José Martí Friends Park

Parque Jose Marti, located in Tampa, Florida, is a small but historically significant urban park that serves as a unique tribute to Cuban culture and independence. Situated in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa's historic Latin quarter, this 0.14-acre park holds a special place in the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

The park is named after José Martí, a renowned Cuban national hero, poet, and key figure in Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain in the late 19th century. Martí spent time in Tampa, rallying support for the Cuban independence movement among the city's Cuban immigrant population, many of whom worked in the local cigar factories.

What makes Parque Jose Marti particularly intriguing is its legal status. In 1956, the land was donated to the Cuban government, making it officially Cuban territory within the United States. This donation occurred three years before the Cuban Revolution, and the park has remained under Cuban ownership ever since. As a result, when visitors step into the park, they are technically setting foot on Cuban soil.

The park features a statue of José Martí as its centerpiece, along with a mural depicting scenes from Cuban history. Another unique aspect of the park is that it contains soil from each of Cuba's provinces, symbolically bringing a piece of the entire island to Tampa.

While small in size, Parque Jose Marti serves as an important cultural landmark and a reminder of the historical ties between Tampa and Cuba. It is open to the public, though its hours are limited, typically operating on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.