The Cuban crocodile is endemic to the island of Cuba and the Isle of Pines. Its location is actually limited to the southwest region of Cuba, respectively in the Ciénaga de Zapata, the largest wetland in Cuba and the Caribbean islands, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and a Ramsar site, and then the Ciénaga de Lanier. Its scientific name is Crocodylus rhombifer, and it lives exclusively in marshy places with fresh water, and perhaps brackish water, a very limited habitat indeed. Crocodylus rhombifer belongs to a group of reptiles so ancient that they become contemporaries of the dinosaurs. Our specific saurian is characterized by a rather short head with two projections behind the eyes. The dorsal gussets are in six regular rows and the fourth mandibular tooth protrudes outside the maxilla. Its dorsal color is dark grayish green, its belly white and sides yellow with black spots. It is one of the smallest species of the genus, rarely reaching more than 3.50 m, however older adults of this species can measure up to 5 meters in length. The adaptation to water is such that its eyes and nose are located in prominent places, allowing them to see and breathe at the same time, while its body remains submerged. In this state, to the naked eye, the Cuban crocodile looks like a floating log. On the other hand, it is probably the most terrestrial, intelligent and agile crocodile. When on land, it can indeed turn around to catch its prey. It considers itself an ambush hunter, with great patience and a precise attack. If it fails in its first intention, it will not waste its energies in a fruitless pursuit, but reserves all its strength for the next opportunity. The Cuban crocodile's legs are longer than usual in other crocodiles. Accustomed to walking long distances, it is capable of galloping as fast as a horse, but only for a short distance, and of making great jumps up to 2 meters high, to reach prey such as a jutía or a bird perched in the low branches of trees. The mating season is longer for the Cuban crocodile than for any other species. It begins in May and lasts until July or August. This is a period of great aggression in these animals. First, the violent fights between males to obtain the right to mate, some specimens are even mutilated in the fight, then the relentless care that the females lavish on their offspring. The females take care of their brood with such zeal that they do not even leave it to eat. When the eggs hatch, they jealously defend the newborns. Then their usual ferocity and aggressiveness increase. The female of 6 years or more will lay 20 to 40 eggs on average, in a nest that she will make on the shore. The eggs take 50 to 70 days to hatch. The warmer the environment, the faster the little lizards hatch. The heat will also decide if they are males, while lower temperatures cause female offspring. These reptiles reach their optimal sexual maturity around 20 years, when their annual clutch reaches about 60 eggs. In the wild, they have a high mortality rate, many are eaten by birds and other predators. Cannibalism is also very high in this species of crocodile. On average, only 1% of Cuban crocodiles will survive for a year or more in the wild, and then these lucky ones may live to be over 80 years old. The crocodylus rhombifer feeds largely on small mammals, especially jutías, an arboreal mammal rodent typical of Cuba, as well as freshwater turtles, fish, frogs, snakes and birds. They have powerful jaws, capable of applying tons of pressure, and huge sharp teeth to hold their prey firmly and tear them apart easily. Sometimes they use their powerful tail to strike the trunks of trees, causing small animals that were on the branches to fall into their jaws. Typically, these crocodiles only hunt on land, or on the shore, and take their larger prey into the water to kill them, then to their lairs where they will devour it a few days later. The Cuban crocodile is currently considered endangered. The fact that they have a very small natural habitat is a concern. These crocodiles are currently bred in captivity, which ensures higher survival rates and the preservation of the species. This is the case of the Zapata Marsh Crocodile Farm, a crocodile farm that is the largest in the country, where in the 1960s nearly 1,500 specimens were placed for reproduction, and which can be visited today during a visit to the Bay of Pigs on the Zapata Peninsula. The Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is not the only large inhabitant and supreme predator of the Cuban swamp, since it coexists with the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), a minority that is larger in size, but less agile and unique than the Cuban, introduced in some specific areas of southern Matanzas. It happened that Cuban and American crocodiles were mixed indiscriminately, resulting in a fertile hybrid that supplanted the island's, which was increasingly difficult to differentiate. There are, however, some small hatcheries for the controlled reproduction of the American crocodile in the regions of Sabanalamar in Pinar del Río, Morón in Ciego de Ávila, Minas in Camagüey, then Sábalo in Las Tunas and Manzanillo in Granma. The Cuban crocodile is under the strictest protection of environmental laws. Their illegal hunting and trade are severely punished by the Cuban penal code. Not only is it a symbol for the nation, but a rare and endangered species, an animal with very particular characteristics that make it unique. The crocodylus rhombifer is perhaps the smallest of its vast family, yes, but one of the fiercest and most aggressive in the world. An inspired poet had once and for all affirmed that the island of Cuba resembled a green crocodile lying on the ocean. Cubans also say that our crocodile is perhaps not big, that it looks more like a Pekingese, small it is true, but with a very bad temper, in any case, a worthy representative of the rebellious island of the Caribbean.

The fuel delivery by PVT Clara will slightly alleviate the crisis on the island, but it will not be enough to solve the country's serious energy situation. This Wednesday, October 2, a tanker loaded with fuel from Russia will dock in Havana Bay, just at a critical moment for the island, which is facing daily power cuts of up to 20 hours and an acute shortage of fuel for electricity production. According to satellite tracking by maritime surveillance platforms carried out by Diario de Cuba , the Panama-flagged PVT Clara will arrive in the Cuban capital after departing from the port of Svetly, in Kaliningrad, on September 14. The ship, with a cargo capacity of 20,831 tons, is one of several vessels used by Russia to transport fuels, due to the sanctions imposed by the West following the invasion of Ukraine. Although the fuel shipment by the PVT Clara will slightly alleviate the crisis on the island, it will not be enough to resolve the serious energy situation the country is experiencing. The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, recently explained that "in the current conditions of the restricted economy in Cuba, 3,000 tons of hydrocarbons are consumed daily, which means that a 20,000-ton ship is enough for a week." In addition, he stressed that "two or three ships are needed each week to supply diesel, gasoline, liquefied gas, fuel oil and turbofuel." So far this year, Cuba has received only sporadic shipments of oil from Russia, despite announced agreements with state-owned Rosneft for stable supplies. However, these agreements have not materialized due to difficulties in negotiating a payment method. Jorge Piñón, director of the Energy Program for Latin America and the Caribbean at the University of Texas, told Diario de Cuba that between August 25 and September 19, the island received few fuel shipments. Piñón suggested that the delay in unloading ships could be due to problems with "credit lines or a lack of liquidity," which would prevent companies from unloading fuel without prior payment. In addition, he pointed to possible "technical problems in refineries" that could prevent the processing of crude oil. The fuel deficit has seriously affected electricity production in Cuba. The Public Electricity Union (UNE) reported that this Wednesday there will be a maximum deficit of more than 1,200 MW during the so-called peak hours. Currently, power cuts are affecting all provinces (although they are worse outside Havana ) and have reached up to 20 hours a day. In May of this year, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the country would experience "prolonged" power outages through June due to maintenance work on the energy system. This measure, according to authorities, is aimed at reducing interruptions during the months of July and August, when consumption is higher. “We are going to have extended maintenance until June to minimize the inconvenience of power outages in the summer, especially in July and August,” Díaz-Canel said in the sixth episode of his podcast Desde la Presidencia. The president made it clear that the total absence of outages cannot be guaranteed: “We cannot commit that there will be no outages. Due to the current conditions of the system, such a compromise is not possible now,” he said. For his part, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la Ó Levy, recently admitted that August was an "extremely tense" month, but assured that the government was still looking for "solutions." The blackouts further complicate the country's already tense energy situation. Power outages are affecting all provinces, lasting up to 10 hours a day, including in Havana , where "scheduled" blackouts are implemented by neighborhood, lasting about eight hours. These blackouts not only deteriorate the economic performance of Cuba, which has been mired in a serious crisis for years, but have also been the trigger for anti-government protests. The most notable occurred on July 11, 2021 , the largest in decades, and more recently on March 17 in Santiago de Cuba and other places. Source: https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/qurium/cubanet.org/buque-cargado-de-combustible-ruso-llegara-este-miercoles-a-la-habana.html

Right in the center of Varadero. You have to go down a few steps to reach the shopping center while you have to go up some to access the Ocio Club, a kind of games room for young and old. The panoramic bus stops right in front. The shopping center. There are several shops, restaurants and services. This would be one of the places, according to several members, where we find the best prices for certain alcohols. Ocio Club A place that can be interesting for children in case of rain!

Some typical Cuban dishes Ropa vieja (Beef in a tomato salsa 🍅 on a bed of rice) – photo at the top of the article - taken from the site https://www.196flavors.com/fr/cuba-ropa-vieja/ Tostones or fried plantains – photo shared by Michel Trudeau Rice with beans - photo shared by Michel Trudeau Several types of fried fish - photo shared by Michel Trudeau Grilled pork - photo shared by Michel Trudeau Red snapper, malanga & rice – Photo shared by Sonia Sinclair And also… Fried chicken, SOPA (pork in sauce). Yellow rice, rice with beans (arroz con friolege) etc. (Robert Manningham) Black Bean Soup (Lyne Goudreault) Some Cuban restaurants El Ancla, calle 62. Fast food. South of the bar. Cheap and typically Cuban restaurant. Large portions. Cafeteria Julia Paraiso (Avenida Primera and Calle 54) El Amanecer (interior and exterior – Avenida Primera and Calle 54) El Carney Restaurant (Calle 43) – frequented by a lot of bus drivers which is usually a good sign Several also in Santa Marta, near the intersection of Primera Avenida and Calle 7

José Julián Martí Pérez, born in Havana on January 28, 1853 and died in Dos Ríos on May 19, 1895, is recognized as one of the most emblematic figures in Cuban history. This national hero was a republican and democratic politician, thinker, journalist, philosopher and poet. Founder of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, he was also the organizer of the war of independence of 1895, called "necessary war", against Spanish domination. In addition to his political commitment, Martí marked the literary world as a precursor of modernism. On May 18, 1895, while in Dos Ríos, Martí wrote a letter to his friend Manuel Mercado, considered his political testament. A famous passage from this letter testifies to his commitment: "...I am closer every day to giving my life for my country and for my duty - because I understand it and have the courage to do it - to prevent in time, through the independence of Cuba, the United States from expanding across the Antilles and from falling with greater force on our lands in America. Everything I have done so far, and everything I will do, is motivated by this. It has had to be done silently and indirectly, because some things must remain secret in order to succeed..." Fidel Castro, leader of the Cuban revolution, would draw on Martí's work and thinking to guide the movement that would lead to victory in 1959. ### The death of Martí On May 19, 1895, while a Spanish column was patrolling the Dos Ríos region, near Palma Soriano, where Cuban forces were camped, Martí was marching alongside Generals Máximo Gómez and Bartolomé Masó. Despite Gómez's warnings to stay back, Martí separated from the main body of troops, accompanied only by his assistant, Ángel de la Guardia. Unknowingly, he advanced towards a group of Spanish soldiers lying in ambush and was mortally wounded by three shots. The mambises (Cuban fighters) were unable to recover his body. After several burials, Martí's remains were finally placed on May 27 in niche 134 of the south gallery of the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. A mausoleum was later erected in his honor in the same cemetery. ### The Mausoleum of José Martí Inaugurated on June 30, 1951, the mausoleum is an imposing structure measuring 26 meters high and 86 meters long, comprising a burial chamber and outdoor spaces. The central construction, shaped like a hexagon, displays inside the coats of arms of several American republics of the 1950s. This majestic monument houses the remains of the man who embodies the spirit of the struggle for Cuban freedom. Visiting this place of memory is a must during your stay in Santiago de Cuba, offering an immersion in the history and legacy of the national hero.

Cubans: a warm portrait Cubans are known for their sociability and openness. It is not uncommon to see them chatting with their neighbors from their doorsteps, making human exchanges a real necessity in daily life. This warm nature is perhaps linked to the history of the island and its relative technological isolation, which has pushed the inhabitants to cultivate social interactions. Even if the new generations, influenced by mobile phones and social networks, adopt more connected habits, personal exchange remains deeply rooted in Cuban culture. The Cuban population is distinguished by an impressive racial diversity, a mixture of whites, blacks and mulattoes, resulting from centuries of fusion between Spanish, African and Asian roots. This miscegenation has given rise to a variety of physical characteristics ranging from light to darker skin tones, creating a unique and regal beauty specific to Cuba. But what truly makes Cubans endearing is not just their physical appearance, but their natural charisma. Cubans have an innate sense of hospitality and human warmth. While many may have attractive bodies, especially curvy women, it is their personality and kindness that constitute the true wealth of this people. Humility and honesty are two major traits of the Cuban personality, although, as everywhere, there are exceptions. Cubans are also known for being affectionate and tactile, a mark of their culture where touch plays a central role in communication. This may surprise visitors less accustomed to these displays of affection, but it is simply a natural way for them to express themselves. Courtesy and solidarity are also fundamental values among Cubans. They do everything possible to make everyone feel comfortable, whether at home or as visitors to their country. Their kindness and respect for others are qualities that are felt on a daily basis. Always inclined to celebrate, Cubans always find a reason to rejoice, even in the most difficult moments. They have this unique ability to transform misfortunes into funny anecdotes, and their joy of living is contagious. This lightness in the face of obstacles reflects their philosophy of life, centered on the essential and the simplicity of happiness. When it comes to relationships, Cubans are particularly determined. When they love, they do not hesitate to follow through on their feelings, showing themselves to be perseverant and often ready to do anything to win the chosen one of their heart. This tenacity is accompanied by great attention to their appearance: they always make sure to be well-groomed, well-dressed, and perfumed, whether it is to go out or simply to seduce. Cuban men are also known for their talent in the art of compliments. They know how to flatter women with sweet words and expressions that highlight their beauty, thus creating an atmosphere of light and pleasant complicity. As for Cuban women, they also know how to be flirtatious while maintaining a touch of romanticism. However, Cubans are often possessive and jealous, and do not appreciate people getting close to their partners. They are also fond of bodies with generous curves, far from the standards of beauty imposed by some Western cultures. Spiritually, Cuba is a land of religious diversity. Although Catholicism is predominant, other Protestant denominations, as well as Santeria, coexist harmoniously. Religion and superstition are an integral part of Cuban life, without however resulting in conflict or intolerance. Cuban life is marked by emotional intensity and boundless energy. Cubans are spontaneous, unpredictable, and constantly on the move. They always find solutions to problems and show unfailing creativity to overcome boredom or obstacles. Their dynamism is also evident in their way of speaking, often in a loud voice, with expressive gestures, making each conversation lively and entertaining. In short, Cubans are a warm, generous and resourceful people, with an innate sense of hospitality and a communicative joy of living. They willingly share the little they have and always offer a smile, whatever the circumstances.

Tobacco cultivation in Cuba Tobacco, it is said, is of Peruvian origin. It is however in the Caribbean, in Cuba, where it found its greatest splendor. There are different tobacco growing regions on the island. However, the most famous are the territories corresponding to Vuelta Abajo and Vuelta Arriba, that is, the west and center of the country. Tobacco nurseries and land throughout the Cuban archipelago are preparing for fall. The new tobacco shoots will be replanted only 4 to 5 weeks later, towards the end of November. By early December, millions of tobacco plants will have filled thousands of hectares of particularly generous land. A first harvest of excellent quality for the best cigars takes place only in February. At the end of March, new tobacco leaves of lower quality are collected for the cigarette factories. April and May are good for drying a few tons of tobacco and it is from June to July that the fermentation of the tobacco leaves will take place, taking advantage of the natural humidity brought by the great rains of the Cuban summer. It is finally in August that 90% of the tobacco harvested must be sold to the cigar factories run by the government. The farmer can thus keep a certain quantity of tobacco for his personal consumption. The western province of Pinar del Rio is home to the golden land of tobacco worldwide. This tobacco is recognized for the particular intensity and strength of its aroma and flavor. Cuba also holds the top 6 cigar brands internationally. Namely, Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, Partagas, H.Upmann and Hoyo de Monterrey. Tobacco represents a real gold mine for the Cuban economy. For example, sales of Cuban cigars average around 500 million dollars a year. There are 45 cigar manufacturing companies in Cuba, 23 of which are dedicated to the production of tobacco leaves, as well as 800 cooperatives and some 16,690 growers who cultivate more than 37,000 hectares. Habanos SA holds a 70% share of global trade and has 155 Casas del Habano in its main markets in Spain, China, France, Germany, Cuba, Lebanon, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Canada. Cigars are one of the most authentic symbols of Cuba, a sign of national identity.

When we talk about Cuba and its music, the word SALSA immediately comes to mind. It is undoubtedly the rhythm that most identifies us in the world musical panorama, it is true. However, it is only the finale of a centennial concert where very diverse melodies have been amalgamated. In fact, Cuban music is forged from very different elements, brought by this cultural mix that makes Cuba the largest crossroads of colors in the Caribbean. The African people introduced percussion. The Spanish conquistadors guitars and other stringed instruments. From the French migration, after the Haitian revolution, we received the influence of a kind of contra dance, just as Louisiana in turn brought brass and jazz. Our music has evolved slowly over the centuries, nourished by very different sounds. From the popularity of rhythms innate to the black slave and workers, such as the Tumba Francesa, the Rumba and the Conga, through peasant melodies, such as the Son, the Guajira, the Repentismo, and up to more urban and also contemporary chords such as the Danzón, the Bolero full of romanticism, the Mambo and the Chachachá, music flows naturally to all Cubans, who have known how to dance since they were little. It is then Salsa, a sauce, a mixture of all the most traditional and authentic rhythms of the musical history of Cuba. Our traditional music is present everywhere and continues to perpetuate itself in the most current productions. Our young musicians are always inspired by our roots. A true fusion of innovation with our ancestors. There are cities where you breathe, and sweat, more music in the evenings, such as Santiago de Cuba, Havana and Trinidad. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy it if you stop in these regions. It is really quite easy to come across, during your stay in Cuba, famous musicians or internationally renowned orchestras, there are enough to fill pages, as well as very simple musicians, often without academic training, who confirm to us on every street corner how much the musical fiber is present in all Cubans. Cuba is vital music.

