Generally, since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuban culture has changed so much, down to the most basic aspects of daily life. Much of Cuban culture, especially its music, is instantly recognised throughout the world.
Music
Cuban music is a happy combination of African rhythms and Spanish poetic melody, it is very beautiful.
Cuba greatly influences and contributes to the development of the Argentinean Tango, Ghanaian High-life and the famous Spanish Flamenco.
Musicians across the globe have long drawn inspiration from Cuban rhythms, and salsa artists from New York to Puerto Rico continue to play predominantly Cuban music.
Cuban music has been perhaps the most popular form of world music since the introduction of recording technology.
The most influential form of Cuban music is called Son, which is said to be the Cuban equivalent of American country music. In the 1960s and 1970s, Son and other Latin rhythms stirring in New York combined to create a loosely defined style related to jazz called Salsa. At present the traditional-style Son is seldom heard, but has been assimilated into other genres and is therefore present in them.
Other popular forms of Cuban music are Guaracha, Bolero, Contradanza, Habanera, Charanga, Changui, and Cuban Jazz.
Cuban Hip-Hop is one of the latest genres of music to be embraced by the youth of Cuba although initially, Hip-Hop was shunned by the authorities because of its affiliation to America and capitalism but with reluctance, has now been accepted.
The Food
Traditional Cuban food is a combination of Spanish, Caribbean and African cuisines (there is also a hint of Chinese influence). The most popular foods are stews, black beans and all meats. Traditional Cuban cuisine is often called “Criolo” – cassava, rice, beans, eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, chicken, beef and pork are common ingredients. Coffee is of very high quality and grown mainly for export, common coffee in Cuba is imported from Africa.
The Arts
Since the Cuban revolution, dozens of Art Schools have been created, Museums have opened
and many Theatre Groups have been formed.
Musicians are guaranteed a salary and a national film industry has also been established. The National Ballet of Cuba has received international acclaim.
Music, Drama, Dance, Art and Writing are all a major part of Cuban culture and activities in these fields are coordinated by the National Cultural Council.
Cuban Artists and Writers enjoy many privileges as members of the party-controlled National Union of Artists and Writers (UNEAC).
Sports
Baseball is the most commonly played game in Cuba. The game has played a role in Cuban independence from Spain. Many Major League players in the United States are Cuban.
Boxing is the second most popular sport. Across Cuba today there are around 500 boxing coaches and 200 facilities. Of the 100,000 athletes in Cuba currently, 20,000 are boxers, including 81 of Olympic competence.
Other sports include Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball.
Religion
There is total religious freedom in Cuba, however, this is only since 1992 when the constitution was amended as Cuba’s policy on religion has changed so much since 1959 as religious Cubans were persecuted and could be denied jobs or an education by the Government. In 1992 the constitution was amended to allow total religious freedom therefore, approximately 40% of Cubans today are Catholic.
There is another large religion in Cuba called Santeria which is a mixture of Catholicism and traditional Yoruba (West African Community) religions.
Cuba has small communities of Jewish people, Muslims, and members of the Baha’i Faith.
Education
Education in Cuba has been excellent for many years now.
The University of Havana was founded in 1728 and there are a number of other well-established colleges and institutions.
All Students wear school uniforms with the colour defining the grade level.
The curriculum in primary and secondary schools is based upon principles and ethic of hard work, self-discipline and love of the country.
Primary education lasts for six years and the secondary education is divided into basic secondary education and pre-university secondary education.
Economy
The Cuban Government sets most prices and rations goods to citizens.
Cuba imports up to 80% of the food it rations to the public mainly due to the inefficient state-run agriculture. The major exports of Cuba are tobacco, coffee, sugar, citrus, nickel and also medical products.
For many years now, tourism has been growing rapidly and therefore is becoming one of the largest industries in Cuba.
Language and Etiquette
The majority of Cubans speak Spanish. Other languages that are spoken are Haitian Creole and English. Cubans speak more formally to the elderly and to strangers as a sign of respect. Upon greeting and departing, a handshake is most common although men often exchange friendly hugs and it is also common for both men and women to greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Most Cubans are very polite and extremely courteous towards their guests and will always try to accommodate and please you. Generally, Cubans will pick up on your attitude instantly and if you come across as patient and friendly, you’ll always get a friendly response.