Matanzasis the capital of theCubanprovince ofMatanzas. Known for its poets, culture, andAfro-Cuban folklore, it is located on the northern shore of the island ofCuba, on the Bay of Matanzas, 90 kilometres (56mi) east of the capitalHavanaand 32 kilometres (20mi) west of the resort town ofVaradero.
Matanzas is called theCity of Bridges, for the seventeen bridges that cross the three rivers that traverse the city (Rio Yumuri, San Juan, and Canimar). For this reason it was referred to as the "Venice of Cuba." It was also called "La Atenas de Cuba" ("The Athens of Cuba") for its poets.
Matanzas is known as the birthplace of the music and dance traditionsdanzónandrumba.