This is the story of the guayabera, Cuba's national garment. The guayabera is made up of four pockets and is decorated with rows of pleats; two rows in the front and three in the back. At one point, the back yoke ended in a single vertex that looked like a triangle that, together with the three rows of pleats, resembled the Cuban flag. It was always white and long-sleeved and had 27 buttons. Thus, the guayabera was slightly fitted at the waist. Over time, the back yoke was topped with three vertices from which the same number of rows of pleats came out and the 27 buttons remained. Today, the guayabera has varied structures, materials and colors. There are embroidered and frayed ones, with more or less pleats and buttons, but it is always the same elegant and fresh garment. The birth of the guayabera was not the work of a single person and it remains to be determined from when it became an elegant, fresh, white, very well starched and ironed garment that could be worn without a tie. The earliest graphic testimony of the Guayabera that has come down to us dates back to 1906. But the word Guayabera, as a Cubanism, was not legitimized until 1921, when Constantino Suárez included it in his Cuban Vocabulary. However, legend has it that a peasant from the Sancti Spíritus region, in the center of the island, asked his wife to make him a fresh and comfortable shirt for him to work in the fields. The industrious woman fulfilled the order, without imagining that her design would become so popular that it would be known throughout the world. It was called guayabera because the peasants used to pick the guavas and put them in the large pockets of their clothes. Another legend places the origin of the guayabera in the genius of a tailor, also from Sancti Spíritus, who sold long shirts with pockets so that peasants could comfortably store their cigars. Whatever its origin, the guayabera has been a resounding success, and Sancti Spiritus is apparently its definitive birthplace. There is even a unique guayabera museum. Made with yarn, fresh, comfortable and elegant, with wide skirts that are always used outside the pants, the guayabera is the most representative garment of Cuba. The guayabera was very popular during the second half of the Republic, where even presidents came to wear it with pride. Until then, it was a garment, very generalized and typical of the Cuban peasant, but not of the urban areas and even less of the capital. It was only around the 1940s that Cubans hung up their jackets, threw away their hats, untied their ties and, finally relieved of these clothes brought from a climate that was not ours, they ended up assimilating with approval the freshness and elegance of the guayabera. La Guayabera after the triumph of the revolution When the Revolution triumphed, the guayabera receded until it disappeared. At that time, the country suffered economic aggression, sabotage, invasions and terrorist acts and suffered from deficiencies of all kinds. In the late 70s, the guayabera timidly reappeared with long sleeves and pleats. It was not made of thread, but of polyester, and not always white. It did not take long for young people to begin to see it, not without rejection, as a symbol of the bureaucrat in office. Fortunately, its use has been revitalized in recent times, thanks mainly to cultural promotion for tourist purposes, it is true. What matters, however, is that Cubans, and even Cuban women, have finally rediscovered the taste for wearing the famous shirt and its popularity has thus been revived among their fellow citizens. It is the guayabera, the national garment of the country, symbol of Cubanness that identifies us throughout the world. So do not leave Cuba without such a shirt which, like the skin of a nation, will later give you back the nostalgic and warm memory of a trip among the Cubans.

The Cubans and the Crate* Getting married for a Cuban is not just about signing papers or going to church. There is always a big commitment involved. The party and the photos are sometimes cut due to lack of resources and this makes the contract strictly verbal, so the commitment essentially becomes a love pact between two. When it comes time to get legally married, questions arise. The honeymoon, the photos, the dresses and the party almost never add up. Ultimately, it's almost always best to save money for the start of a life together. The consummation of the marriage then regularly takes place during a family meal with close guests. Two witnesses and the notary attest on the occasion to a union which in fact already existed. The couple goes away for a few days to a cheap place, or better still postpones the trip until they are solvent. The priority is to have a house to live together. Because the one who gets married, so true, also wants his shelter, (el que se casa, casa quiere) and that is not always possible. Moving to a room in one of the married couple's homes (where there would be the most space) may be the primary solution. Housing is a very typical family problem in Cuba. Very often, families are large and several generations live in the same space. It is practically impossible, with rare exceptions, for newlyweds to have the opportunity to live alone. Tolerance and the ability to live with very different generational ideas and concepts, and sometimes of a fiscal nature, therefore play a big role. Living with your mother-in-law is a difficult task. For us Cubans, the connubio* can exist in several ways. There is the ideal wedding with a wedding march and all the respective paraphernalia; unions blessed by a pastor, or simply by a notary. Sometimes the mutual agreement to live together and share everything is also marriage. Getting married for Cubans often expresses the will of those who, although sometimes having nothing, have everything when they are together. Cuban weddings have changed over the years. While many families still maintain old traditions and customs for this type of event, others modify or completely change them depending on personal or economic situations. Gifts are not so abundant anymore, but affectionate gestures are still shown in one way or another towards the couple. It is customary to give envelopes full of money to the newlyweds, to help them build the beautiful project. The grand decoration has not changed either if the union is performed in a living room or a private home. Photos would be essential then to remember of course what happened, and how much it cost too. Nowadays, some people devote all their efforts to tirar la casa por la ventana, that is, to waste money excessively, and to make the event more than an act of union of a couple, a regrettable demonstration of economic status. With the emergence and rise of independent businesses, event planners, costume rentals and all the scaffolding needed for such a celebration have appeared and they have no shortage of customers. Other Cubans prefer to do without the official act and go straight to living together and sharing a married life without signing or lavish festivities. The lack of independent housing and the economic commitments made there when getting married naturally lead the new generations to prefer to share life in a common-law relationship. In Cuba it is often better to be a concubine than a Cuban idiot. Sorry, I had to say it. Today, many Cubans even consider marriage to be impractical. When you ask Cubans about the pros and cons of marriage, they smile, but then choose to get serious; as if it were a tragicomedy. In recent years, Cuban couples have been less and less motivated to sign the marriage union document. Sometimes couples would get married in time, once or twice, just to guarantee a cheap beer at New Year's Eve parties, and maybe take an extra suit provided for free, or even take advantage of the opportunity to stay in hotels without too much expense. But all that has already disappeared. In fact, the Cuban state had long provided very attractive benefits for newlyweds, drinks and food for the family celebration, cheap packages for a hotel, in order to motivate the act of the marital union itself and consequently the founding of new families and their natural descendants indispensable to society. But today everything is fine if you can have a room at your parents' or grandparents' house. Given the current situation of housing availability, it is already a privilege. On the other hand, machismo within Cuban society is another factor that affects legal marriages. Patriarchal customs are deeply rooted and the man always tries to exercise power over his partner and this is increasingly difficult in a context where the woman has achieved her emancipation. Cubans, however, are not so afraid to get married because they can always get divorced in the best case scenario. Divorce in Cuba is not as complicated or traumatic as in other parts of the world. It is true that there may be disputes when separations occur but these conflicts do not represent a significant economic harm, except in relation to housing and the separation of property. Maintenance does not affect as much either. But when it comes to the house, the land dispute often leads to the singular decision to divide the dwelling into two habitable halves. This is how we see in the streets of Cuba countless houses divided from the front without any other logical explanation than divorce. In Cuba, you can get a divorce in two ways; by court order or notarial deed. The first is handled by filing a legal proceeding before the competent municipal court, and the second by appearing before a notary. Hiring a lawyer in Cuba to make a divorce legally viable costs around 100 Cuban pesos (CUP). Believe me, sometimes such an investment is worth it. To have a successful marriage in Cuba, you have to learn to live with your excesses, which are sometimes funny or irritating, but which never give rise to boredom. For a Cuban it is easy to fall in love, you just have to make a good first impression, because Cubans see first with their eyes and then they fall in love with the soul. It is also worth pointing out that Cubans often like what they cannot have. So, never be a jealous monster, for example, and instead make sure you cook something that your partner really likes.

Cuba's traditions are recognized and appreciated by Cubans and foreigners who visit the island, looking for that unique energy of Cuban culture. Joy and colors are in fact fundamental elements of Cuban festive traditions. These celebrations full of Caribbean flavor are part of our Cubanness. Festive events in Cuba can be divided into two fundamental groups: the official ones (which are those related to the events and commemorations of the revolution and the history of Cuba in general) and the national ones consisting of festivals, carnivals and other traditional celebrations. It is official that Cubans celebrate holidays such as January 1st, more for the anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution than for being the first day of the year, as well as May 1st in commemoration of World Labor Day and July 26th, the day of the national rebellion, as well as October 10th, the date of the beginning of the first wars of independence against the Spanish metropolis in 1868, and my birthday since 1975. Good Friday and Christmas are also highlighted, although more discreetly. These Catholic holidays are increasingly revitalized and are quietly recovering their former place among Cubans, thanks above all to certain claims acquired by the intervention of Pope John Paul II during his visit to Cuba in 1998. However, the highlight of the annual Cuban family celebrations is the end-of-year party, the date when the family reunion is sacred and where the most authentic festive atmosphere can be felt both within the family and in public squares, restaurants and bars, where you cannot miss the Cuban roast pork, rum, beer and gushing joy. Knowing the basics of the country and the history of the places you visit is certainly important. However, being in contact with the locals and learning about their customs can be much more interesting and enriching. If you want to enjoy these popular festive events, you just have to plan the travel calendar according to the respective interests, taking into account the dates on which these Cuban festivals and traditions are celebrated. For example, if you want to enjoy the carnival, you should visit the island at the end of June or during the months of July and August, the period when the first festivities begin of which I especially recommend the carnivals of Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba and Havana. So here are some very popular Cuban celebrations and traditions. Among the main traditions of Cuba, we can highlight some, ideal for those looking to learn more about the culture of this country, have fun and discover the true Caribbean flavor that Cubans naturally give off. ▪︎Charangas de Bejucal (January) The Charangas of Bejucal, together with the Parrandas of Remedios and the Carnivals of Santiago de Cuba, constitute the three national popular festivals of Cuba. This festival takes place in the village of Bejucal in the province of Mayabeque and has been declared a cultural heritage of the Nation. ▪︎The international book fair (February) The cultural event is considered the most important event of the Cuban publishing movement. It began to be held in 1982, with a biennial cycle, and since the year 2000, it has begun to be held annually. It has its permanent headquarters in the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña in Havana. Each edition is dedicated to a different writer and country. This fair also extends to other provinces of the country. ▪︎Havana World Music (HWM) (March) The Havana World Music Festival is a great musical and cultural festival in which the richness of diversity and crossbreeding is exalted, in the image and similarity of the environment where it takes place: Havana and Cuba. ▪︎The Havana Biennial (March-April) The Havana Biennial is a contemporary art biennial held in Havana, Cuba, since 1984. Since the 90s, it has maintained a periodicity of three years. The city of Havana is then transformed into a large open-air stage where visual artists from all over the world come to exhibit magnificent works of art of different genres. Some of these award-winning works of the cultural event are integrated into the definitive decoration of the city. ▪︎Piña Colada Festival (April) It is an event that for the first days of April animates the stages of the city of Ciego de Ávila, in the center of Cuba and that has always had the special intention of being dedicated to youth, and of highlighting the popular and traditional Cuban culture, through all the expressions of art. ▪︎Cubadisco Festival (May) The most important international fair of the Cuban music industry. Each year is dedicated to a country and a musical genre, in addition, it pays tribute to personalities and artists with exceptional creative work in the field of Cuban music. It is a real international celebration which allows you to attend numerous musical presentations which take place throughout the capital. ▪︎Mayo Teatral (May) Every two years and under a central idea of Casa de las Américas, Mayo Teatral brings to Cuban tables a sample of contemporary Latin American theater. ▪︎May pilgrimages The Romerías de Mayo are a tradition of the people of Holguin led by the Association Hermanos Saíz (AHS), every year in May, tradition and modernity are combined to make the city of Holguín the capital of young art. In these, a sample of the most representative of national and international culture is presented, as well as the best AHS projects in each province of the island. ▪︎Carnivals in the Cuban provinces (end of June, all of July and August) At this time, Cuban carnivals begin in regions such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, Las Tunas, Holguín, Matanzas and Villa Clara. The characteristics of these festivities are quite similar between all regions. There is not always a fixed date for the celebration of these carnivals. However, it will almost always be during the summer. In regions like Camagüey, the famous San Juan Camagueyano is celebrated around June 24, undoubtedly one of the Creole festivals with the greatest popular roots. ▪︎La Fiesta del Fuego in Santiago de Cuba (July) The Fiesta del Fuego is a traditional festival that takes place every year in the city of Santiago de Cuba between July 3 and 9. The first edition took place in 1981 There you will not only come into contact with the customs and traditions of Cuba, but also of other Caribbean countries. ▪︎Timbalaye Festival (End of August) International Festival of Cuban Rumba of Timbalaye, a project that defends the dance musical genre of rumba, with headquarters in Havana. ▪︎Havana Theater Festival (end of October) This festival has been held every year since 1980 in the theaters and squares of Havana. It is the perfect time to enjoy theatrical performances and discover the wonderful theaters of the capital. During the month of May, there is also a similar event called Mayo Teatral. ▪︎Fiestas de los Bandos Rojo y Azul. Festivities of the red and blue sides, in the province of Ciego de Ávila (early November) In Majagua, a municipality in the central province of Ciego de Ávila, every November, residents dress in red and blue, when they celebrate their most important annual festival. It is a celebration, and friendly confrontation, which essentially reflects the culture of the peasant, where music predominates, as well as costumes, dance choreographies, fireworks and the decoration of floats between the two sides, red and blue, in which the inhabitants of the city of Majagua are grouped. ▪︎The Benny Moré popular music festival in Cienfuegos (end of November) The Benny Moré Popular Music Festival, inaugurated in Santa Isabel de las Lajas, a city in the province of Cienfuegos, where the main genius of Cuban popular music of the 20th century was born, takes place every two years from November 29 to December 2. ▪︎Havana New Latin American Cinema Festival (December) The biggest annual celebration for Cuban moviegoers who fill Havana's movie theaters to enjoy cinematic presentations from most Latin American countries and other corners of the world. ▪︎Las Parrandas de Remedios in the province of Villa Clara (End of December) This celebration is one of the most popular and attractive in Cuba. Its most important elements to highlight are the lights, fireworks, dances, the colors of the typical costumes of the region and the traditional music of Cuba. It is celebrated in the province of Villa Clara, in San Juan de los Remedios. It is the most authentic popular festival that can be imagined. Celebrations in Cuba, as in any part of the world, are surrounded by an atmosphere of euphoria and joy, which is why we sometimes forget about security. However, it is a country with a very low level of crime and violence and both the atmosphere of the day and night, and its people themselves, invite you to live any experience without worries. Still, some precautions must be taken so that the occasion is always unforgettable in the best sense of the word. You can stay in private homes in Havana and other areas without any problems, much less fear for your safety and that of your belongings. Homestay accommodation is usually cheaper than hotels and you can have an incomparable experience in the safety of a Cuban family environment. Never carry important documents, such as your passport or your country's identification, when you walk around or visit the city. Always keep the original in the room and take a copy with you in case of emergency. Also bring a photocopy of your bank cards so that if you lose them, you can report it immediately. Always take a bottle of water, because, especially during the summer, temperatures tend to rise a lot and you need to stay well hydrated. You should avoid acquiring products from informal or parallel trade, because the authenticity of a black market product is never trustworthy, nor would there be any guarantee. Now that you know some of the most important celebrations that take place in Cuba, and you can see that it is not so complicated or risky to enjoy these events, all that remains is to plan your next Cuban adventure while it is possible for you to travel and for us to return to our normal life full of colors. So don't stop dreaming of traveling. Cuba and the Cubans are waiting for you, ready to share its festivals and traditions.

Cubans are fighters par excellence. There is no good Cuban who has not had to invent the most dissimilar jobs to survive, even if only temporarily. I once saw a very old man with a sign that said: "I give change". It was at a bus stop; the old man had a bag full of coins and another with paper peso bills. His job was to exchange money for people who would take the bus and did not have the exact amount to make the payment. He took a minimal commission that allowed him to earn his living, and the travelers did not lose money by paying for their trip, as the driver is not supposed to give change. Once I came across a "mobile barber" in the middle of the street with a bench in his hand and a backpack on his shoulder with all the necessary utensils to offer a cheap haircut and even a mirror for the greatest pleasure of satisfied passers-by. A long time ago I had a neighbor in Matanzas who was dedicated to cleaning pots, both at home and in home service too. This old man was very loved by the housewives of the neighborhood. The aluminum pots, old and black with soot, were heated and then scraped with a small knife and with such skill that when finished they were so shiny that they looked like new. When the pot cleaner died, there was not a moment when my mother did not remember it as she watched her old kitchen utensils gradually turn black and then without a solution. Perhaps many do not understand that a lighter can be repaired. While in other countries lighters are thrown away because of the slightest damage, in Cuba everything is fully exploited and nothing is thrown into the trash. Lighters can be refilled with gas, the flint, or other ignition system, changed; some parts like the washer and the flame guard replaced, and even the body of the lighter reformed. There is also an innovation, which is an authentic Cuban patent: the use of a pin to perforate the lighter and introduce the gas into the tank, when the gas filling valve does not exist. A disposable lighter is no longer disposable in Cuba. The fosforeros, the mechanics or lighter fillers, have become an indispensable commercial figure in Cuban society, which is full of habitual smokers. There is not a neighborhood in Cuba that does not have at least one fosforero, who repairs lighters, and who would incidentally sell lighters, sometimes matches or even cigarettes and cigars. Their main activity is also regulated in the new forms of non-state work. In fact, in the country of the best tobacco in the world, where smoking cigarettes was once extremely cheap and therefore affordable, even smoking, or buying a lighter, has now become a problem. There simply aren't any lighters, and when we find them they are so expensive that it will always be better and cheaper to repair the lighters we already have at home so that there is no lack of fire in the kitchen and we can always light a good Cuban cigar.

