Cuba (Portugal)

Cuba is a town and municipality in the District of Beja in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 4,878, in an area of 172.09 km².The current mayor (since 2013) is João Português. The municipal holiday is Monday after Easter.HistoryThe name "Cuba" is likely of Arabic origin, pertaining to the qubba, that is "tombs", of ascetic spiritual leaders. Such toponyms are frequent in Southern Portugal and likely related to the Sufi movements that flourished during the period of Almoravid decay, such as the one led by Ibn Qasi.In the 20th century a few scholars sought to turn Colombus into a Portuguese. One of these attempts had him born in the town of Cuba, after which he would have named the Caribbean island. (See possible birthplace of Christopher Columbus.) A statue honouring the explorer can be seen on the city centre. These theories gained some favour among patriotic sectors but have been easily debunked by historians and genealogists.ParishesAdministratively, the municipality is divided into 4 civil parishes : Cuba Faro do Alentejo Vila Alva Vila Ruiva