more. Bay of Pigs has become a kind of cage. On the one hand, this territory was washed by the sea, and on the other was surrounded by impenetrable swamps. In this regard, part of the rebel troops surrendered. The other - fleeing back to the US on ships. In total, more than 200 people died in this battle. More than 1,000 American soldiers were taken prisoner. Very soon the leaders of Cuba accused Kennedy and the CIA of trying to capture the island. Subsequently, the United States bought out its military for colossal amounts.

Conclusions from this battle make 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 approached the Soviet Union and allowed the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. All this led to the Caribbean crisis.

Entertainment for every taste

The Bay of Pigs has what to tempt a sophisticated foreign tourist today. On the right side of the bay there are unique coral reefs. Also here are the marshes of Zapata. This is a valuable find for tourists who are interested in nature. The territory is protected by law. Here hundreds of animals live freely, which can be found only on this island. For example, here people see pink flamingos, Cuban crocodiles and shilokly woodpeckers.

Next to this reserve there is another tourist point. This is the village of Guam - a model of the Indian settlement. Small huts are built on tiny islands, connected by beautiful bridges. In general, this is a picturesque and spiritual place.

On the east coast stretches Mangrove thickets. The ecosystem of this zone affects scientists, but ordinary tourists here can be boring and even dangerous. Today, many foreigners Bay of Pigs attracts because of the opportunity to engage in recreational diving.

The Edge of Eternal Summer

Besides the fact that Cuba is the Island of Freedom, it is also an endless summer. Even in January, the temperature does not drop below 25-27 ° C. Air is most heated 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.

A lot of entertainment can offer Cuba vacationers. But most importantly, what tourists are coming here for is sea waves. Made the popular province of Matanzas Gulf of Pigs. On the coast there are two beaches - Playa Giron and Playa Larga.

Recently, more and more tourists are interested in diving. In this bay conduct real underwater excursions. In addition to coral islands, vacationers can visit the flooded caves.

Cochinos Bay is a unique nature reserve, the landscapes of which are fascinating and inspiring.