How do Cubans speak? Cuba is an archipelago in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, with a wonderful language of its own. Its people are open, passionate and with a great joy of living. It is their particular way of speaking Spanish that is one of their most characteristic traits. This way of expressing themselves with personality, authenticity and freshness is colloquially known as Cubanisms, that is, words or phrases typical of Spanish that Cubans vehemently defend in their daily lives. A bit of history The island of Cuba had been inhabited for over ten thousand years by migrant fishermen, especially from Central America. The Spanish, after discovering the new territories in 1492, populated it and they then began to forge their own Creole identity with the local aborigines. It could be concluded that the long Spanish colonial period and the resulting migration of African slaves, together with the immediate American influence at the beginning of the 20th century and that of Russia, after the triumph of the revolution, gave rise to a Spanish full of words that come from the mixture, in particular, of these languages, although there are also moderate influences from French and to a lesser extent from Portuguese, and their respective pronunciations. Some characteristics of Spanish in Cuba With a great resemblance to the Spanish spoken in the Antilles, within the same island there are different forms of expression depending on the region in which we are, without however reaching the range of the dialects themselves. The greatest distinction can be found between the western areas, with a more modern, dynamic and current language, and the eastern areas of the island, where a more classic and careful Spanish is spoken, much more melodious in fact. Among the most common general characteristics of Cuban Spanish we can find for example: - Pronunciation of the letter "S" as if it were a "J". An example of this would be the word (helmet) casco [caj-co]. - The assimilation of the "R" by the consonant that follows it in the order of this word. A clear exponent of this rule is the (green) term verde [ved-de]. - The change of the letter "R" to the letter "L". The word love is one of the most typical examples of this pronunciation, amor [a-mol]. - The pronunciation of the sound [s] instead of [z]. For example, the word zorro we will always say [so-rro]. - The pronunciation of the sound [b] instead of [v]. The word vaca (cow) will always be said as [ba-ca]. - In a word where there are two of the same consonant for example, the second is never well articulated, the sound would be absorbed, barely suggested. This is the case of bebé (baby) where we then pronounce [be-he]. - The frequent omission of the consonant sound at the end of the word, especially when it comes to "S". Examples: verdad (truth) [ved-dá] Apocalipsis (apocalypse) [apocalipsi] - The omission of the consonant sound "D" [d] in the case of certain words that end with the construction -ado and -ido, such as pescado (fish) [pes-cao], molido (ground) [mo-lio]. - The preferential use of personal pronouns (yo, tú, él, ella) in any situation or context, probably due to the influence of English, and the predominance of tuteo, the act of addressing the Cuban people informally, one of the most classic characteristics of the Cuban people. - The lexicon. It is in this part of the language that there is undoubtedly a greater number of variations. The Cuban way of life, its love for pleasure, celebrations and everything related to the social have provoked an enormous contribution of a multitude of expressions rich in freshness throughout the centuries. Argelio Santiesteban, a famous Cuban intellectual, explained a few years ago that "Spanish in Cuba is part of a daily collective effort by all Cubans to find the artist that every human being carries within." Cuba is laughter, transparency, colors, the lightness of life, the frankness and sincerity of the people, and their particular version of Spanish closely resembles its inhabitants. There is no room for sobriety, respect or manners. The speech is strong in the streets, in a vibrant and spiritual way. Here, for example, are some of the most common forms of what we might call a Cuban hello: ▪︎¿How is it? How is things going? ▪︎What is your life? What are you becoming? ▪︎¡You are more lost than the meat of the ox! You were gone then, and much more than the ox! ▪︎¿What are you up to? ▪︎How are you? How's it going? ▪︎¿How is the mechanics? How are the mechanics? ▪︎¿How did you live your life? How is life going? ▪︎¿Qué me cuentas de tu vida? What's new ? ▪︎What's up? What happened? ▪︎¿How is the burumba? How is business? Burumba: A dark affair carried out by informal means to solve one of the many problems of daily life. And finally here are some Cubanisms, perhaps the most common in current Cuban jargon, without the slightest pretension, of course, to be exhaustive, since the undertaking would then be impossible. ▪︎Asere ¿ Que volá ?: And buddy, how are you? ...and there is also the more familiar version: ¿ Qué volón ? Asere: is a Cubanism that belongs to the familiar register and that for Cubans means friend, brother or partner; and that is generally used in conversations with an atmosphere or tone of confidence. Men tend to use the word Asere much more than women. ▪︎Ando a la my love: Synonymous with being relaxed, without worries. It also means being naked. ▪︎Coger botella: Hitchhiking. ▪︎Irse pa'l yuma: Its literal meaning is to travel to the United States, but recently it has been used as a synonym for traveling abroad, regardless of the country. The word yuma is also used to name a North American or even any other foreigner. ▪︎Sirvió Rodríguez: This is a humorous mix of the statement "sirvió", with the name of the famous Cuban troubadour Silvio Rodríguez. It is used to show enthusiasm for a perfectly conceived plan and its approval, or to make an appointment with friends and can then be replaced by "jugó" or "sirvió" for short, that is to say: it plays. ▪︎Tirar un cabo: This expression has a meaning as simple as helping others. You can throw a rope to a friend. If you are in Cuba and a tire breaks, you can go to the first Cuban who passes by and say: "socio, hazme un favor y tirame un cabo con el carro." You will certainly be helped. ▪︎Eres un punto: It is a pejorative adjective. In Cuba, this is what is called (punto) a very innocent person, who does not realize that they are the subject of deception or trickery, also for cases where someone is the victim of infidelity or to designate extremely noble people. ▪︎They have a smile: Refers to a man who is happy about women's good moods towards him. ▪︎Completo Camagüey: This indicates that everything is finished, or the end of some task. ▪︎Estar arriba de la bola: Be aware of everything, up to date, well connected. ▪︎Vamo'echando: If you have attended an event without commitment, and you do not feel comfortable, you may hide a little; but your agitation will eventually give you away. Then, you will hear yourself whisper to those who accompany you: vamo'echando (Let's go). ▪︎You don't calculate me: The Cuban, resourceful by nature, can drive cars from the beginning of the last century and transform a room into a house for 10 people without knowing architecture. That's why he hates being underestimated. The expression Tu no me calculas (you don't calculate me) has nothing to do with math. It's more to say that you don't know me well enough, and that you'd be surprised at what I'm capable of accomplishing. ▪︎ Me sacaron un sable: Expression of the person who would have received severe criticism or an unexpected negative action. ▪︎Eres un barco: When you leave your homework until the last minute, it is not that you are lazy: you are simply a drifting boat. In extreme cases of idleness one can further suggest what will be the end of your laziness: "Eres un Titanic". ▪︎ Ser un quemao: A quemao (a burned person) can be someone who knows too much about a subject, and appreciates it to the point of surprising those around him, or becoming obsessed with this passion. Sometimes, there would be a tendency to call this individual crazy, in which case we would say that está quemao. But, for a Cuban, ser un quemao (being burned) generally has a positive connotation. ▪︎Coger un diez: When a Cuban coges un diez (take a ten), it means that he takes a break and then continues with the work he is doing. This break can be extended and end up being a veinte or a treinta, depending on the level of laziness of the one taking it. ▪︎Tumba, tumba: The expression is in an imperative mood and indicates that you must leave urgently. Synonymous with get out. ▪︎It ended like the Guatao party: The affair ended disastrously, with a serious conflict or even fights. The expression refers to a certain legendary party that would have gone very badly. ▪︎Se levantó con el moño virao: This expression is not reserved for women, people with long hair or those who like hairstyles. Even a bald man can wake up with a twisted bun. It is a state of mind. The person is in a bad mood, unbearable, y te hace la vida un yogurt (turns your life into yogurt) that is, makes your life miserable. ▪︎He left like the dog that knocked over the pot: He left like the dog that knocked over the pot. How does a dog that has committed such a crime leave? Well, in an elusive way, and with as little noise as possible. The mess he left behind is for someone else to clean up. ▪︎To lower all the saints help: This expression translates the idea of the minor, and unmeritorious, effort that we must make on the way down, and would be used when success seems too easy or the path taken was well known. ▪︎To make firewood from a fallen tree: To make firewood from a fallen tree; to speak ill of a person who is no longer present, who is doing badly in life or who is no longer fortunate. ▪︎Tunturuntu: Tunturuntu is a subtle synonym for tumba, tumba. Which is equivalent to disappear, to leave, to get out of my sight, to run away, to slip away. ▪︎Tumbando que está nevando: Obviously it never snows in Cuba. The words rhyme only to imperatively signal the imminence of the time to leave. ▪︎Estás en llamas: If a Cuban tells you that estás en llamas (you are on fire), he has just told you ugly, poorly built. ▪︎Ser un mango: The complete opposite of estar en llamas. The mango, would be synonymous with physical beauty. Tremendo mango or mangón: formidable beautiful woman or handsome man. ▪︎Estás hecho un maceta: This phrase is often used to tell someone that they have a lot of money. Mijo, estás hecho un maceta (you have turned into a pot) or estás maceta, which means that you are, momentarily, rich. ▪︎More roll than film: More roll than film. This expression describes a person who talks a lot, but does not act; who never keeps his promises, and who should not be believed. ▪︎Have more balls than Maceo: It is the image of someone of such great courage, that he is not afraid of anyone. Antonio Maceo was one of the bravest mambises of our wars of independence against Spain in the 19th century. ▪︎To hold on to a hot nail: To hold on to a hot nail. The expression translates the spirit of a person who is willing to do anything in order not to give up on their final goal. ▪︎Ño! or Ñooo! [gno...] This denotes astonishment, great joy, excitement, surprise but also indignation. The word in question is usually accompanied by other expressions in order to accentuate their connotation. Ño, que lindo! That is to say: how beautiful it is! Or Ñoo, que fula asere! Which means: how bad it is, or how annoying it is, my friend! In relation to a negative situation or attitude. ▪︎Fula: The word fula basically refers to the US dollar and, par excellence, to any strong currency. It comes from fulastre, which in colloquial Cuban means someone who cannot be trusted. The meaning comes from the time when it was punishable by law to have US dollars in one's pocket. Fula therefore also means bad, ugly. La chica se vistió fula (The girl dressed ugly, badly); este tipo es un fula (This guy is boring); eso cuesta 20 fulas (It costs twenty dollars) ▪︎Tiene pinta / Tiene buena pinta / Tiene tremenda pinta / Eso pinta bien : from pintar (to paint) The expression denotes the apparent good quality of an object or any matter. We can also find the expression with a negative connotation. This is the case of: La cosa pinta mal or pinta fea or even pinta fula. ▪︎Your quarter hour has passed: Your quarter hour has passed. You had your chance and you didn't know how to take advantage of it. Now it's too late. ▪︎Colorin colorao este cuento se ha acabao : It means that the story has ended. Also to point out that it is then too late, and that what had been available is no longer available. It is also used to indicate the end of any event. ▪︎Don't worry about it: Don't worry about it. The expression recommends someone not to let themselves be affected or bothered by problems, difficult situations or worries. ▪︎Being behind the stick: This refers to someone who does not know the latest news, does not pay attention or does not know what is happening in a conversation. ▪︎Meter pescao: If you metió pescao (put fish) then you have just done something great and extraordinary, always considered positive. ▪︎Flew like Matías Pérez: He flew like Matías Pérez who was a Portuguese aeronaut whose fame was born in a tragic accident where he would have disappeared in Havana in a balloon after takeoff. Cubans use this phrase to say that something is no longer easy to find or someone would have also disappeared. ▪︎Don't tell me this story: Don't tell me this story. In this case, it means: don't lie to me, don't tell me things that are not plausible. ▪︎Estar en el tibiri tabara: This is one of the strangest and most unique phrases for Cubans that conveys the state of one who is busy with his personal affairs whose nature does not concern others. It is synonymous with Estar en el invento as if one were busy tampering with or inventing something. ▪︎Me saqué la rifa del Guanajo: I had the turkey raffle. The expression is used to show astonishment at the advent of something unexpected and surprising. A difficult situation or a problem for which one does not know how to react or find the immediate solution. ▪︎En la lucha o en la luchita: In the fight for life. This is how Cubans often respond to the greetings of others. The expression translates the state of one who is busy with his regular business, or work, especially to ensure daily survival. ▪︎La cosa está mala, negra o en candela: The thing is bad, black or on fire, which translates the extremely degraded state of a situation. Cubans often repeat this expression to denote the serious state of the current economic situation for example. ▪︎No hay con qué, ni dónde moarrar la chiva: The expression suggests that there is not even a rope to tie the goat, and thus translates the state of extreme general shortage. ▪︎Estar pa'llá! : Ese tipo está pa'llá! (He's gone somewhere else) which simply means in our country that this guy is crazy, irremediably. ▪︎To be dead on the road (with someone): To be in love, to be in love with someone. The feeling is as definitive in this expression as being dead and abandoned on the road. ▪︎Empingao: If you know Cuban Spanish at all, this word might at first seem outrageous. It is, however, a unique and harmless construction that has become very popular among the younger generation, although all Cubans can use it very often in three basic senses. Empingao or empingue can translate a boring, bothered, angry or even irritated state of mind. Examples: -El está empingao por mi culpa. (He got angry because of me) -I have an empingue! (I am very angry) Empingao also and above all means: it's good, magnificent, perfect, excellent, super or similar. Examples: -Are you coming to the restaurant tonight? -Yes. Empingao, we'll see you later. (Are you coming to the restaurant tonight? -Yes. That's perfect then, see you later.) -The race was amazing, I loved it. -That guy is awesome! (This guy is awesome!) Empingao can also mean excellence, high quality or in very good condition. Examples: -Me quedó empingao ese trabajo.(My work is excellent) -The car is in very good condition. There is still a more familiar version and still used as a synonym for approval: empinguichi. ▪︎Hasta que se seque el Malecón: As long as there is water on the Malecón. This expression was popularized a few years ago by the homonymous song, and means: forever. So unimaginable that one day there will be no more water on the seaside of Havana. ▪︎Pa'lante (Cubano): This is how Cubans wish each other courage in order to boost morale in the face of any difficulty. On the other hand, the variant echar pa'lante can also be used to wish good luck: no hay remedio, hay que echar pa'lante (We must move forward, there is no choice) or in the very different sense of denouncing someone. Example: el chivato ese me echó pa'lante, that is to say, this snitch ratted me out. Cubanisms are then, for a people accustomed to expressing themselves without the slightest fear of prejudice, a way of speaking and feeling Spanish differently. These unique, living constructions are an expression of the exuberant way of speaking of this rebellious Caribbean people. So do your Cuban Spanish homework before you travel and soon surprise your island hosts with the air of speaking carefree Cuban. Let's talk Cubano!

Pierre-Marc Bussières, our Quebec member who now lives in Cardenas near Varadero, shared this information with us. https://centralamericacargo.com/?fbclid=IwAR3WnrY8OeVkulu4U10cLUVxsR-b9jCsVA1QZ0CKB-HgAvdKtf1b6EuxEJc

Most Cubans have not eaten beef regularly for years. It is not because they are vegetarians, far from it. Cubans are rather true carnivores. We will tell you why Cubans almost never eat beef. Before the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, the island had 6 million heads of cattle, while today it is estimated that there are just over 4 million, distributed among 6,390 state entities and cooperatives and 242,000 individual owners, according to figures reflected in the official press. But these animals all de facto belong to the state, because even individual owners cannot slaughter livestock without permission. In the early years of the revolution, the government attributed the nascent reduction in cattle numbers to the sabotage of its internal opponents. Livestock protection had become a national priority. To prevent the extinction of this animal in the country, on May 17, 1962, a ban on the slaughter of livestock was announced. At that time, it was planned to save the wealth of our livestock in the hope of being able to produce much more meat in the future. Since then, it has been forbidden to slaughter cows without the corresponding authorization from the government. Therefore, anyone who illegally trades, transports, buys or consumes this meat will incur a legal sanction, which can be fines or prison sentences. Illegal sacrifice was declared a crime in 1979, in the first Penal Code of the Revolution. In 1987, that of horses was included. During the economic crisis known as the Special Period, which began in the 1990s, the slaughter of large livestock was the most frequent crime in Cuban courts. There was no food and the beef turned into a kind of red gold. The peasants came to tie the cows to the railway tracks or release them on the national road, because in this way the animal had officially died in an accident and they could profit from the meat. The phenomenon created criminal networks that diversified into the black market and persist today. The severity of penalties for the slaughter of large livestock was increased in 1999 with the amendment of Article 240.1 of the Penal Code, which is still in force. This is broken down into four offences linked to the unauthorised slaughter of this type of livestock: ▪︎Anyone who sells, transports or processes meat from illegally slaughtered livestock will be punished by a deprivation of liberty of three to eight years. ▪︎Anyone who acquires meat from illegally slaughtered livestock may be sentenced to a term of deprivation of liberty of three months to one year or a fine of one hundred to three hundred pesos, or both. ▪︎Anyone who illegally supplies meat to food processing, production, trade or sales centers may be imprisoned for two to five years. ▪︎Anyone who, without informing the authorities, euthanizes a large livestock victim of an accident, may be fined from 100 to 300 pesos. Yet the crime has thrived with impunity for decades, despite numerous campaigns to eradicate it. On the island, there is still a network of slaughterers, butchers and vendors who make enough money selling beef, $3 to $4 per kilo, on the black market, since it is often the only option. Since its inception, the old supply book gave Cubans a half-pound of beef every nine days. Then the cycle lengthened to once every fortnight, then once a month, until it silently disappeared from the subsidized Cuban menu. Only people with specific medical regimes are given meat from lean cows that can no longer produce milk and are then slaughtered. Unfortunately, thousands of livestock also die every year due to poor government management of drought and general food shortages. This situation therefore has a very negative impact directly on dairy products, which we are also increasingly lacking. Our country's beef also has the worst reputation in terms of quality. The meat sold is said to be extremely tough, sometimes even inedible. A simple grilled Cuban beef steak is therefore doomed to failure in advance. It is always advisable then to put the piece of beef in a pressure cooker and make sure it is tender, then make wonders like Ropa Vieja or Vaca frita. Recently, there has been an exponential growth in beef imports from countries such as Chile and Brazil, thanks to treaties and the approval of licenses with several companies in these countries. However, this meat is mainly intended to supply hotels that welcome international tourists, leaving little quantity of this product in foreign currency collection stores (CUC or MLC). On average, beef in these places costs $9 per kilo. Ground beef may be more affordable, but it is also understandably in high demand and rarely available then. This is the other reason why beef is not consumed in Cuba, the shortage of the product and the high prices to access it. Cubans jokingly call the refrigerated meat section of this chain of hard-currency stores the meat museum, where you look and don't touch. As indeed, the possibility of finding a good piece of beef has culturally become a real luxury or privilege for a few. And it is that in Cuba you can not always eat what you want, but rather what you find, much less beef, unless you meet a reliable neighbor who discreetly offers you a few metros de tela roja (meters of red fabric) that is to say a few tempting kilos of beef, which have popularly become the red gold of Cuba.

