CULTURE OF CUBA: TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, GASTRONOMY, MUSIC - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The culture of Cuba is diverse and has influences from Europe, Africa and traditions inherited from the native aborigines of the island. This cultural mix is ​​reflected in aspects such as religion, music, dance and gastronomy.

Before the arrival of the Spanish settlers, the land of Cuba was inhabited by various cultures of Mesoamerica. Beginning in 1492, the Spanish conquest changed the original way of life.

Havana, capital of Cuba

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Among some of the new elements for the territory, the Spanish introduced sugar and tobacco. These two products became the main source of income and production on the island for several centuries. On the other hand, it was the Spanish conquerors who introduced the African slaves into the territory for various jobs on plantations and more.

During the 19th century, various wars were carried out between Spain and America, which led, in the case of Cuba, to the Spanish withdrawal in 1898. Following this, the United States military government seized the power of the island until it finally achieves its independence.

It is in 1902 when Cuba manages to achieve independence. Here a period of economic development would begin. However, a new period of dictatorships is also born and the subsequent triumph of the Cuban Revolution that has led the country since the 1950s.

Despite Cuba's political and economic difficulties, its culture is one of the most popular in the Caribbean. Her music has been an icon within the Latin genres and much of her gastronomy is recognized within various countries of America.

Cuban traditions

The Caribbean Festival, Fire Festival

It is celebrated annually, starting in the first days of July, in Santiago de Cuba. It has been held since 1981 and it generates multiple exchanges and cultural activities such as dance performances, music, plays, film series and more.

Throughout history, various important characters have been part of the Cuban festival, such as Gabriel García Márquez and Juan Bosch. This event usually lasts approximately 8 days.

Among the different dynamics that can be found within the festival, the Parade of the Serpent is usually carried out, with which the celebration begins. It is a procession that unites the town with native dances. The route runs from Plaza de Marte to Parque de Céspedes.

On the other hand, the event ends with the Burning of the Devil. A tradition in which a large devil figure is burned by the sea, as a symbol of eliminating evil.

Parranda de Remedios in Villa Clara

Celebrated in Remedios, one of the oldest towns in Cuba, it is one of the most popular and oldest festivals. It is carried out between December 16 and 26. Nighttime celebrations such as dances, fireworks and parades of floats take place throughout the week through the colonial streets of neighborhoods such as San Salvador and El Carmen.

This festivity has its origins in 1820, when the priest Vigil de Quiñones, seeing that people did not go to church in the mornings around Christmas, encouraged a group of children to tour the city with maracas, cans and teaspoons, to attract the attention of the people of the town and that they would unite like that in the streets and attend church. Thus was born the Parranda de Remedios, one of the most important festivities in Cuba.

This event is part of the Cultural Heritage of the Cuban Nation since 2013 and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2018.

Cuban carnivals

In some regions of Cuba such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara and Las Tunas, carnivals are celebrated from the end of June and throughout July. It is a festival where many traditions are concentrated. Floats, live music, typical foods, artisan sales and more.

The established date is not fixed, however, in areas like Camagüey, celebrations begin to take place from the last days of June. Each region can have a different date.

In schools, children wear typical Caribbean costumes and perform theatrical performances. The hours of the day are usually dedicated to children and adolescents, who participate in activities known as "carnavalitos", with similar dynamics to those that take place at night, when they are intended for adult audiences.

In Havana the celebration usually takes place during the first weeks of August. Among the outstanding activities is the parade along the Malecón, with a long march of floats and people that traditionally depart from the Piragua to Calle Marina. This activity also involves a competition between floats that compete for the Carnival Prize.

After the parade there are usually concerts with national bands who provide music that varies between salsa and timba.

Festival of the red and blue bands of Majagua

It is a celebration held in the Majagua municipality, in the Ciego de Ávila province. Within this festival, cultural activities such as processions, traditional dances and music with typical instruments such as tres or marimbas are carried out.

It is celebrated during the month of November. The town is usually divided into two camps with groups that dress and are characterized by the color blue or red. The celebration has undergone modifications over the years. On some occasions the parties compete with each other, before juries. Games and parades are also held.

Havana Theater Festival

It has been held annually since 1980 around Havana in theaters and squares. The works presented can be both national and international groups. Presentations of various genres such as dance, performance and music are organized. This space aims to give light to the theatrical movement and the exchange of cultures.

Custom

Priority for the family

Cubans have a habit of giving priority to their family nucleus, which is often quite large on many occasions.

Drink rum

When consuming this alcoholic beverage, Cubans usually throw a drink on the ground as a ritual for the saints to bless the festivities. On the other hand, they tend to drink it unaccompanied, such as soda or ice.

Give away

It is known that one of the most characteristic aspects of Cubans is giving or sharing. They are given to deliver without the need to receive something in return.

Warm greetings

Another of the characteristics that are recognized in Cubans are the greetings with kisses. They are usually very affectionate and do not consider it overconfidence or invasion of space. This aspect is also usually well known in other Latin countries.

Love of baseball and dominoes

Both baseball and dominoes are part of family activities. The former is listed as a national sport and is practiced frequently, with a large number of fans. Dominoes are practiced among friends and family, especially at parties and celebrations.

Cuban gastronomy

Old clothes

It is one of the most emblematic dishes of gastronomy in Cuba. Combine the cooked meat and shredded in sauce, prepared from onion, peppers, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, wine or beef broth and tomato. It is also served with rice with beans and plantains.

