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Cubans and Their Culture

downtown street

1930's street scene

Cuban culture is a colorful and interesting mixture of dissimilar, often contrasting, factors and influences. The Cuban populace is a melting pot of cultural blending from around the world. The significant roots in the Cuban nationality are Spanish and African. The make-up of today’s Cuba is created of Russian, Chinese, and European descent.

old men sitting on a bench

1930's park bench sitting

The Cuban Revolution deeply influenced Cuban culture down to the essential levels of daily life. In spite of the frequently one-dimensional Revolutionary propaganda sent forth by the Communist Government (sometimes in billboard form), the revolutionary cause has become thoroughly implanted in Cuban culture. Although they have lost much of their freedoms, many are happy with this new way of life, for it is a society of equality and economic security for all. Most Cubans greatly appreciate the social benefits of the Revolution, especially in the areas of education and health care.

hanging clothes to dry

kids washing their horses

Cuba’s culture is a system where everybody shares what is available. There is no ruling class with big residences occupied by those who do not work. Cuba is a countryside of working people, mostly on the government’s payroll. It might not be the easiest life, but to a great extent, better than most third-world countries.

beach scene

people on the plaza

The generally excellent treatment of tourists is a source of great pride for Cuban citizens. Much of this comes from the need of many people for dollars, which makes way for an inner independence of sorts in their lives. Cubans are quite genuinely interested, curious, and inquisitive about a foreigner’s life, family, and education. One might think that Cubans would be unfriendly towards U.S. citizens due to the U.S. government’s embargo, but U.S. tourists are treated with respect and kindness. Cubans are not resentful of their past, they are hopeful for their future. Life in Cuba is about the moment.
ave presidente

old green car

Cuba is a country with over 500 years of history stored within a clear sense of the country's cultural heritage. Most Cubans are all too aware of the riches of their country. Visitors to this incredible island, whether for business or pleasure, will discover Cubans symbolize a country with energy and liveliness that will not only continue in the works of its musicians, painters, and writers, but also in the imagination and vigour of its inhabitants.

  Seductive, Resilient, Hopeful

 

antique green car and buggie

antique burgundy car

boy fishing on the malecon

young boy and horse in river



old car on the beach

touring on horses

hood ornament of antique car

old black car

selling artwork on the street

Delights of Old Havana

Old Havana, the heart of Cuba’s capital, is filled with historic churches and monuments. The architecture envelops four centuries of styles . . . an eclectic merging of Baroque and neoclassical. To wander through the four main plazas within Habana Vieja, is a Cuban experience to treasure.

Plaza de San Francisco, where the Terminal Sierra Maestra cruise port has two piers opening on to the plaza’s cobble stone streets, is home to the ornate basilica of San Francisco de Asis. A breathtaking vision of Habana Vieja and its harbor can be captured from the church’s bell tower. 

Plaza de Armas, “Square of Arms”, was constructed for military training in 1584. Used books,  primarily post-revolution editions on Cuban history, can be purchased in the square on most mornings. Havana’s town hall is the city museum nowadays, and another museum is located in a 17th century mansion.

Plaza Vieja’s purpose in colonial times was that of a town square where Havana’s wealthiest citizens had the privilege to witness executions, bullfights, and festivals from their balconies.  The square was thoroughly renovated in the 1990s. Today, there is a bar in the southern corner of the square which provides tables outside for strollers to relax with a micro-brewed beer and listen to live bands.
 
Plaza de la Catedral captures the majority of visitors to Habana Vieja. The Cathedral of Saint Christopher is quite unique with its two asymmetrical towers. The design of the towers allowed water accumulated on the plaza, in the past a swamp area, to flow freely through the cobble stone paths. The cathedral towers spread their night lights over the plaza inviting all to enjoy cocktails and cigars at Ernest Hemingway’s old haunt, La Bodeguita del Medio. Another wonderful attraction is Centro Wilfredo Lam. Internationally celebrated Cuban artist Wilfredo Lam’s paintings, whose pieces are admired for their Afro-Cuban spirit, are exhibited. The center also supports contemporary art from around the world, as well as a music store.