The CDR is a mass organization whose objectives are to mobilize the people in the tasks of defense of the Revolution and the conquests of Cuban socialism, through direct work with the families of the community. Nearly a million people gathered in front of the former presidential palace (now the Museum of the Revolution) were listening to then-Prime Minister Fidel Castro Ruz on the night of September 28, 1960, when several alarming explosions were heard. Then those gathered there responded with cheers to the Revolution, to its leader, and they sang the notes of the national anthem. "We are going to establish a system of collective revolutionary surveillance - Fidel Castro had stressed on that occasion - They are playing with the people and they do not yet know who the people are; they are playing with the people and they do not know the formidable revolutionary force that exists in the people." That same evening, at the end of the speech, the first Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) were born. This organization brings together the vast majority of the population over 14 years old who wish to work for the benefit of the community, and is structured throughout the country, both in rural and urban areas. The CDRs are formed from the place of residence, in cities by blocks or multi-family buildings and in the countryside from neighboring houses, hamlets and communes. The block and zone leaders carry out this activity on a completely voluntary basis. It is a non-governmental organization that is financed by the contributions of its members. All CDR managers are proposed and democratically elected by local residents. The organization works with all the people of the neighborhood, to maintain the tranquility of the citizens and the protection of the community's property, as well as to promote participation in tasks of economic, political, ideological and community interest. The CDR is organized by blocks, zones, municipalities, provinces and nation. It brings together in its 133,000 nuclei almost eight million Cuban citizens, without distinction of sex, race or religion. "The revolutionary system of collective surveillance implemented against terrorists and criminals has demonstrated, as Fidel had pointed out, that when the people organize themselves, there are neither imperialists nor lackeys of the imperialists, nor sellouts to the imperialists, nor instruments of the imperialists who can move." Critics of the socialist system, however, believe that the organization of the CDR would have produced a state-controlled structure that, in addition to its social work, exercises the main mission of monitoring and controlling the public and private lives of individuals, families and neighbors, from a level very close to them. Some international analysts consider that the committees act as a secret police or government spies, seeking to guarantee the continuity of the current political system. The truth is that the CDRs have always had a certain reputation among Cubans, for apparently being hotbeds of peddlers and informers based on a somewhat destructive policy of jealousy and envy. No one knows or would ever say anything about it, however. This is how Cuban families, who had managed to overcome the low economic level, which had become a culture over the years, had to be discreet and hide their particular success from the gossip and curious glances of the neighborhood, just in case. To be happy, let's live hidden. We didn't even need surveillance cameras, which didn't exist at the time, the old gossips on the balcony were largely effective. I remember that, a long time ago, when I did not even imagine doing this job, and when bed and breakfasts did not yet dream of existing, if a Cuban family dared to welcome a foreign tourist as a visitor to their home, it was mandatory to declare their presence to the CDR and, from then on, the ideological integrity of the family would indeed be called into question. The absurd fear of being influenced by the subversion of a mentality foreign to our reality often led to surreal situations. Times have changed a lot since then. Indeed, more than half a century has passed since the creation of this popular organization and these old fears of counter-revolutionary sabotage, other common criminal acts and the need to protect the collective good have given way to other vital current concerns such as daily subsistence, the struggle for life. Today, economic security is a priority for the family and no one cares anymore about what might happen in the neighborhood. Apart from that, it must be said that nothing ever happens. Cuban nights are generally very calm and safe. The CDRs have clearly lost their original strength and enthusiasm. The old legitimate power of convocation, which was inherent to it, is no longer the same. Very few Cubans still organize these night vigils that reached every family once a month. For many people, this neighborhood institution survives only symbolically, and many of them now claim that it only serves to provide the annual contribution of its members, without knowing for sure why. The CDRs, one might say, live today in the glory of the past. For most of its current affiliates, more by tradition and custom than by true conviction, the CDRs are almost no longer useful, if only for the occasion of preparing, for its founding anniversary, a collective soup, the caldosa, made in the streets themselves, which invites the neighboring cederistas to meet around a bottle of good Cuban rum the night before September 28, and to remember together, not without nostalgia, the good times spent and which dissolved in a glass of Ron. Tonight... not even caldosas in the streets. The typical atmosphere has died down due to the gathering restrictions in force. However, if you ever visit Cuba towards the end of September next year, do not miss out on participating in this special commemoration, with its festive, friendly and supportive atmosphere between neighbors. Don't forget to bring something to drink or to make caldosa, like all Cubans.

The father of all Cubans When the island's captain general, Caballero de Rodas, sent him a message that his youngest son Oscar had been captured and sentenced to death. He offered to save his son's life through a personal arrangement. Cespedes' response was direct: "Oscar is not my only son, I am the father of all Cubans who died for the Revolution." "Gentlemen: The hour is solemn and decisive. The power of Spain has expired and been eroded. If it still seems strong and voluminous to us, it is because we have been contemplating it on our knees for more than three centuries. Let us rise then!" These were the words that Carlos Manuel de Céspedes spoke during the first general assembly of the plot of the Cuban War of Independence, in the so-called Convention of Tirsán held at the San Miguel farm, in the Las Tunas region, on August 4, 1868. On October 10 of that same year, he would have reduced his small sugar cane mill La Demajagua to ruins, given his slaves their freedom and, before a small group of patriots and freed slaves, would have risen up in arms against Spanish colonialism. Thus began the Ten Years' War. Céspedes was born in Bayamo on Sunday, April 18, 1819. His childhood was spent in the countryside, on the properties of his wealthy family: Limones Abajo, Los Mangos, San Rafael de la Junta and San Joaquín. After graduating from high school in Havana, he returned to Bayamo and married in 1839 his first sister, María del Carmen Céspedes y del Castillo, with whom he had three children. In 1840 he left for Spain and settled in the city of Barcelona. There he entered the University where he obtained his law degree two years later. Then he visited France, England, Germany, Italy and even Constantinople, before returning to Cuba. He opened his law office in Bayamo in 1844. But because he did not hide his ideas for independence, he was imprisoned and banished several times. The day after his uprising at his mill in La Demajagua, he took advantage of the night to sneakily attack the Spanish garrison stationed in the town of Yara with his small army. But the results were not as expected. The attackers were unaware that the Spaniards had received considerable reinforcements. They had to disperse in different directions. Céspedes managed to gather some fighters. In the midst of this difficult situation, someone exclaimed with discouragement; "All is lost", to which he replied with energy and certainty: "We still have twelve men; they are enough to make Cuba independent." The revolution advances. They rise up in arms in Camagüey and Las Villas. The representatives of these two territories and that of the East, meet in the city of Guáimaro, where the Constituent Assembly elects him President of the Republic in arms. He could not ignore that from that moment on, his hands were tied to rule. On the administrative level, the House of Representatives could decide and approve what it deemed appropriate. In the Assembly, Céspedes opposed the approval of governments in which, being extremely democratic and republican, they limited the powers of the executive and the general in chief to direct the war, since he firmly maintained that to have a Republic, first the war had to be waged and it required a central power that would facilitate the unity of command. His government was weighed down by incompatibility with the members of the House of Representatives and by intrigues, caudillismo and regionalism, among other disastrous manifestations. He learned of the plot that was hatched to replace him as president and as a man of honor, he sacrificed his ideas to maintain the unity that the moment demanded. On October 27, 1873, in the Bijagual camp, he was dismissed as president by the representatives of the Chamber. He followed the decision with discipline. To oppose it would have caused a division among Cubans capable of destroying the revolution. They then forced him to accompany the new government and the Chamber for two months. They refused him his exit abroad. They sent him back to the farm of San Lorenzo, in the Sierra Maestra, and the government even refused him an escort. They wanted to break the worthy and uncompromising patriot who declared a traitor to anyone who entered into negotiations with the Spanish. And they did not succeed. This exemplary patriot, who by his attitude the Cubans proclaimed him Father of the Fatherland, died in San Lorenzo fighting against a Spanish column on February 27, 1874. Abandoned, alone and in absolute poverty.

Two great men, indispensable to the history of Cuba, were born on June 14 in very different eras. However, the independence of Cuba was their greatest shared passion. Ernesto Rafael Guevra de la Serna Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna, known as Che Guevara, was born on June 14, 1928 in Rosario, Argentina. He was an Argentine doctor, Cuban national, politician, guerrilla, writer, journalist and revolutionary. He was one of the ideologues and commanders of the Cuban Revolution. Guevara participated from the armed uprising itself until 1965 in the organization of the Cuban state. He died on October 9, 1967 in La Higuera, Bolivia. Che Guevara then became a revolutionary and internationalist icon of solidarity and commitment to the cause of oppressed and destitute peoples around the world. Antonio de la Caridad Maceo y Grajales He was born in the region of Santiago de Cuba on June 14, 1845. He would have joined the Cuban liberation forces at a very young age and then become one of the bravest mambises of our wars of independence against Spain. Antonio Maceo was a Cuban general, second military leader of the liberating army of Cuba. Nicknamed "the Bronze Titan", Maceo was one of the leaders of the independence of the second half of the 19th century in Latin America. He died in combat at San Pedro, Punta Brava, on December 7, 1896. A symbol of rebellion was born then.

Chicken for fishing Despite being an island, fish is quite scarce in Cuba today. But it wasn't always like this. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, fishing was abundant and came mainly from the Cuban coast itself, but there were also boats that fished in the Yucatan or Florida. The most popular species were snapper and grouper, sea bream and bonito, cod and marlin. There were also shellfish, among which lobsters and shrimps stood out. Even for special dinners like Christmas Eve, December 24, it is said that many wealthy families preferred to cook the snapper in the oven. Cuba's fish shortage became visible in the 1990s, when the now-defunct Ministry of Fisheries canceled its fishing contracts in foreign waters and sold off much of its fleet for fear of losing it, rusting on the docks. However, various sources also locate the origin of the current crisis in the overexploitation that the Cuban state made of the Cuban island platform between the 1960s and 1980s. The impact was immediate. Platform fishing has reduced its catches by 70 percent over the past few decades. Cuba also places overheating and salinization of the waters as causes of the crisis, in addition to illegal fishing, which is not always done with the appropriate means. In fact, fishermen who know the sea and the local coasts consider that the environmental degradation of the island platform has meant that there are no longer large schools of fish in the Cuban seas. The sustainability of these rare species stocks in our waters would not currently guarantee the volumes or permanence necessary to provide fish to more than 11 million Cubans. Thus, the average annual fish consumption per capita in Cuba is barely around 4 kg. However, this value may not really reflect the lack of fish. If the concept of "chicken for fish" were taken into account in this per capita, the real figure could be much lower, perhaps close to zero. Chicken for fish was a measure taken by the Cuban state between 1990 and 2017, which replaced the 6 ounces of fish allocated, once or twice a month, to each Cuban, through the ration book, with 6 ounces of chicken. Chicken for fish has quickly become a cultural element of our own identity, the object of countless sarcastic criticisms to the point of mocking it in the most authentic Creole style. Faced with this situation, the government began to import certain quantities of fish, especially from Chile, to sell to the population. Then the fish entered the category of free but controlled sales. The product regulations stated that in a family of one to three people, one fish was sold, four to six people, two fish, and with seven or more people in a family, three fish were then sold. This sale was also noted in the control book that each family would always have for the delivery of subsidized food. In addition, the price that was initially established was 20 CUP per pound, but neither the price nor the quality of the horse mackerel that was sold to us was well received by the population. It was then that the sale of fresh horse mackerel was launched on the open market at a price of 15 CUP per pound, only to disappear again from the shops at the beginning of the current fateful year. Fish, however, is not lacking on the black market, although it is often inaccessible due to the high prices demanded by fishermen. Informal trade therefore does not satisfy demand either. Commercial fishing for small Cuban fishermen had been illegal for decades, which, added to the disappearance of fish at sea, made the supply scarce and excessively expensive. On the other hand, the supply of the state fishmongers, Mercomar, is limited, very occasionally, to river specimens such as tench, tilapia and catfish, and from the sea, at a higher price and much more sporadically, to fish such as pollack and bonito. In Mercomar, we find more often croquettes with a so-called fish taste. In fact, a large majority of fish caught both in the open sea and through aquaculture are transformed into croquettes for local trade. However, the news in Cuba speaks of excessive compliance in the capture of snappers, cubera, lobster or shrimp, which are species that naturally abound in the seas of the island, but this should only be sold abroad or to tourism. It is a historical commercial strategy of the Cuban state to export as much seafood as possible. The internal distribution of fish by the State has always been questionable, since the almost absolute absence of this product in the points of sale accessible to the population suggests its priority and almost exclusive transfer to hotels and restaurants, where one can certainly find good Cuban fish. In order to address this shortage and increase opportunities for fishermen, at the beginning of this year a Fisheries Law (129/2020) was put into effect, which also attempts to put an end to illegal practices. The problems of illegality lie above all in irresponsible fishing, the use of longlines, gillnets, pots and trawls. In fact, illegal fishermen mainly use larger fishing gear, which allows for massive catches that are harmful to the seabed, in addition to not discriminating between larger or smaller fish. According to official figures, there are about 2,500 illegal fishermen in Cuba. They attribute their catches mainly to private restaurants and much less to that sector of the population that can access black market prices. Although it is true that Cubans could already fish before Law 129 came into force without the need for licenses, this activity had been reduced to the use of simple means such as rods, reels, lines and hooks in small boats, and they were not allowed to sell the catches. The authorization of Cuban natives to engage in commercial fishing is among the most important changes in the new law, which is based on the need to regulate fishing activities to promote the recovery of the country's marine resources. Out of 9,575 vessels, 39,000 people are dedicated to fishing on the Cuban platform. They are facing significant drops in catches, very marked in recent years. The new fishing law in Cuba aims to guarantee the sustainability of this economic activity, vital for more than 100 coastal communities in Cuba, and, as far as possible, to bring the much-needed fish closer to the Cuban plate. In the meantime, we continue to eat el pollo por pescao.

A man to discover it seems! Here is an excerpt from an interview with Jean Fugère, former journalist: " What book would you like those who lead us to read? The biography of Eusebio Leal, the great historian of Havana. Cuba – and it is not said enough – is a country that respects the work and the place of intellectuals in its society. If you didn't know, Cuba is a country that names its airports after intellectuals (not just politicians) and puts statues of José Martí, the greatest Cuban intellectual and thinker of the 19th century, in all its cities, all over the country. Revolutionary, writer, thinker and intellectual, José Martí dreamed up today's Cuban society. Jean Fugère Eusebio Leal is responsible for the social and economic architectural restoration of Old Havana. Intellectuals like Eusbeio Leal, Fidel Castro, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes have profoundly shaped Cuban life. They are intellectuals who have raised Cuba, Cubans and have projected and shaped the Cuban identity. We should one day get out of the mentality that an intellectual cannot count and that intellectuals are paper people. Eusebio Leal has enriched Cuba. He has made Old Havana a very prosperous tourist business. He is a creator of prosperity. The day when we give human responsibility for our lives in society not to accountants, administrators or managers, but to humans with a vision, a thought and a reflection, [...] we will have made a big step forward as a society. It seems to me that we are very far from that. Jean Fugère For those who want to discover it Here is an article about this historian: https://www.cubania.com/blog/cubania-2/post/eusebio-leal-spengler-historien-de-la-havane-306

The Eastern Alliance Aliñao oriental is a drink originating from eastern Cuba, although it is traditionally prepared throughout the country. It is also called the drink of births, precisely because it is prepared from the moment the news of the pregnancy is received and it is reserved until the arrival of the new little one in the family, to celebrate such an event. Many Cubans do not even know of its existence. However, it is a delicious drink, not only because it has an incredible mixture of flavors, but especially because the texture that the fruits take on in its preparation is surprising, a true explosion of flavors in the mouth. It is also a tradition in the East to reserve this drink from birth to celebrate the famous fifteen years, the age when a Cuban girl becomes a woman, and the drink ages and then transforms into an elixir of particular intensity. But how is this kind of oriental arranged rum prepared? In a large glass container, sugar cane brandy and all the natural fruits half-cooked in light syrup, which you can add, are mixed. For example, papaya, grape, pineapple, cherry, plum, sugar cane, star fruit and orange among others. The lid of the container is well sealed and the drink left to rest until the moment it is to be consumed. There are those who prefer to bury the preparation in the garden, but this is not absolutely necessary, if only to avoid at all costs the temptation to taste the potion before time. Despite the long history of such a custom, this tradition has been maintained, especially among peasants, because it is an element of our popular culture that is more deeply rooted in rural areas. So it might be a good idea for you to bring back some Cuban sugar cane brandy on your next trip south, and prepare an Aliñao Cubano with the fruits from home. The combination could only be fantastic. Photo: Internet.

