Orden de los Caballeros de la Luz

La Orden de Los Caballeros de la Luz (The Order of the Knights of Light) claims to be the only one fraternal order which is authentically Cuban as other orders such as the long-established Freemasons within Cuba are universal in character.
The Knights of the Order of Light was founded in Philadelphia May 9, 1873, by its founder José González Curbelo and his mentor and guide Jose de la Luz y Caballero. José González Cuban Curbelo was given the task of organizing a mutual aid institution dedicated to the achievement of independence for Cuba to accomplish this goal brought together a group of patriots living in the city of Philadelphia in the United States. This group first met on April 20, 1873 to make preparations for founding a secret society of mutual aid called ¨The Light¨. Its first president was José González Curbelo.

Lodges were established in Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and several cities in Florida, including Ibor City (Tampa) and Miami, as well as in Key West. Minutes and dues books from Philadelphia Lodge No. 1 from 1873-1880 are in the collection of the Historical Society of Philadelphia.

The Order continues as a primarily fraternal order, albeit one which places a strong emphasis on national pride within Cuba to this day. In 2010, with much fanfare, the Order celebrated the centenary of its instillation in an Independent Cuba. As late as 1983, Orden Caballero De La Luz Logia Miami Numero 58, Inc., incorporated itself under Florida law as a Domestic non-profit organization, where a number of lodges are said to continue in operation.