Tucked into the heart of Ybor City, the Cuban Club, or El Circulo Cubano, stands as a monument to the dreams, resilience, and tragedies of Tampa’s Cuban immigrant community. Its Neoclassical facade may be elegant and stoic, but the stories that echo within its walls are anything but silent. Here, history, culture, and tragedy intertwine, creating a space where the past lingers in the present—sometimes in ways we can’t explain.
A Community United
In 1899, the Cuban Club was established as a mutual aid society, offering hope and resources to Cuban immigrants during challenging times. What began as a lifeline for a struggling community grew into a cultural beacon. By 1917, after fire claimed its original clubhouse the previous year, the Cuban Club rose again, this time as a stunning four-story Neoclassical masterpiece at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba. Funded by member contributions and a donation from Cuban President Mario Menocal, the building housed a theater, ballroom, swimming pool, medical clinic, and more.
By the late 1920s, the Cuban Club’s membership exceeded 5,000, cementing its role as the heart of Ybor City. It was more than a building—it was a sanctuary where culture thrived, challenges were overcome, and the spirit of a community was kept alive.
Above images courtesy of Digital Commons USF
A Place for Mourning and Honor
In 1910, the Cuban Club became a place of deep reverence when it hosted the remains of General Francisco Vicente Aguilera, a hero of Cuba’s independence movement. Following his death in 1877, Aguilera’s body had been interred in New York City. After Cuba gained its independence, his dying wish to be returned to his homeland was fulfilled, with Tampa serving as a poignant waypoint.
Aguilera’s casket lay in state at the Cuban Club, adorned with flags and surrounded by candles, as the community paid their respects. The somber vigil culminated in a grand procession led by Masons, the Florida National Guard, and sailors from the Cuban gunboat Yara. This event underscored the Cuban Club’s central role as not just a cultural hub but also a unifying force in times of sorrow and pride.
A Lifeline During the Spanish Influenza Epidemic
The Cuban Club’s resilience was tested again in 1918, during the devastating Spanish Influenza epidemic. With Tampa overwhelmed by new infections—679 cases and 16 deaths reported in a single day—the club transformed into an emergency hospital. Accommodating up to 150 patients, its rooms were converted into wards, while the large kitchen served as a vital resource for preparing meals. Under the guidance of the superintendent of Gordon Keller Hospital, the Cuban Club became a critical lifeline for one of the city’s hardest-hit areas.
Tragedy in the Spotlight
Not all of the Cuban Club’s stories are celebratory. On the evening of April 13th, 1934, a heated meeting about the dismissal of a club physician, Dr Guillermo Roig, erupted in chaos. Witnesses would later testify that Belarmino ran up to the stage where club president Edward Valdez was speaking shaking his finger in Valdez’ face saying “These are your trickeries here in the club!” The two men went hands on, struggling as people rushed the stage. In the ensuing melee Vallejo and Valdez ended up in a small room at the left rear part of the stage. Amongst the flying fists and bottles a gunshot rang out. Belarmino had been shot in his abdomen. Later, as he was dying in the hospital Belarmino would tell 4 people that two men named Alfredo Montoto and Ralph Rubio held him and he felt a gun being pressed into his side and then fired. When asked by his wife and friend who shot him he told them both that it was “the presidente”, Edward Valdez. During a coroner’s inquest Valdez, Montoto and Rubio were the first men called to testify. They all testified that they had no knowledge of the shooting. Despite interviewing over 20 witnesses and Vallejo’s alleged deathbed accusations, no one was ever held accountable for his murder. The incident left a permanent scar on the Cuban Club’s legacy.
Echoes of the Past: How History Shapes Hauntings
The Cuban Club isn’t just a repository of history; it’s a living, breathing chronicle of Ybor City’s triumphs and tragedies. Its walls have seen acts of courage, moments of celebration, and scenes of devastation. Perhaps it’s these layers of emotion—intense joy and sorrow alike—that have given rise to the paranormal phenomena often reported within its halls.
From the ballroom dances and theatrical performances that radiated unity to the grief of a pandemic-stricken community and the fiery destruction of the original building, the Cuban Club holds memories of human experiences. Some believe this emotional residue manifests as ghostly echoes—disembodied whispers, shadowy figures, and inexplicable sounds.
Residual hauntings, where past events replay like an old film, might explain sightings of shadowy figures or the faint strains of piano music in the theater. Others theorize that spirits tied to moments of intense emotion—triumph or tragedy—may linger, creating vivid encounters with the living. The Cuban Club’s history, a blend of triumph and heartbreak, leaves an indelible energy for visitors to feel.
Whispers of the Otherworldly
As if its history weren’t captivating enough, the Cuban Club is also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Some of the most popular tales include:
- The Woman in White: A ghostly figure in a white gown and red heels is said to wander the grand staircase, rumored to have been pushed from a balcony after refusing to dance with a man.
- The Drowned Boy: The spirit of a young boy, Jimmy or Jaime, is said to haunt the basement pool area, though no records exist to confirm such a tragedy.
- The Playwright’s Suicide: In the theater, piano music and footsteps have been heard, linked to the spirit of a man who allegedly took his own life after forgetting his lines.
- Vallejo’s Restless Spirit: The only documented death at the club, Vallejo’s murder in 1934, has fueled speculation that his spirit still roams its halls.
Visitors and investigators alike have reported chilling experiences, from disembodied voices whispering in Spanish to phantom touches and unexplained shadowy figures. The elevator has been known to move floors on its own, and ghostly piano music and the sounds of drums often drift through empty spaces. In 2009, the building’s haunted reputation earned it an investigation by TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), further cementing its status among Florida’s most haunted locations. Most recently a construction worker who was the last person to be in the building heard a woman scream in the basement as he was walking through. Knowing he was the only person in the building he abandoned his tools and left immediately.
History Never Dies
The Cuban Club isn’t just a building—it’s a story that continues to evolve. A place where a community’s struggles and triumphs have been celebrated for over a century, and where the past refuses to stay silent. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural legacy or its paranormal lore, one thing is certain: the Cuban Club remains as vibrant—and as mysterious—as ever. I want to offer a big thank you to the Cuban Club for providing me with some spooky stories. Also, if you’re in the area check out The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour and visit the ghosts of the Cuban Club for yourself!