Lola, is the name of a very popular Cuban legend There is no Cuban who does not know that Lola was killed at three in the afternoon. There are questions that every Cuban can answer. But it is no longer the case to ask questions about Lola. Since this is only the exact moment of her death, all we know about this character, according to the correct criteria of the Cuban intellectual Ciro Bianchi. We can't say anything else about Lola, except the supposed time of her death. We will never be able to specify the date she was killed, or the exact place, not even the identity of the characters involved in the story. It is said that she was a prostitute who was stabbed to death by one of her lovers with a knife in the chest. It was further added that the crime actually took place at three o'clock in the afternoon one day in 1948. The perpetrator of the murder was apparently a renowned physician who thought that the incident, given the victim's poor life, would occupy only a few paragraphs in the crime report of the newspapers of the time without knowing that it would be recorded forever. The murderer could not even imagine that President Grau San Martín, already at the end of his term, which ended on October 10, 1948, would refer to the event in one of his last speeches. In fact, it is said that the president interrupted his speech, looked at his watch and announced to the audience that it was already three o'clock in the afternoon. He then clarified: "The moment Lola was killed." This simple but pertinent comment, because it was expressed by the President of the Republic, had an immediate impact and remained engraved in the collective imagination and memory of Cubans. The above is an interesting story, full of imagination if you like and even credible. But it is not true. It is not excluded that Lola is a prostitute. Nor that President Grau alluded to the event in one of his speeches. It can even be admitted that the criminal was a doctor ... But this story about Lola is a story that collapses under its own weight. Unfortunately, at that time, a variety of similar anecdotes of crimes of passion proliferated, making it even more difficult to establish their origins or protagonists. It was therefore impossible to verify the legitimacy of the rumors spread. Beyond the harshness and violent and macho content of the alleged story, the Cuban has completely stripped it of these meanings and transferred it in an erotic and festive way into his daily code of social conduct. When you see another person leaning forward, for example, you are usually in the mood to jokingly warn them that Lola was killed in that position. In Cuba, three o'clock in the afternoon is defined by the expression: "la hora en que mataron a Lola" (the time Lola was killed). Being better than Lola or like Lola, then refers to a state of maximum enjoyment. A woman whose real name is unknown is also affectionately called by the name Lola. It is also done just as a joke, or simply to imply a certain intimacy and even complicity in the course of the conversation. Adiós, Lolita de mi vida ...! (Goodbye Lolita of my life) was the expression of a well-known sports announcer of the island to recount in a baseball game the moment when the ball went out of the park (home run). The latter is also often used as an ironic farewell. So in what year was Lola killed? Who was this woman who survives in the Cuban collective imagination? Who killed her and why? These are questions that remain unanswered, even if we never tire of saying and repeating ad nauseam that Lola was killed at three in the afternoon.

Insect Bites and Other Critters in Varadero: How to Protect Yourself? When traveling to the tropics, especially Varadero, it's important to be prepared for nature's little surprises, including insect bites. While this beautiful destination is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny climate, some travelers may encounter mosquitoes, sand flies, and other small creatures. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid these inconveniences and fully enjoy your trip. The most common insects in Varadero Mosquitoes Present especially at nightfall, mosquitoes can be quite annoying. Although they do not carry any serious diseases in Varadero, their bites can cause itching and discomfort. Sand flies (jejenes) These small flies, which are mainly found on the beach, bite without being seen coming. They are particularly active early in the morning or late in the day, especially when there is little wind. Wasps and bees Although they are not aggressive, it is possible to come across these insects near flowers or sugary drinks. Stings can be painful, but are rarely dangerous unless you are allergic. Tips to avoid bites Use an insect repellent Applying an effective repellent, especially in the evening, is essential. Products containing DEET or icaridin are particularly effective against mosquitoes and sand flies. Wear long, lightweight clothing Choose clothing that covers the body, especially at sunset, to reduce the risk of bites. Choose lightweight fabrics to stay comfortable in the heat. Avoid perfumes and scented lotions Insects are attracted to sweet smells. Try to limit the use of scented cosmetics during your walks or days at the beach. What to do if you get bitten? If despite all precautions you get bitten, here are some tips to relieve the discomfort: Wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection. Apply a soothing cream or aloe to reduce itching. Avoid scratching to avoid making the situation worse. If a severe allergic reaction occurs (such as severe swelling or difficulty breathing), seek medical attention immediately. Conclusion In Varadero, insect bites are part of the tropical experience, but they don't have to ruin your stay. With a little prevention and a few simple gestures, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while avoiding small inconveniences. So, go out, explore and let yourself be charmed by all that Varadero has to offer! Not a very sexy subject... But it still can be useful!

From the History of Cuba - El Capitolio El Capitolio , located in Havana, is an iconic landmark built between 1926 and 1929. Inspired by the United States Capitol, it originally housed the Cuban Congress. Its impressive structure, with a majestic dome and detailed carvings, reflects the neoclassical architectural style. The building has also served as a museum and cultural center over the years. Today, it represents a strong symbol of Cuban history and is a must-see site for visitors. "Cubans from the interior came to Havana and never wanted to return to their lands without visiting the Capitol. Whoever could, was photographed with the Capitol in the background as an unbeatable testimony of their stay in the capital. The same goes for foreigners who visited the island. At that time, the headquarters of the Congress of the Republic was surrounded by hotels of more or less great value, pensions and guest houses and since there was no bus station, inaugurated only in 1952, interprovincial buses made their first and last stops nearby. There was no shortage of inns and good restaurants, such as El Palacio de Cristal. The El Senado café and the Capitolio bar were obligatory meeting points. There were dances at the Galician and Asturian Centre, and the music of the free airs enlivened the night. Then, the Prado and the surroundings of the so-called Palacio de las Leyes were fashionable places. La Rampa would have moved them later. The area occupied by the Capitol belonged to the Economic Society of Friends of the Country, which, from 1817, hosted a botanical garden. The Spanish colonial government transferred ownership of these lands in 1835, and the Villanueva railway station had thus begun to be built there. Moving the railways from a region that was becoming the best in Havana was, in the last decades of the 19th century, a growing desire of the population of the capital. This desire would become a reality in 1910 when, in a fraudulent deal, the State had ceded to the United Railways company the lands of the old Arsenal, where the new station would then be built, and received in exchange those of Villanueva, on which the building of the Presidential Palace was to be built. Construction of the executive mansion began, but this work was paralyzed when General Menocal took over the presidency. Others were his plans. He wanted to build the palace on the grounds of the Quinta de los Molinos and the building that had just begun would remain the seat of the legislature. This determination forced substantial changes to the original project and imposed the demolition of the already built dome, which weighed 1,200 tons, and which collapsed in four minutes thanks to the expert hands of the dynamiters. Work resumed in 1917, only to be interrupted two years later due to lack of funds, and in 1921 President Zayas suspended it definitively. When Machado became president in 1925, he found the Capitol half-built and in a state of ruin. Machado set about modernizing the Cuban capital and embarked on a vast and ambitious plan of public works that included the Capitol. The Capitol occupies a total area of 12,000 square meters, of which 10,839 are covered. Five million bricks, more than three million feet of wood, 150,000 barrels of cement and 38,000 cubic meters of sand were used to build it. Also 40,000 cubic meters of crushed stone and 25,000 cubic meters of quarry stone, 3,500 tons of structural steel and 2,000 tons of rebar. Its dome is, in diameter and height, the sixth largest in the world. The lantern that surmounts it is 94 meters from the level of the sidewalk, and at the time of the inauguration of the building, it was surpassed, in style, only by that of Saint Peter, in Rome, and that of Saint Paul, in London, with 129 and 107 meters high, respectively. Its monumental staircase has 55 steps. The Statue of the Republic stands out in the imposing hall of lost steps, just below the dome. It weighs 30 tons and reaches a total height of 14.6 meters. Very little is known about the appetizing Cuban woman who served as a model for this sculpture. At her feet, embedded in the mirrored floor, a brilliant marked the zero kilometer of the central road. The building was solemnly inaugurated on May 20, 1929. It is said to have cost 17 million pesos. This symbol of Havana's identity and history is well worth a visit."

Bombers and volunteers At that time the conquistadors called the son of a European born in the overseas provinces, "creole" and, consequently, they began to call creole everything that belonged to this new world, be it the natural elements, fauna or flora and, of course, the ingenuity of the natives. Congrí, this jewel of Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, is a word that comes from Haiti; where red beans are called congó; and rice, as in French. Congrí; it is therefore the voice of Haitian Creole which means "congos with rice". Congrí is not however the exact equivalent of Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians), as in Cuba they call rice with black beans, which also seems to be the dish of a Creole cook of African origin. Even today, the word congrí, although it appears in the encyclopedia, we still do not find it in the dictionary. In the decade 1868-1878, some criollos, instead of speaking of a plate of congrí, said instead: a plate of Bomberos y Voluntarios (volunteers and firefighters), in allusion to the fact that the volunteer soldiers of Spain were white and the firefighters were all black (slaves or not) and wore red collars and sleeves. Bomberos y voluntarios also refers to a more complete and very typical dish among the Cubans of yesteryear. The words bomberos and voluntarios are intended to convey the contrast of colors in the dish. At the base, there will always be white rice and frijoles dormidos, which is a very thick red or black bean soup, or congri instead; with then picadillo, which is habanera-style minced meat, fried ripe plantains, or just a ripe banana, plus a slice of avocado with white onion and a fried egg. A true Cuban completa. Our ancestors testify that it was typical to see, even in the 1950s, middle-class Cuban families gathering on Sunday to share such a delicacy always served in copious quantities. It is undoubtedly a very rich meal that deserved a siesta, and it is a shame that such a tradition has practically disappeared these days.

Pan con timba, probably the most memorable sandwich a Cuban has ever tasted, devoid of ham but rich in authentic flavors of the island. Cuban customs, unique and recognizable throughout the world, are particularly evident in their cuisine. Lechón asado, tamal, and yuca con mojo are must-haves that immediately come to mind. However, when it comes to a small snack to satisfy a small hunger (a Cuban concept known as "tentempié"), nothing surpasses the popularity of pan con timba in Cuba. This unique sandwich contains a piece of guava bar, a fruity sweet that is emblematic of the island, sometimes prepared with mangoes or oranges. In the past, mentioning pan con timba in Cuba evoked times of food shortages and deprivation, as it was often consumed by poor workers to save their meager income. Its name derives from a translation of the English that has survived over time. When the English built the railway from Bejucal to Havana, they were intrigued by the practice of Cuban workers enjoying bread with sweet guava for lunch. They compared their meal to "timber", referring to the oil-coated wooden sleepers used in the construction of the railway. The term "timber" quickly became "timba" in Cuba. Over time, this famous snack migrated from construction sites to city cafes and bars. Over time, Cubans added white cheese or other ingredients depending on their availability or preferences. Some even dared to add peanut butter, a more exclusive variation both in price and flavor compared to the original pan con timba. Despite its more than 140 years of existence in Cuban cuisine, pan con timba remains a symbol of Cuban culinary identity, just like pan con lechón and pan con minutas. In fact, the word "timba" has always evoked enthusiasm for musicians: putting all your heart into your music, putting all your talent into it. In Cuban orchestras, when playing the son montuno or other lively rhythms, singers often use the expression "timba" to encourage the other musicians to intensify the warmth of the song and energize the audience. So let's put a little "timba" into the rhythm of our lives.

Daily Price - Departure from Montreal Double Occupancy Daily Price - Departure from Quebec Double Occupancy ​ ​ Here's why you should travel in a group with Passion Varadero One or more Passion Varadero guides at the destination Free seat selection (block given to group) Possibility of departure from some cities in Quebec 3 themed evenings per trip INCLUDED (White Ball, Private BBQ and The “Wow” Dinner) Activities are private to Passion Varadero members (no other tourists = total freedom of time management) All transportation to activities will be provided by convertible A Cuban guide from Passion Varadero available throughout your stay to answer your questions Reserved VIP seats on the beach and at the pool (some hotels) The freedom to follow the group during our activities. You prefer to stay solo, no problemo! You will be identified Passion Varadero, so some advantages. (hotel and even in the center) Possibility of being paired with another member of the Passion Varadero group for accommodation and several surprise activities.... And what's more, our shared passion for Varadero will make us experience unforgettable moments!

Here's why you should travel in a group with Passion Varadero 7 nights all-inclusive Sunwing round trip flight Private transfers Accompanying costs Activities included White Ball Evening and Dinner 5-9 Wow, Party Calle 62, Sunset Surprise, Donation Day + Children's Party, Mini Beach Party Free seat selection (block given to group) Excursions are private to Passion Varadero members (no other tourists = total freedom of time management) All transportation to activities will be provided by convertible (at your expense) A reserved VIP area on the beach (certain hotels) One or more surprise activities during your stay that will make you say “wow” The freedom to follow the group during our activities. You prefer to stay solo, no problemo! You will be identified Passion Varadero, so some advantages. (hotel and even in the center) Possibility of being paired with another member of the Passion Varadero group for accommodation Myriam Beaudin Travel consultant and guide Myself Renaud Canuel also present on site Antonio Montano Cuban Guide Accompanying Passion Varadero available throughout your stay to answer your questions And what's more, our shared passion for Varadero will make us experience unforgettable moments! Departure from Montreal Double Occupation Departure from Quebec Double Occupation $1399 $1399

Departure from Montreal Double Occupation Departure from Quebec Double Occupation $1349 Price of the day contact Voyage Aquamonde

Palma City, the German city that was once in Cuba The town of Palma City was founded in the early 20th century by a group of German immigrants, on the northern coast of the province of Camagüey. It is said that its perfectly laid out streets and houses were reminiscent of the country estates of the Germanic state of the old continent. They were the American owners of the San Jose Fruit Company; who had sold the land of a so-called cheap paradise, the perfect space to make their dream colony thrive. On May 12, 1905, after signing the corresponding contracts, the first group of immigrants reached the beaches of La Gloria Bay, where beyond a few docks rickety from saltpeter and age, there were only swamps to clear. The settlement began to prosper, the citrus groves to flourish, and it was not long before a series of shops, the church, the promenades and the cinema, made rural life in the town of Palma City much more bearable and picturesque. In order not to let their roots die, they apparently forced themselves to practice the mother tongue as the first lesson in every family. In turn, they maintained the customs of their country in every traditional celebration. The beginning of the decline of their community came during the Second World War. There is a strong historical probability that the inhabitants of this town collaborated with the German submarines that carried out the naval attack near Nuevitas and sank two cargo ships. Since Havana had at that time declared war on the Nazis. Ernest Hemingway had supposed that the submarines had their hiding places in some of the corners of this coast. He searched in vain, but he never found a single trace of the submersibles. In any case, Palma City was in the writer's sights when he observed its coasts for many months between 1942 and 1943. The daring fisherman and his yacht Pilar were lucky not to encounter any Nazi submarines at all during their adventure. Later, the German settlers were naturally accused of providing provisions and information to the German military. Afterwards, most of the villagers were locked up in concentration camps and only a few women and children remained in the town. However, the certainty of such a conspiracy has never been recorded. At the end of the war, the Germans began to willingly assimilate Cuban fishermen, farmers and coal miners into the city, which gradually made their roots disappear. The children's homeland was no longer that of their parents. A little over a century after its birth, the mythical German colony has practically lost its identity and is barely surviving the end of time. Today, in the town of Palma City, a community in the municipality of Esmeralda, even the old church has succumbed to the inexorable course of time, apathy and neglect. Today, only scattered fragments of the original surnames and some mestizo vestiges of their typical physique remain. All that remains, miraculously, is a house that seems to be frozen in time, refusing to disappear forever like the rest of a story that no one has ever taken it upon themselves to write. Photo: Internet.