The origin of this dish is not exactly known and there are also several versions of its history. The recipe may vary depending on the region or area in which it is cooked. It is also a popular dish in other countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Mexico.

Moors and Christians or Moorish rice

Another popular recipe of Spanish origin. It consists of a combination of rice with black beans, prepared with onion, garlic, oregano, bay leaf, oil and salt. It tends to be similar to other recipes such as Morisqueta. This dish is commonly consumed in countries such as Spain and the Dominican Republic.

Cuban ajiaco

It is considered one of the national dishes of Cuba. Some attribute its origin to the indigenous Cuban natives who already consumed it before the arrival of the Spanish. From here it could be ensured that the dish could have more than 400 years of history. On the other hand, there are those who assure that it is a combination of Spanish and Cuban recipes.

In addition, the ajiaco has been linked to the city of Camagüey, which in the 16th century was known as the City of Santa María de Puerto del Príncipe. According to what is related, the ajiaco was prepared in this area for the celebration of Catholic festivals such as those of San Juan and San Pedro, during the month of June.

The recipe for this soup may vary depending on the region of the country in which it is prepared. There are families who usually prepare it for New Year's lunches. Its preparation includes fresh vegetables, potatoes, ripe banana, yucca, green banana, pumpkin, lard, and meats such as chicken, pork and jerky. Tomato, lemon and seasonings are also included.

Yuca with mojo

This is a very popular spicy stew made with oxtail. The meat is prepared together with a sauce made with peppers, parsley, cumin, oregano, dry or red wine, hot pepper or hot sauce. Olive oil is also added. It is usually served as a side, over rice.

Music in Cuba

Cuba is one of the most influential places in terms of the Latin music genre.

Image by Norbert Höldin from Pixabay

Music is one of the most representative elements in Cuban culture. It is usual to hear music constantly in its streets. In general, Cubans also have a great command of dance, for this reason both music and dance complement each other on a daily basis.

Cuban music is varied and most of it was born from the mixture of African rhythms and percussion, also adding European influences such as melody or verse. On the other hand, it is recognized as one of the most popular within the Latin genre and encompasses styles such as the following:

- Son: this one in particular has helped the birth of other Cuban musical genres. It originated from the 19th century and combines Spanish verses and choruses, with the vocality and the African drum.

- Salsa: descendant of Cuban son with American jazz influences.

- Bolero: from Santiago. It is a fundamentally romantic genre represented by soloists or in duets and also in the form of a ballad.

- Jazz: it is one of the most popular genres in Cuba. There is even the Havana Jazz Festival in honor of this musical genre.

- Timba: a modern and faster version of the salsa originating from son and which is currently one of the most popular genres on the island. It combines African dances and rhythms like rumba, rap and even reggae.

Religion in Cuba

Before the Cuban Revolution, the dominant religion in Cuba was Catholicism, introduced by the Spanish colonists. Subsequently, the control of the State in religious beliefs and activities caused that from the 1950s on, society began to conceive itself as atheist. It was from the 90's when the surveillance on this issue was diminishing and there was more freedom in this regard.

Currently in Cuba you can find religious groups such as Protestants, Muslims, Pentecostals and more. At present, more than 50% of the population is considered affected by Catholicism.

As for atheism and agnosticism, the country declares itself an atheist state and has promoted this philosophy of life among its inhabitants. Approximately more than 20% of the population considers themselves atheist or agnostic.

On the other hand are the beliefs from African practices such as Santeria. This is part of the beliefs of approximately 12% of the population. Part of this religion combines the Yoruba culture with that of Catholicism. Its origin comes from slave groups from Africa.

References

1. (2018). 7 very popular celebrations and traditions of Cuba. Bed and Breakfast in Cuba. Recovered from bandbcuba.es
2. Pérez, D (2018). Havana Theater Festival, a bet for the certainty. Radio City of Havana. Recovered from radiociudadhabana.icrt.cu
3. 8 Cuban Customs You Should Know. Top Today. Recovered from tophoy.com
4. Boan G (2017). Bandos Rojo y Azul, a centuries-old cultural heritage. Inverted Tree. Recovered from arbolinvertido.com
5. Moors and Christians. Cybercuba. Recovered from cibercuba.com
6. Fernández U. 5 customs and traditions that will bring you closer to the Cubans. Recovered from vix.com
7. Consuegra L (2018). 10 Cuban customs that not everyone understands. I love you Cuba. Recovered from teamocuba.com
8. Rodríguez Y (2019). The origin of the Cuban ajiaco. I love you Cuba. Recovered from teamocuba.com
9. Alvarez J (2018). Recipe: Tail on fire. Cuban newspaper. Recovered from periodicocubano.com
10. What music is Cuba famous for ?. Insight Cuba 20. Recovered from insightcuba.com
11. Music and Dance in Cuba. Cuban Adventures. Recovered from cubagrouptour.com
12. (2017). Havana and the Cuban carnivals. Recovered from onlinetours.es
13. Religious Beliefs In Cuba. Worldatlas. Recovered from worldatlas.com
14. History of Cuba. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Recovered from en.wikipedia.org
15. Ropa Vieja in the Cuban style, an iconic recipe of Cuban gastronomy. All of Cuba. Recovered from todocuba.org