On August 17, 1870, Perucho Figueredo, the author of our national anthem, was assassinated in the prison of Santiago de Cuba. The Bayamo anthem is the symbol of the Cuban nation, composed by Perucho Figueredo in August 1867. It was originally called La Bayamesa, for having been composed and performed for the first time in Bayamo and in reference to the already known march of the Marseillaise of the French Revolution, which from afar had influenced the ideology of these precursors of the independence of Cuba. On Thursday, June 11, 1868, in the Iglesia Mayor of Bayamo, during a solemn Te Deum on the occasion of the Corpus Christi festivities and in the presence of high personalities of the Spanish colonial government and a large number of faithful of the city, the notes of this hymn were heard publicly for the first time. On October 10, 1868, the 10-year war began with the cry of Yara. On October 18, the insurgents attacked Bayamo and two days later, the capitulation of the Spanish forces was signed in that city. In honor of this victory on October 20, the National Culture Day is celebrated in Cuba. With the capture of Bayamo, this anthem became popular and from that moment on, the Cuban people took it as their call to fight in search of freedom for the homeland. In accordance with Article 50 of Law No. 128 of 2019, the official letter is as follows: Al combate corred, bayameses, que la patria os contempla orgullosa. No longer a glorious death, that dying for the patria es vivir. En padlock vivir es vivir en afrenta y opprobio sumido. The clarity shows the sound. ¡A las armas, valientes, corred! Stanzas deleted. Originally, the anthem had six verses. The last four verses were excluded in 1902. Firstly because their content would have hurt the pride of the Spanish. In addition, it was not well seen that the words of the anthem of one nation did not respect another. No less important is the fact that it was too long compared to most anthems. The four stanzas, which followed the previous ones, were: No time; the feroces íberos son cobardes cual todo tirano no resisten al bravo cubano; para siempre su imperio cayó. ¡Cuba free! Ya España mature, su poder y su orgullo ¿do es ido? ¡Del clarín escuchad el sonido ¡¡a las arms!!, valientes, corred! Contemplad our noses threesome contempladlos aellos ellos caídos, por cobardes huyeron vencidos: por valientes, sabemos triunfar! ¡Cuba free! we can grit the mountain with the terrible stamp. ¡Del clarín escuchad el sonido, ¡¡a las arms!!, valientes, corred! Despite the fact that Perucho Figueredo composed music for the anthem, it was modified over time, as there was often no reference to the original score. This led to the creation of different harmonizations, which differed more or less from the original. In 1983, the researcher and musicologist Odilio Urfé made a presentation to the National Assembly of Popular Power in which he proposed the current (and final) version of the anthem.

There are four famous songs in Cuba that bear the title: La Bayamesa. Two of them are better known to the majority: that of Sindo Garay (Santiago de Cuba, April 12, 1867 - July 17, 1968) Mujer Bayamesa, and this one of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Francisco Castillo and José Fornaris y Luque, La Bayamesa. Some forget that there are two others that also bear this title: that of Perucho Figueredo, the Cuban national anthem and a fourth anonymous song that the mambises sang in the insurgent camps. La Bayamesa is one of the first romantic Cuban troubadour songs in Cuban musical history. This is the tribute to the celebration of the National Culture Day, this October 20, thus highlighted in commemoration of the victory of the Mambises in the city of Bayamo, at the very beginning of our wars of independence against Spain, in 1868.

Cuban pizza, the only dish that can compete with congrí and roast pork. Pizza in Cuba is one of the dishes that has become so typical that today it is as popular and almost as Cuban as our roast pork, congrí and yuca con mojo. Of course, we are talking about Cuban pizza, smaller in diameter than the Italian one, but thicker; less crispy and softer. The average Cuban is not used to eating pizzas flavored with basil and oregano, which are originally essential to him. Here, pizza has been Cubanized. Cuban pizza is of vital importance to Cubans looking for a quick and cheap meal. Along with pan con lechon and minuta de pescado. Currently, many independents have developed countless gastronomic projects of different categories and you can already find yourself at the typical chinchal*, as well as at excellent Italian restaurants with a real pizza, or something very close to it to be honest. However, the prices have changed so much that you can no longer go with the whole family on such a Sunday adventure. Creole pizza, with a thick and soft crust, which can be purchased for between 10 and 15 or even 20 Cuban pesos (CUP) in any timbirichi* in this country, continues to be the classic alternative for Cubans to "matar el almuerzo" or fill their stomachs at noon. This typical pizza is one of the most consumed daily foods in Cuba. In the difficult and unforgettable times of the special period, when we were at university, there were times when we had only one of these vital pizzas for a day of study and we were lucky to be able to buy it. How is Cuban pizza then? This pizza is rather small, it resembles the diameter of a traditional plate and its edges are burned by the heat of the oven and because the cheese that falls in this area also melts. When the pizza comes out of the oven, the traditional thing is to add a little salt to the consumer's taste, fold it in half and put a piece of cardboard on it so you can grab it without burning yourself, because it is usually sold to take away and you eat it on the street corner with a glass of soda and that's it. In Trinidad, for example, it is customary to add mayonnaise to the preparation of these pizzas. Otherwise, everywhere else in Cuba, they especially like to prepare them with ham, onions and peppers. While Cubana pizza doesn't leave your clothes dirty with dripping sauce or grease, the moment of eating it isn't so well-liked. When pizzas are done right, they drip grease and melted cheese down the sides, inevitably ending up on your clothes. If it wasn't, then the pizza wouldn't have been any better. In any corner of Cuba there is a pizzeria, of different categories it is true, but the important thing is that in almost all of them you will find an authentic product that will help you out when you are hungry at noon, a pizza made in a different mold but full of Cubanness. Don't hesitate next time, queue up like another Cuban, and enjoy a Cuban pizza in the simplicity that makes it unique.

I realized tonight that I have seen churches in Varadero but never a cemetery. Not very surprising when you consider how narrow the peninsula is and almost completely given over to tourist facilities! Thanks to one of our members, I learned that the two closest ones are in Cardenas, the city where several of the hotel employees live.

The Death of Che Guevara Eduardo Galeano, the Uruguayan writer, tells us about Che's death. Seventeen men march toward annihilation. Cardinal Maurer arrives in Bolivia from Rome. He brings the Pope's blessings and the news that God resolutely supports General Barrientos against the guerrillas. Meanwhile, beset by hunger, overwhelmed by geography, the guerrillas wander through the bushes of the Ñancahuazú River. There are few peasants in these vast solitudes; and not one, not one, has joined Che Guevara's small troop. Their forces diminish from ambush to ambush. Che does not waver, he does not let himself waver, although he feels that his own body is a stone among stones, a heavy stone that he drags as he advances at the head of all; nor is he tempted by the idea of saving the group by abandoning the wounded. By Che's orders, they all march at the pace of those who can least: together, they will all be saved or lost. Eighteen hundred soldiers, led by North American Rangers, march on their shadow. The fence draws closer and closer. Finally, a few peasant informers and the electronic radars of the United States National Security Agency reveal the exact location. Shrapnel breaks his legs. Sitting, he continues to fight, until the rifle flies out of his hands. The soldiers slap each other for the watch, the canteen, the belt, the pipe. Several officers interrogate him one after the other. Che is silent and blood flows. Rear Admiral Ugarteche, a daring land wolf, head of the navy of a landlocked country, insults and threatens him. Che spits in his face. From La Paz, the order arrives to liquidate the prisoner. An explosion mows him down. Che dies from a bullet, he dies by betrayal, just before his fortieth birthday, at exactly the same age that Zapata and Sandino died, also from a bullet, also by betrayal. In the small town of Higueras, General Barrientos displays his trophy to journalists. Che lies on a sink washing clothes. After the bullets, he is riddled with flashes. This last face has accusing eyes and a melancholy smile. He believed in defending oneself from the traps of greed, without ever letting one's guard down. When he was president of the National Bank of Cuba, Che had signed the bills, to mock money. For the love of people, he despised things. Sick is the world, he believed, where to have and to be mean the same thing. He never kept anything for himself, nor asked for anything. To live is to give oneself, he believed; and it happened." Until Victory Always.

Contact details Address: Carreteras de Las Americas Km 8.5, Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba Telephone: (53 45) 66 8482 Website: www.varaderogolfclub.com/en/xanadu.asp Entrance fee: Free if no meal or drink Target audience: All Children love to go up to the terrace at the very top by the very small staircase Opening hours Restaurant 12:00 to 22:30, Bar 10:00 to 23:45 Best time to visit: Having an aperitif at the end of the day, with the sunset, is an extraordinary experience. Presentation This chic historic (1930) hacienda-style mansion located on the San Bernardino cliff is now a hotel and restaurant in addition to being the clubhouse for the Varadero Golf Club. The waterfront mansion has 4 floors, where you will find: Ground floor: reception, lobby and Xanadu restaurant (see photos of menus with prices as of October 10, 2021) Second floor: 6 luxurious bedrooms Third floor: Mirador Bar (panoramic views of the sea and the golf course) Basement: a cellar Adjacent building: Golf Club reception, Pro Shop and a restaurant This mansion was designed by architects Covarrocas and Govantes in July 1927. The first owner of this exclusive estate was the French-born American millionaire Irenée Dupont de Nemours. It is now possible to take a short tour to see the cellar, the organ, the library and one of the dining rooms. For 2 CUC per person, it is worth it. A bit of history Here is the translation of a very interesting text. " The clubhouse of the "Xanadú Mansion" golf course , located on the cliffs of San Bernardino, was designed by the architects Covarrocas and Govantes in July 1927. The owner of this exclusive estate was the French-American millionaire Irenee Dupont de Nemours, born on December 21, 1876, who later had 8 children, 35 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Irenee was the Dupont of this generation who took a great interest in the development of the company founded by her great-grandfather Eleuthere Dupont in Delaware in 1802. During Irenee's life, the company became the largest diversified chemical empire in the world, employing 90,000 workers in 74 plants worldwide in 1957. Before becoming president of the company, Irenee had several jobs in construction, finance and development. In 1927, at the age of 49, he retired from the presidency of the chemical empire and began looking for a quiet place to spend his retirement. Like many Americans, he found it in Cuba. That same year, he bought 180 hectares of land on the Hicacos Peninsula for 90,000 pesos. The property included 8 km of virgin breccia, but he chose the rock houses of the San Bernardino cliffs to build his dream home. The four-story mansion, with 11 bedrooms and adjacent baths, three large terraces, seven balconies and a private dock, was named "Xanadu", after the exotic palace built by the legendary Chinese warrior and conqueror Kublas Khan, described by the English poet Samuel Taylor. According to legend, "Xanadu" was the ancient kingdom of the Tartars, which extended from Central Asia to Western China and parts of Russia. Seven balconies and a private dock were named "Xanadu", after the exotic palace built by the legendary Chinese warrior and conqueror Kublas Khan, as described by the English poet Samuel Taylor. According to legend, "Xanadu" was the ancient kingdom of the Tartars, which stretched from Central Asia to Western China and parts of Russia. Seven balconies and a private dock were named "Xanadu", after the exotic palace built by the legendary Chinese warrior and conqueror Kublas Khan, as described by the English poet Samuel Taylor. In 1932, Dupont installed the largest private organ in all of Latin America, valued at $11,000. The machinery was installed in the basement and the organ operated automatically and manually. Two gongs carried the music to the watchtower and the lobby, without disturbing the guests in their rooms. The furnishings, including the organ, paintings and piano, were provided by Theodore Baily & Co. and Meras & Rico. Precious woods were imported, especially from Santiago de Cuba, for the ceilings, stair railings and columns, while the floors and bathrooms were made of Cuban, Italian and Spanish marble. The actual construction was entrusted to the Frederick Sneard Company at a cost of $1,300,000 and was completed on December 30, 1930. Dupont would stay at Xanadu for a few months each year starting in early January, sometimes inviting important company executives. The Dupont estate covers approximately 1,328 hectares, covering part of what is now the municipality of Cardenas. The land had been purchased at the ridiculous price of four cents per square meter, but the value of the estate increased years later with the construction of the road, the power plant and the aqueduct. Dupont introduced potable water to the Varadero area and unlike other Caribbean destinations, the water was safe to drink. He also provided schools for the children of the area. When the local church was destroyed, he had it rebuilt. The gardens were planted with coconut trees. On the eastern slopes, they planted flowers and a vegetable garden, as well as banana, avocado and papaya trees. Parrots and cockatoos were imported to make the place more enchantingly tropical. Although architect Herbert Strong designed the first 18-hole golf course, it was later built with only 9 holes, to Sim Cuthrie's design. The first four holes were built on natural soil, with the others having to be filled. The golf course began in December 1931 and shortly after its completion in September 1933 it was hit by a hurricane which swept away the greens and fairways of holes 5 to 9. The golf course has always been owned by Peñas de Hicacos SA and its total cost, without soil replenishment or soil maintenance, was more than US$41,000. Originally, it was planned to create a golf club with exclusive membership, but this was never done. Playing the 9 holes cost US$1.00, of which US$0.50 was for the caddy and the rest for a public school. In March 1957, Dupont visited Xanadu for the last time. On December 12, 1963, Xanadu opened as the restaurant "Las Americas", with Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova as the guest of honor. That same day, at the age of 85, Irenee Dupont died in the United States. Source: https://www.varaderogolfclub.com/en/historia.asp Comments from our members Many say that the restaurant is expensive and not that extraordinary. On the other hand, even if you pay a little more, having a drink at the bar at the top (Le Mirador) is worth the trip for the view!

Some things you may not know about the walls of Havana: 1. Construction of the original earthen wall began on February 3, 1674, from a plan signed by the king's military engineer, Cristóbal de Roda Antonelli. The building was completed by two maritime sections, rebuilt between 1733 and 1740: the first, between the castles of Punta and La Fuerza, and the second, from the central wall of La Tenaza, in the cove of Atares, in the immediate vicinity of the convent of San Francisco. 2. Its total extension was about 4,892 meters, it measured on average 1.40 meters thick and 10 meters high. The garrison consisted of 3,400 soldiers and 180 artillery pieces. 3. To enter and exit the city, the wall originally had two gates: Puerta de La Muralla (later called Puerta de Tierra) and Puerta de La Punta. Later, a total of 9 more gates were built, including Monserrate, Luz, San José and Jesús María, which would only open from 4:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. when the sound of a cannon shot announced the closing of the gates and night curfew. Some gates even had drawbridges. 4. Its demolition began in 1863, with the collapse of the great wall through the Monserrate gates, and did not culminate until the beginning of the 20th century. 5. The sentry box and bastion of San Telmo (next to the seminary of San Carlos and San Ambrosio) are the only partially complete remains of the walls that protected Havana from the sea from the 18th to the 19th century. There are other remains of the wall near the central station, which still preserves the Arsenal Gate; near the current Museum of the Revolution and also in the basement of the Gran Manzana Kempinski hotel. The military ceremony of the cannon shot at 9:00 p.m. has become a historical tradition over the years. Havana has always been shaken at 9:00 p.m. by the crash of this old cannon that once announced the closing of the city gates, then perhaps the time to go out on the town in the evening ... and which nowadays recalls the unfailing time to pour our applause to Cuba's healthcare workers in the face of the pandemic. This is undoubtedly one of the must-see visits during your next stay in Havana.

Photo: Lucie Leclerc In addition to the information shared by Chris Adyle, I found this text on the website of the Cuba Cooperation France Association. "In the Plaza de San Francisco two old ladies wipe a bronze figure. First the beautiful beard, almost golden because of so many hands of passers-by. Then the index finger of the left hand, beautiful enough to make the nail disappear and the knuckles exquisitely modeled by the sculptor José Villa Soberón. They make a wish under the influence of some tourist guides and popular mythology that seems to gradually give him the character of an urban saint. Among several statues in Havana, this one stands out. It is one of the few in the world dedicated to a madman. A man who lived his harmless megalomania as a symbol of freedom Few hallucinators have had the popularity of José María López Lledín although no one remembers him that way. He went down in history with a romantic name: the Knight of Paris. Dressed rigorously in black, always with a cape, he could arouse envy among rockers or scientists with his long, falling hair. He did not earn his marauding nickname between the bohemian Montparnasse or in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It seems that he was born on December 30, 1899 in Fonsagrada, a population of the indigenous community of Galicia, in Spain. I said, it seems, because in this story everything is appearance, fertilized thanks to the capacity of its protagonist fabulist. Fonsagrada was very small. Today, only a few thousand inhabitants have remained behind the step of modernity. Like so many Galicians, José López Lledín abandoned his city to seek his fortune and in 1913 he arrived on board a German ship in Havana, a city he would never leave. Before being "the Knight", he worked in a grocery store, a flower shop, a bookstore, a lawyer's office and a boutique. He also served with distinction and some knowledge of English in the hotels Telégrafo, Inglaterra, Saratoga and Sevilla, places where he perfected the princely manners that made him famous. Between 1914 and 1920 he kept himself as a healthy person. He saved money, sent something to his parents in Spain and helped his sister Inocencia, also an immigrant on the island. What caused his madness? All sources agree: an unjust imprisonment in the prison of the Château caused his paraphrenia, a delusion of grandeur, imaginative and persistent that possessed him for half a century. He was arrested because of the sale of a fake lottery ticket, was accused of a murder in which he had been an accomplice, of stealing jewels or at least he was opposed to a jealous husband. Who knows? There are no testimonies only those of the prints in the press of the time, contradictory testimonies of his parents and his relations. What is true is that in the prison of the castle (here begins his sagacity) José María declared himself indistinctly Pope, King and Knight errant, gave speeches and spent nights of anguish due to the denigrating treatment to which he was reduced, being of a noble lineage and lord of the army. The writer Eduardo Robreño in his book Como me lo contaron te lo cuento, maintains that Lledín came out free six years later with the "cloudy understanding". In 1928, he strolled through the Park of Christ, with his long white hair, without shaving and he only asked for respect from his subjects. When he was greeted with a cry of "Chevalier D'Artagnan", "Chevalier de Paris" he answered stammering and nodded his head kindly. According to Doctor Luis Calzadilla, biographer of the singular character, even the President of the Republic in 1949 interceded to let him free in the city after a brief internment in the psychiatric hospital. With great enthusiasm he extended his power to the whole known world: the Promenade del Prado, the Avenida del Port, the church of Paula, the street Muralla, the corner of Infanta and San Lázaro. At the banks of the Central Park he camped a few times. From 1959 he took Vedado and made incursions into streets 23 and 12, around the Cinecittá restaurant. He knocked on the doors of a few houses and left a few invitations decorated with meaningless phrases, but he didn't ask for anything for it. He never accepted alms. He accepted funerals that he paid for with a relic from his hallucinated world: painted napkins, dry leaves or pieces of pencils with colored threads. In any park, with infules of Alfonso X (the Wise) and a refined language, he would discourse on life and religion, politics, monarchy and empires, fabulous and distant lands, imagined battles for peace or he would recall the orders given to the Pope so that he would pay homage to his friends. In December 1977 he returned to the Psychiatric Hospital of Havana not because of his quiet dementia, but because of his advanced age and fragile health. Celia Sánchez, a guerrilla and close collaborator of Fidel Castro, requested a comfortable environment for him and gave him two suits and ties with a cape. Upon his arrival, a team from Commander Bernabé Ordaz, the Director of the Institution, cleaned the old man, untangled and braided his mystical hair full of insects. Tired, surrounded by lackeys in white, he retired and played at being God: "I am the king of the world because the world is always at my feet. Do not look at the dirty loafers. Look at the sidewalk, look at the earth, look at the pavement, everything is below me" he confessed to his psychiatrist. And the king of the world, the human explanation of this city, died at 1:45 on July 11, 1985. He left the legacy of a teaspoon, a Venezuelan 25-cent coin, some magazine clippings about Enrique Caruso, the presentation card of a home masseur, small pictures of some saints, several photos of himself and the Christian mandates. Also a handful of legends and songs about a man who lived his harmless megalomania as a symbol of freedom, in an era without places for aristocrats and knights errant. Source: https://cubacoop.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=1940&lang=fr

Guillermo Pérez Dressler is a Cuban architect born in Guanabacoa, Havana, in 1860. From a young age, his parents, Juan Pérez Zúñiga and Purificación Dressler de la Portilla, recognized his talents and encouraged him to develop them. To further his career, the family moved to the center of Havana. However, after his father's death, Guillermo, then 15, had to abandon his studies and work in a pharmacy. A professor, convinced of the young man's potential, found him a scholarship to study architecture at the Sorbonne in Paris, thanks to a bourgeois family from Vedado. At 16, Guillermo arrived in Paris and adopted the name Guillaume Dressler. At 21, he graduated with distinction. After his studies, he joined an architectural firm where he quickly distinguished himself, participating in the reconstruction of bridges, roads and civil and religious buildings. His life took a turn when his former professor at the Sorbonne put him in touch with Gustave Eiffel, who was looking for an assistant for his famous tower project. Guillaume quickly became Eiffel's right-hand man, who entrusted him with the direction of several projects, including a significant portion of the tower, although he was never publicly credited. Eiffel, prone to vertigo, only went up to the first floor, leaving Dressler to fully supervise the construction of the tower until its inauguration on March 31, 1889. In July 1889, Dressler was summoned by Queen Victoria to design the Victoria and Albert Museum and Gardens in London. He left on 4 August, but his ship was wrecked in a storm, with only four passengers surviving. Guillermo perished in the Straits of Dover, his body never recovered. His name has faded over time, and Gustave Eiffel remains the only one recognized as the architect of the tower that bears his name, although much of his fame goes to a Cuban. Guillaume Dressler is not the only Cuban with an incredible story. Other, lesser-known Cubans have played key roles at pivotal moments in world history. It is said that a Cuban woman breastfed Simón Bolívar, that another compatriot became the son-in-law of Karl Marx, and that José Palma, originally from Bayamo, wrote the Guatemalan national anthem. Furthermore, Manuel del Socorro Rodríguez, founder of the first newspaper in Bogotá, was Cuban, as was the famous pirate Diego Grillo, born in Havana. This mulatto corsair, son of a Spanish father and an African mother, is said to have even risen to the rank of British admiral under the shadow of Francis Drake. Other sources report that he may have perished at the hands of the Spanish in the Caribbean, or lived in England until an advanced age, enjoying his fortune. The historical accuracy of some of these stories may be open to debate, but that does not prevent Cubans from rejoicing in this international presence. While many commodities are scarce in Cuba, self-esteem is not one of them.

Once upon a time in Havana there were many bars and inns of great Cuban simplicity and authenticity, where the poorest people could savor the true essence of Cuba through a drink or a dish. Traditional inns, known as "fonda", were modest places where typical meals were offered at very low prices, prepared with the same care as at home. These establishments, very popular, offered Creole cuisine at a lower cost and were considered slightly above Chinese canteens, but well below more refined restaurants. They mainly offered a ration, called "Completa", which included different dishes at various prices, but always affordable. These popular places emerged from the beginning of colonization, responding to the need to feed and house sailors and travelers arriving in Havana. The first fondas were established by Chinese immigrants, followed by Spanish inns, giving rise to the famous fondas criollas, dear to our grandparents. Designed for workers and low-income families, they allowed the owners to live decently, but few of them could invest to grow, except in rare cases. Among the luckiest, José Sobrino opened in 1945, with his wife Elvira, the restaurant "Puerto de Sagua", specializing in seafood, an establishment now regretted. Another example, the Bodeguita del Medio, started modestly with Armenia, the wife of its owner, serving meals to only two or three customers a day. Unfortunately, these inns only survived until the 1960s, when the revolution completely abolished private property. These establishments were then relegated to oblivion, or survived as state bars and canteens, where the average Cuban could make do with cheap rum and a little-known beer, perhaps while nibbling on a bread with cheap croquettes. Strolling through the streets of Old Havana, you can discover those places not listed in the tourist guides, where you can still feel the magic of yesteryear, the unique atmosphere of the city and the warmth of its inhabitants. I invite you to taste the cheapest Cuban rum, whose label I don't even remember, accompanied by an anonymous cigar and an excellent oyster cocktail, characteristic of today's bars and canteens, vestiges of a very much alive Cuban gastronomic tradition: the bares y fondas de la Habana.

Without a doubt, the 1990s were the most difficult period in Cuba's recent history. We are still far from the total shortages of that incredible era, when an entire generation did not give up and ended up getting by... some with a university degree. In the aftermath of the fall of the Eastern European socialist bloc, the Cuban economy had completely collapsed. In a matter of weeks, we went from a certain abundance to extreme precariousness. The economic crisis, as well as the political crisis, had particularly intensified during the summer of 1994. Here is an "echo" that I hope will allow you to better understand a historic moment in Cuba, which marked a definitive turning point in the country's journey since then. "Fidel Castro is trying to regain control of the protests. The first riot in Cuba's communist history reflects the despair of a population tired of three years of almost total shortages. But the "líder máximo" is unwilling to give up and is going on the counter-offensive. Fidel Castro's regime, which seemed to be somewhat faltering in recent weeks, has pulled itself together in the aftermath of the first popular riot in thirty-five years of communism. Since Sunday, Havana has been the scene of a vast security and ideological counteroffensive: a massive presence of police officers and even a few paratrooper patrols on the port and at the nerve centers of the old colonial city, a grandiose funeral ceremony for the police officers killed during the violent clashes last Friday in Revolution Square, a high place of Castro's liturgy, patrols of regime supporters brought in en masse from the provinces, traditionally less rebellious than the capital... All of this is orchestrated by long speeches from the Supreme Commander, who did not hesitate to go to the sites of the riots. This deleterious atmosphere, a mixture of tension and status quo while waiting for a possible opening of the borders, under the stormy heaviness of the Cuban summer, can only reinforce the ironic skepticism of the Havana youth who, for lack of distractions, gather, at night, on the parapets of the Malecón, the seafront boulevard, facing... the American coast. The beginning of the popular uprising in the capital of one of the last communist countries on the planet, although it was quickly brought under control, underlines the depth of the unprecedented economic crisis that the Cuban regime has been struggling with since the disappearance of the Soviet bloc. The successive hijackings (which continued again yesterday) of passenger boats in the port of Havana to Miami, with the clear and noisy support of a population massed on the docks, reflect, like the riots of last week, the latent despair of a population subjected for three years to a regime of generalized shortages. The dizzying fall in the resources of the Caribbean state, whose trade depended 80% on Eastern countries four years ago, is cruelly perceptible at all levels of the daily life of the 11 million Cubans. ** Queues and shortages ** The drastic reduction in oil imports (from 14 to 6 million tons) has led, in addition to serious disruptions to public transport, to widespread power cuts, which are now daily occurrences. With a GDP that plunged by 50% between 1991 and 1993, the island's import capacity is at its lowest. The omnipresent State is no longer able to supply the basic necessities accessible through the "libreta", the famous Cuban ration book, which is on the verge of falling into disuse. The queues in front of empty stores, particularly in the historic districts where the riots broke out, and whose colonial-style buildings are often in an advanced state of disrepair, are now a daily obstacle course for the majority of Havana's 2 million people. There is the same distressing shortage in pharmacies, where hospitals lack medicines and cleaning products, as well as public services, which until now were the social showcase of the Castro regime. The decriminalization of possession of dollars, the opening of shops where one can pay in American currency, and the generalization of the black market make this situation even more bitter in the eyes of a population becoming aware of the precariousness of its purchasing power: the average salary in pesos represents barely a handful of dollars at the parallel exchange rate. All the more so since the economic **agiornamento** measures adopted - volens nolens - over the past two years by Fidel Castro are slow to bear fruit. The concessions of offshore exploration permits to Western oil companies, joint ventures with foreign companies and the accelerated development of mass tourism will not be enough to quickly fill the coffers of a State eager to reduce both the money supply and the budget deficit and which is preparing, for the first time in its history, to raise taxes. It is not the most recent economic speech by the Cuban president, delivered at the last session of the National Assembly, just a few days before the wave of incidents, that will bring a glimmer of hope. The "Commander in Chief" announced the worst sugar harvest (the island's main source of foreign currency) in thirty years: 4 million tons compared to 8 million in 1988. He then encouraged Cuban executives "to change their attitude to win the food battle" and simply proposed "to accelerate the return of city dwellers to the countryside". Faced with such a prospect, the discouragement of Cubans, who suffer from malnutrition and vitamin deficiency, is easily understandable, as is their growing fascination with the shores of neighboring Florida, where a powerful and organized diaspora awaits them. ** Wild emigration to Miami ** The wild emigration to the United States, which was at the center of last week's unrest, does not seem to be a miracle solution to the country's economic problems. While Fidel Castro has threatened the United States with authorizing a mass emigration (comparable to that of Operation Mariel, which in 1980 projected 130,000 Cubans onto the coast of Florida), the U.S. State Department has reiterated that "the United States will not allow him to dictate its emigration policy." This does not prevent the American authorities from refining a plan to intercept a possible flow of Cuban refugees and distribute them to military bases in different parts of the territory. Jean Baudot ( https://www.lesechos.fr/amp/887513 )

The island of Cuba, to be discovered through unbeaten paths, encourages you to stay with the locals for a total immersion. Cubans, by nature, are very welcoming. Their sense of conviviality guarantees pleasant and enriching exchanges. In addition to the authenticity, comfort, and cleanliness expected, the rates are very competitive compared to conventional structures. It is therefore recommended to spend at least part of the trip in the casas particulares , in a family atmosphere. Gastronomic services are often available, with typical breakfasts and meals to order. A real treat! It is strongly recommended to book with the locals as early as possible to ensure finding the best available addresses in the best locations. A thousand hotels in Cuba are not worth the hospitality of Cubans and a single moment shared with them. Staying with a local is also feeling a little Cuban.

The housing problem in Cuba is pressing. However, in recent decades the situation has worsened, especially in Havana, which is the most densely populated area of the country, with more than two million inhabitants. Added to this is the poor condition of many buildings, some of which have been in use for a century or more, with virtually no maintenance for nearly sixty years. About a third of Havana's houses have been declared uninhabitable, but their inhabitants persist in living in them, despite the danger of collapse that materializes every year during the rainy season. Shortly after the triumph of the Revolution, the Cuban government expropriated many wealthy capitalists for the benefit of the needy, who began to occupy the confiscated properties. Often, huge palaces were transformed into multi-family buildings, leading to an inevitable deterioration of the architectural structures, whose heritage value would only be revealed years later. Those who paid rent were able to buy their apartments from the new administration. Monthly payments were made over about thirty years, based on the salaries of each future owner. Since then, all Cubans aspire to own their home, regardless of the means of acquiring this property. A construction program has increased the number of homes in Cuba from about 1.2 million to more than 3.8 million today nationwide. Few countries in the world can boast that more than 80% of their population owns the home in which they live. Housing, even in poor condition, is probably the most precious asset for any family, especially for low-income families. It is the materialization of that space we call home. Sixty years later, housing in Cuba remains one of the most difficult and persistent problems affecting the population. Since 1959, more than 2 million homes should have been built. However, factors of increasing demand have overlapped. The Cuban population has grown from 7.7 to 11.2 million inhabitants. Family size has also changed, from almost 5 members to 2.8 in the last census, which has increased the number of families from 1.6 to 3.9 million. At the same time, housing maintenance has been minimal and internal migratory movements have been significant. With the Revolution, the population of Havana grew. Many young peasants came to study and work in the capital without ever returning to their villages. These internal migrations have long been fluid, with a continuous flow from the eastern region to Havana, leading to excessive overpopulation and impacts on housing. Thousands of families have been crammed into very precarious conditions, in favelas and cities, with the firm intention of settling at all costs in economically promising areas, whether through their work or by illegal means. These Cubans who emigrated to the west of the country were nicknamed "Palestinos", in reference to a pejorative comparison with the migratory phenomenon of real Palestinians in the Middle East. Cuban authorities have acknowledged that public investment of more than $4 billion and a construction rate of 50,000 homes per year is needed to reverse Cuba's current housing situation. Obtaining resources to build housing is complex, especially since the majority of the population does not have the means to finance them within a reasonable time frame. The State has therefore developed a subsidy program for the most vulnerable sectors, benefiting more than 30,000 families. Housing, perhaps the leading source of public discontent, currently has an official deficit of almost 900,000 units, including more than 200,000 in Havana. The decree approved in November 2011, which lifted the ban on buying and selling real estate, was well received by the population under the presidency of Raul Castro. Since then, it has become legal and relatively easy to sell our homes. Prices, however, have skyrocketed, making buying a home three to four times more expensive than before. In addition, these transactions between individuals must be done in cash only. The Cuban bank charges 4% in taxes, for both the seller and the buyer. The official prices of the houses, imposed by the state real estate agency, often remain lower than the market prices. Sometimes the differences, usually undeclared, are reimbursed the same evening of the transaction, over a glass of rum and a handshake. It was also approved in 2010 to issue building permits "by own efforts and means", that is, privately, to owners of land, roofs or other available areas, both for the repair and expansion of houses. As part of this economic reform, the free sale of materials such as cement, aggregates and blocks was allowed to stimulate housing construction in the private sector. This change in the housing management model has produced very positive results, although still insufficient. The project to restore the cultural heritage of Old Havana has also benefited the community. Thousands of families have seen their homes restored to their former glory, but much work remains to be done. In addition, the State has paid special attention to the policy of stimulating fertility and births. Thus, hundreds of mothers with three or more children have benefited from more than 42 million pesos allocated for the construction of new houses and maintenance works. Regarding the recovery of homes damaged by weather phenomena, nearly 50,000 families have recently been helped. The definitive solution for all the accumulated cases is however expected within a period of 2 to 3 years, an optimistic time frame. According to the authorities, all the programs implemented so far to solve the housing problem have a horizon of at least ten years. The seriousness of the situation and the impact of housing on the perception of prosperity force the government to continue looking for new solutions to solve the eternal housing problem in Cuba. Photo: Estudio Bianchini “Hotel Habana”

In Cuba, Havana is home to almost 20% of the island's population, but migration to the capital is not the highest among the different strata, according to statistics from the Center for Population Studies. Migration in Cuba is stratified: people move mainly from rural areas to small towns, then to municipal seats, and finally to large cities. On the other hand, the number of people leaving Havana for the provinces and rural areas is very low, with less than one migrant per thousand inhabitants. According to the last census in 2012, 88.8% of the population lives in their province of origin, but in recent years the trend has been towards increasing concentration in urban areas. About 22% of Cubans migrate for economic reasons. Additionally, 38% of Cubans have family living abroad, representing nearly 1.5 million separated families. Of those living abroad, 77% regularly send aid, mainly in the form of remittances, which account for 95% of this assistance. According to the UN, Cuba has more than 1.65 million emigrants, or about 15% of the population. This places the country in 140th place in the world for emigrants among 195 countries. Cubans emigrate mainly to the United States (80.82%), followed by Spain (8.55%) and Italy (2.25%). The Cuban community in the United States is the largest outside Cuba and the fifth largest Hispanic community. There are more than 1.34 million Cuban immigrants, mostly in Florida, but also in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas. At the beginning of the 20th century, Cuba was a country of immigration. However, since the 1930s, the migratory flow has reversed, and the Cuban Revolution of 1959 accentuated this phenomenon. Many Cubans left their country, mainly due to the nationalization of the economy. Between the 1960s and 1970s, approximately 250,000 Cubans emigrated to Florida. Various events led to further mass departures, including the Mariel exodus in 1980, in which 125,000 Cubans left the island. In 1994, Fidel Castro announced that the border guards would be withdrawn, leading to the "balseros crisis", with more than 30,000 Cubans attempting to flee by sea, often in perilous conditions. Currently, there is a visa lottery for Cubans, allowing about 20,000 people to travel to the United States each year. In 1998, more than 500,000 Cubans applied for the lottery. Since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States, more than half a million Cubans residing in North America have been able to return to the island where they were born.

Hunting in Cuba is as old as our aborigines and as deeply rooted as fishing and agriculture, which were, from the beginning of life on the island, classic means of subsistence. From a young age, Cuban peasants show an innate love for hunting. It is logically in rural areas that this tradition is most firmly anchored. Children spend entire days in the mountains, equipped with homemade traps and slingshots to catch small ornamental birds, typical of Cuban fields and forests, which they can either resell or hunt for pure pleasure. In Trinidad, for example, there is a great tradition of capturing and breeding ornamental birds, appreciated above all for the quality of their song. Most Trinidadian families own these typical birds that are seen coming out every morning to sunbathe, whose value can exceed several hundred dollars. However, carrying firearms is naturally prohibited in Cuba. One might therefore imagine that there are not many hunters. However, thousands of Cubans legally own weapons inherited from their ancestors. These privileged people hold licenses to practice sport hunting and are subject to strict control by the competent authorities. Since the 1980s, the Cuban Sport Hunting Federation (FCCD) was created. This organization brings together more than 42,000 members across the country. Typically, these hunters not only dedicate their time, resources and skills to hunting Cuban game species, but also to the practice of sport shooting. The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) is the governing body of this hunting federation. In Cuba, hunting is officially considered a sport and not a means of economic subsistence. Associated hunters are interested in the care of flora, fauna and the environment, as their preservation is essential for the survival of their favorite sport. This activity is governed by laws and resolutions issued by the competent state bodies, in addition to the fact that the Federation has a code of ethics for all its members. In Cuba, hunters currently represent an indispensable means of biological control of game species in order to maintain their populations at sustainable levels. The vast majority of Cuban hunters, if not all, are not predators. Rather, they are athletes who love nature and their environment, boasting more about their difficult catches than their quantity, while recognizing the value of the food obtained through their efforts. The official hunting season in Cuba begins in October and ends on the last Sunday in March. In Cuba's hunting reserves, the species allowed to be hunted include: ducks, pigeons, quails and snipes. The most commonly used rifles are Beretta, Remington, Winchester and Magnum. Foreign visitors must obtain an international permit to hunt in Cuba, valid for one year. Organized sport hunting takes place at Costa Maspotón in Pinar del Río; Amarillas in Matanzas; Yarigua in Cienfuegos; Cubanacán in Villa Clara; Jobo Rosado and Zaza in Sancti Spiritus; Morón and Ciego Sur in Ciego de Ávila; Manati in Las Tunas; Guacanayal to Isla de la Juventud; Los Caneyes in Camagüey and El Indio in Santiago de Cuba. However, not all hunters in Cuba are federated and do not act in accordance with the environmental protection laws in force. In almost the entire national territory, there are poachers who turn this activity into a regular source of personal income and food, without taking into account the many species protected by Cuban laws. Despite the efforts of the authorities to stop poaching, in large areas such as the large wetland of the Zapata Swamp, illegal predation unfortunately persists. This region is home to many endemic species, such as the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), sought after primarily for its meat, and the parrot (Amazona leucocephala), highly prized as a pet, with a high price on the black market. The sale of exotic birds is a serious problem; for example, on the informal market, a parrot can cost up to US$100. The white-tailed deer, the manjuarí, the manatee, the jutia, the land crab (of which there are special regulations for their capture for commercial purposes) and other animals are among the most threatened in this wetland, due to the predatory action of man. There are other coastal communities, such as Guanahacabibes, where employment sources are scarce. Many people also live from hunting sea turtles or illegal logging, as the money from trafficking represents an essential income for these local inhabitants. Fishing and hunting, as a means of subsistence, can be tolerated, but not without restrictions on trade, especially not in such protected areas as the Guanahacabibes Peninsula or La Ciénaga de Zapata, places particularly rich in migratory birds and endangered species. A recent inventory of species noted in these regions the presence of 16 types of amphibians, 35 reptiles, 193 birds and 18 mammals. Among the species living in the seabed, up to 576 types of mollusks can be observed, as well as many multi-colored fish, as in a huge natural aquarium. For the indigenous inhabitants of these protected areas, far from the cities, meat, although prohibited, remains a tasty food, whether it is loggerhead, venison or jutía. The domestic animal would often be a parrot. Although new generations are beginning to understand the importance of conservation, the issue is in direct contradiction with their lifestyles and subsistence traditions. Perhaps one day everyone will understand the need to protect the environment and endangered species, but that does not necessarily mean they will stop consuming these animals or releasing parrots. The situation is much more complex than a simple ban; it is often a matter of survival.

A little more light on freely convertible currency (FCC) bank cards in Cuba How to send money to Cuba for MLC cards? WHAT IS A MLC SUPPORTED USD ACCOUNT AND WHAT ARE ITS FEATURES? In the new MLC stores you can buy by paying with a magnetic card. These cards can be issued by Cuban institutions such as Banco de Crédito y Comercio (Bandec), Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA), Banco Metropolitano (Banmet) and American International Service (AIS). The MLC-backed USD accounts are so named because all foreign currencies accepted in Cuba deposited therein (British Pounds, Canadian Dollars, Swiss Francs, Mexican Pesos, Danish Kroner, Norwegian Kroner, Swedish Kroner, and Japanese Yen) will be converted into USD at the daily exchange rate. These accounts only work with magnetic cards, and they can be opened without making an initial deposit. These accounts also do not have a mandatory minimum balance. Deposits into these accounts - with the exception of AIS cards - can be made in cash at bank branches of the bank that issued the card, by transfer between accounts or from abroad. Resolution 103/2020 of the Central Bank of Cuba eliminated the application of the 10% tax on deposits in US dollars. These accounts do not declare interest or access bonuses. They are simply a means of payment within the national territory. In addition to purchasing in stores in USD, these cards can be used for other operations such as paying for services, purchasing through point-of-sale (POS) terminals in stores and CUP and withdrawing cash (CUP) at ATMs and bank branches. In all three cases, the current exchange rate would be applied. With the exception of AIS cards, it is also possible to make cash withdrawals in USD from these accounts. This operation is not done at ATMs but directly at bank branches and is subject to the availability of liquidity in the banks where the card was issued. This is usually a slow process because Cuban banks suffer from a chronic shortage of liquidity in foreign currencies and their availability is almost always associated with recent cash deposits. MLC-backed USD accounts can be managed via mobile banking services (Phone Banking, Remote Banking, Transfermobile and EnZona), except AIS. WHAT TYPES OF USD CARDS SUPPORTED BY MLC ARE THERE? HOW IS MONEY DEPOSITED INTO THEM? In Cuba, there are several types of USD magnetic cards with MLC backup. These cards are issued by the Credit and Commerce Banks (Bandec), Popular de Ahorro (BPA) and Metropolitano (Banmet) and by the American International Service (AIS), through Fincimex. Visa and Mastercard cards are also authorized to operate in Cuba, as long as they have not been issued by institutions or banks in the United States or offices of these institutions in other countries. Depending on the card type, deposits of funds into MLC can be made in several ways: ■ By external bank transfers from banks that have correspondent agreements with Cuban banks and in currencies accepted by Cuba. These transfers generally apply commissions. Due to the restrictions of the blockade against Cuba, transfers cannot be received from any bank in the United States. ■ By bank transfers from other MLC accounts opened in Cuban banks. ■ By transfers via the websites of companies associated with Fincimex. This method applies to holders of Banmet and BPA MLC cards and AIS-USD cards issued by Fincimex. Bandec cardholders are excluded. These transfers usually apply commissions. ■ By depositing cash in Cuban bank branches in US dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, pounds sterling, Swiss francs, Mexican pesos, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, Swedish kroner and Japanese yen. The daily exchange rate in Cuba would be applied to each deposit to record them in the USD account. You cannot transfer money to a USD account using magnetic cards associated with CUP accounts. The amount of funds for each transfer has no pre-established limit. However, there may be limits for sending money imposed by the regulations of the countries from which the transfers originate. In the United States, for example, in September 2019, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed a cap of $1,000 per person, every quarter, on sending family remittances to Cuba. Due to the constant persecution of financial transactions to and from Cuba as a result of the blockade, Cuban banking entities recommend that those wishing to send funds to the island inquire with their bank if they agree to make the transfer to a Cuban bank. AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE (AIS) - AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE The American International Service website has more than a decade of experience managing and processing remittances from abroad. It is a service provided by Financiera Cimex SA (Fincimex). Today, three types of cards coexist (AIS card, AIS NO CASH card and, more recently, AIS-USD card). AIS offers a fourth way to transfer money to the island: deposits from abroad into Cuban bank accounts. THE AIS-USD CARD Debit card. The owner will be able to use the AIS-USD card in the network of stores in the currency of the country and authorizes the withdrawal of cash from ATMs, but in CUC. The only way to top up these AIS cards is online, it is not possible to make deposits in any other way. It is designed to capture remittances from abroad by bank transfer through correspondent banks and companies associated with Fincimex. The sender can order online, and at no additional cost, the creation of one of these cards that the beneficiary must collect in person at the nearest Fincimex office. Transaction processing times are short. If a sender exceeds 3,000 CUC sent in a quarter, AIS will request additional information. Online ways to send transfers to AIS-USD cards: aisremesascuba.com (worldwide) enviodinero.es (Europe and Canada) vacuba.com (United States) cubamax.com (USA) sendvalue.com (Europe) The balance of AIS cards can only be known by telephone requests from the owner to the local Fincimex office. CARDS ISSUED BY THE CUBA BANKING NETWORK Banco Popular de Ahorro (BPA), Banco de Crédito y Comercio (Bandec) and Banco Metropolitano (Banmet) can receive money transfers from abroad to individuals in Cuba. Bank transfers from abroad should only be made from banks that have agreements with Cuban banks (correspondent banks). A transfer made from a non-correspondent bank may not be effective or may generate additional fees. Bandec, BPA and Banmet have a public list of international banks with which they maintain correspondent relationships. Beneficiaries must ask their branches for the information necessary for the sender to make the transfer from abroad. The bank transfer route is an efficient option, especially for sending money from Europe and Canada. Most of BPA, Bandec and Banmet’s correspondent banks are located in Spain, Canada, Italy and Germany. Below are some international banks corresponding to Cuban banking institutions: Country: Inglaterra Code Swift: HAVIGB2LXXX Bank: Havin Bank Limited Plaza: London Country: Suecia Código Swift: NDEASESSXXX Banco: Nordea Bank Sweden AB Plaza: Estocolmo Country: España Code Swift: BSABESBBXXX Bank: Banco de Sabadell, SA Plaza: Sabadell Código Swift: CAIXESBBXXX Banco: Caixabank SA Plaza: Barcelona Código Swift: BBVAESMMXXX Banco: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Plaza: Madrid Code Swift: CAGLESMMXXX Bank: ABANCA Corporación Bancaria SA Plaza: La Coruña Country: Canada Code Swift: BNDCCAMMXXX Banco: National Bank of Canada Plaza: Montreal Additional information

The word "guajiro" is used in Cuba to call peasants, that is, los campesinos. The etymology of the word has been a source of controversy, since a very well-woven version has become popular, however also very far from reality. This story tells that during the 1895 war of independence in Cuba, the Cuban peasantry had logically joined the liberation troops commanded by Generalissimo Máximo Gómez. In the last months of the aforementioned War of Independence, the battleship Maine had exploded in Havana, an accident or sabotage, which precipitated the United States to intervene in the war in Cuba and definitively drive out Spain. When the heavily armed U.S. troops landed in Cuba, they called the Cuban peasant warriors, equipped only with machetes, war heroes, which to the ears of the peasants and others Cubans commanding the troops sounded "guajiro". And for this reason, Cubans are the only peasants in all of our Latin America who would be called "guajiros". Until now the famous version that has spread widely without taking into account at all the true history of this North American intervention, where they tried to minimize the participation of the brave Mambises. It is too good to really believe that they would have been recognized, much less the peasants, as heroes. Furthermore, this version of the origin of the word "guajiro" to define our peasant seems totally improbable, since the word in question was already used in our territory long before. The name "guajiro" had already been immortalized in the work of the poet Juan Cristóbal Napoles Fajardo "El Cucalambé", around 1856. The voice "guajiro" had also appeared in the Provincial Dictionary (almost reasoned) of Esteban Pichardo, which saw the light for the first time in 1836, and in which it was mentioned that in Yucatan "guajiro" means lord. Thus, well before 1836, Cuban peasants were already called "guajiros." The Royal Academy of Language claims that this word comes from the Yucatecan guajiro, which in fact means lord or gentleman; or that it refers to the native of La Guajira, belonging to this department of Colombia. The truth is that since the beginning of the 16th century there was already a Yucatec presence on the island, well mixed with the natives and which remained in our territory with relative continuity until the middle of the 19th century, as was its expansion throughout the island. It is therefore believed that its origin is probably in the Yucatecan "guajiro", although the phonetics of the "guajiro" voice are more similar to the Taíno language, of the indigenous people of Cuba, than to any other. In Cuba, in addition to the peasant himself, it is common for the term "guajiro" to be commonly applied to the Cuban who is not from Havana. I also often call friends "guajiro", to denote a certain level of affection, no doubt proof of humble peasant origins. The guajiros are usually good people, very kind and without a doubt rebels in the history of Cuba.

On the night of Friday, November 25, 2016, Fidel Castro died. This event will mark one of the last stages of his life, after 90 years of history, particularly marked by the Revolution. His end came far from power, with a historical approach to relations between Cuba and the United States managed by Raúl Castro, who had taken the reins of the country in 2008. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, better known as Fidel Castro, was born in Birán, Holguín province, on August 13, 1926. He was a Cuban military man, revolutionary, statesman and politician. He served as Prime Minister (1959–1976) and President (1976–2008) of his country. He was also Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (1956–2008) and was First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) from 1965 until 2011, when he definitively left office and transferred all powers to his brother, Raúl Castro. Professionally, he was a lawyer, doctor of civil law and graduate in diplomatic law. Fidel Castro began his public life as an opposition politician and particularly distinguished himself after the assault on the Moncada barracks in 1953, which earned him a prison sentence. Released thanks to public pressure, he went into exile in Mexico, where he planned the guerrilla invasion of 1956. He came to power after leading the Cuban Revolution, which triumphed on January 1, 1959, overthrowing the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. He was appointed Prime Minister on February 27 of that year by President Manuel Urrutia. In 1961 he led the revolutionary government's adoption of Marxism, establishing the first socialist state in America. After the constitutional reform of 1976, he was elected President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers. In 1965, he founded the Communist Party and was its first secretary until 2011. On February 19, 2008, in a letter published in the newspaper Granma, he announced that he would not run or accept a new mandate at the meeting of the National Assembly of People's Power on February 24 of the same year. On the international scene, he first tried to establish good relations with the United States, then developed close ties with the USSR. After a series of expropriations of American capital, disagreements with the United States led to an economic embargo against Cuba. Since then, its relations with the superpower have become openly antagonistic, especially after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Fidel Castro has received numerous national and international decorations. On November 25, 2016, Raúl Castro announced his brother's death on television. His remains were cremated and his ashes traveled through Cuba in a four-day caravan before being finally buried in Santiago de Cuba. Due to his long administration and the unique characteristics of his policies, he has sparked an intense debate between opponents and supporters of his government, oscillating between the qualification of dictatorship and the expression of the will of the Cuban people. See you soon, Commander!

Reasons to taste Cuban cuisine Cuban gastronomy is distinguished by unique flavors that make anyone who has had the chance to savor its authentic dishes addicted. Here are some reasons to discover homemade Cuban cuisine. It's irresistible: Once you've tasted tamal en cazuela, guava casquitos or oriental vinaigrette, these delicacies will become staples in your kitchen. Originality: Cubans demonstrate creativity in creating unique dishes, such as arroz congrí, a tasty combination of rice and beans enjoyed by gourmets around the world. Diversity: Cuban cuisine skillfully mixes traditional recipes with international influences. For example, the rabo encendido, inspired by the Canary Islands, or the Cuban pizza, which stands out from its Italian counterpart. Surprising: Few people realize the richness of Cuban gastronomy, and those who discover these dishes are often pleasantly surprised. Creativity: Economic hardship has pushed Cubans to innovate, giving rise to new recipes. Ingredients such as banana peels have been used to create original dishes, such as spicy mince. Today, Cuban cuisine is internationally recognized, partly thanks to the emigrants who spread its traditions throughout the world. The recent tourist opening also allows us to share our culinary identity with visitors from all over the world.

Essential introduction Cuban cuisine is a reflection of the historical mix that characterizes the country. This mixture, nourished by more than 500 years of diverse influences, has enriched our culinary know-how. Dishes such as pizza in Chinese restaurants or white rice with black beans illustrate the contrasts of local gastronomy. The famous ajiaco cubano, a collective soup made with various ingredients, also symbolizes this cultural richness. The distinctive quality of our people lies in their ability to create a Cuban identity from diverse elements. Surrounded by exquisite fish and lobsters, Cuba has however seen the pig become the protagonist of festive and daily meals, with the adage that "in the pig, everything is good." Thus, roast pork, served with rice, black beans, fried plantains and various salads, is a national dish. Whether it's a fine meal in the city or a spit-roasted pig in the countryside, Cubans enjoy a good meal at any time, although meals don't stretch too late into the night. Since wine is not very present in our culture, cold beer or rum cocktails often accompany meals. A strong coffee, a cigar and amber rum ideally round off the evening. Despite limited resources, the Cuban family often manages to prepare much better meals than those in hotels, which struggle to respect our traditions. It is therefore recommended to enjoy at least one typical meal at a Cuban family's house or in a paladar during your next trip to Cuba, always accompanied by a good Cuban rum. Have a good trip and enjoy your meal everyone!