Cuba "This island is a paradise. If I get lost in Andalucia or look for me in Cuba

"

Federico Garcia Lorca

The Republic of Cuba is a archipelago of Caribbean North. And

'considered the largest island in size, the Caribbean archipelago north Cuba

and is only 180 km from the' "coveted" American coast of Florida. Its coasts

are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, while to the south it is washed by the

Caribbean Sea. It consists of an archipelago of nearly 4,195 islands covering

an area of 110,992 km of pristine and crystal clear ° and cays.

The island, shaped long and narrow, measuring about 1250 km in

length, while its width varies from a maximum of 120 km in the central

province of Camaguey, just 35 km to the west of the province of Havana.

The territorial extension, mostly flat, is characterized by the composition of

limestone hills in the north west of Pinar del Rio & the conformation of the

Sierra Maestra mountain range, the highest chain, located southeast of the

island. The coasts and cover approximately 3500km range from the low and

stretches up to the highest rock, resulting in scenarios with beautiful colors.

Of great beauty and importance is the coral reef, the second largest in the

world, given the extent of its 400km.

The first information about the island demonstrate how the human presence

in this place you registrasse as early as 3500 BC It was Amerindian

populations, mainly devoted to hunting and fishing, who settled in both the

West and the East and around the year 1000 were fused with the Taino

population of farmers fleeing from Hispaniola (Santo Domingo).

SUMMARY HISTORICAL ...

Groped to understand the complex Cuban culture means starting from the

consideration of a condition "bridge" between different cultural origins:

Indian, Spanish, Galician, Catalan, African Yoruba of Nigeria, Haitian,

Caribbean, Chinese, to name just a few of the many roots . It is no

coincidence that the most extraordinary Cuban magazine of the 50s, by

intellectual Jose Lezama Lima, was called "Origenes" and investigate the

placement of Cuban identity in the universal debate. You need to look at the

entire area rich in comparison with Latin American culture, with European

influence and exposure to the ideas of North America throughout the

twentieth century. We must look to the history and feel of the Cubans, the

old divisions between slaves and masters, to the complicated race relations,

the newfound solidarity to fight against the foreign rulers, the battles for

egalitarianism that the revolution has produced, the experiences that the

internationalist Cubans have lived in Africa. Imperialism, colonialism, desire

for independence, love of country, desire for economic freedom and cultural

Marxism: A Cuba have consumed the ideologies of the world. The experience

of colonial domination suffered led the Cubans to the summary offered by

the great ideological systems, not to accept middle ground or compromise.

Today, the contemporary reality forces them to compromise with the daily

life and a look to the future which borders the dialectic peasant "tomorrow

is another day." In fact, given that Havana is a special case, the base of Cuban

society is essentially rural. Here then, the cultural and religious mix of

Cuban, a syncretism that embraces everything with distrust typical farmer,

for which the horizon ends with the cultivated field and time are those

imposed by the cutting of sugar cane. And here, again, the drama being sons

of the culture of their ancestors and discover, in the act of liberation, falling

into patterns prefabricated outside. Before the colonial religions and

ideologies, then Marxism, son of Hegelian historicism, German and

European.

To understand the Cuba of today try to imagine if any European country had

suffered the same fate of destruction and enslavement, deportation and

exploitation, and while this confused that canceled each identity, and has

mixed traits as a blender, then had to rise to the identity of a people. From

this was born to play the Cubans claim proud of its diversity. From this

intense labor draws inspiration, for example, the great reading of Alejo

Carpentier, an author who is well-Cuban culture precisely because the "real

great" Latin American identity is the result of a multiplicity of overlapping

forming a cultural framework intricate, unpredictable, baroque and

incomprehensible. For Cubans it comes to discovering his identity hidden

and also the pride of a "difference" that has been able to take from each

culture, but never be conquered.

MUSIC AND ANCIENT BELIEFS:

The unique character of the Cuban culture can be found by studying the

origin of music on the island. The slaves centuries ago, they could not

practice their religion, they were baptized by force by the Catholic Church.

They, however, was allowed to dance and play. The slaves, according to the

characters they created twinning Catholic saints and their gods orisha:

Chango, Orisha fire, the thunder of light was associated with Santa Barbara.

Yemaya, orisha the sea, was twinned with the virgin regla.

Oshun, Orisha love, fun and sweetness, was identified in the Virgin of

Caridad del Cobre, the patroness of Cuba by the copper-colored face.

Babalu Aye, comforting the sick, and St. Lazarus.

RELIGIOUS RITUALS

Religious rituals were based on music and dance performed often in a state

of ecstasy, and so spread, from dances such as Guaguancò, The Yabu, the

columbia, Types of music from the 20s '900 were enriched with modern

musical instruments. In Cuba, thanks to the musical syncretism that comes

from the mix of African traditions with the Spanish and European, were born

the rumba large orchestra, the son, the Danzon, The mambo, The cha cha

cha, The bolero and the habanera, which is a good part of what mankind has

danced all over the world in the twentieth century, and finally the

merengue, The sauce and the timba, A genre that is revolutionizing Cuban

music. In fact, while the notes of Compay Segundo and film Buena Vista

Social Club are played only in the local tourist Havana, timba closely linked

to the North American black music, like in the "low" popular in the city and

is characterized by its disruptive Live Effects and transgression. Today some

orchestras break radically with the nostalgic music of Compay Segundo, and

with an explosive charge speak of racism, sex, tourism, and money. With

regard to the present time, the Constitution of the Republic guarantees

complete freedom of worship. The largest is the Catholic religion. Even

beliefs "Afro-Cuban" is deeply rooted.

OTHER FORMS OF ART AND SPORT:

The Cuban culture is plural, rich, contradictory, brilliant on certain

occasions, in correspondance with the subject that generates it: it is the

result of a long historical process, but firmly anchored in modernity. It 's

something for the elusive essence of mobile: a set of aptitudes, attitudes,

values, philosophy and ethics, customs, collective sense of color and rhythm,

sensuality, reflection, relationship with the landscape that has been forming,

macerating and baking for five centuries under the inclement sun of the

Caribbean.

Disciplines such as literature and the fine arts, cinema, ballet, modern dance

and theater, gave Cubans names of international importance.

In Cuba we celebrate assiduously, among others, renowned prestigious

cultural events that attract the most senior

world of dance, music and theater. It is very

interesting the cultural work that plays the

house of the Americas. Here you can also

play the international festival of ballet and

that of the new Latin American cinema. A

special mention Cuban music, which created

universal rhythms such as Danzon, son, bolero,

mambo and cha cha cha, among others.

Less obvious but equally profound changes

are occurring in the world of cinema and theater, getting awards of

international: Tomas Gutierrez Alea each other, Juan Carlos Tabio,

Fernando Perez are names known around the world. Important changes

have occurred in painting, many talented young

people are emerging with a real boom of the visual

arts that runs throughout the island, and Cuba, and

'also famous for the level reached in any kind of

sport: each Olympiad renewed surprised to see a

small nation without means to always reach the

top of the medals.

Cuba is a world sports power. It

has the world leadership in

disciplines such as boxing, baseball

and

volleyball. They did honor to the

country, some of whom also in

other disciplines such as athletics,

fencing, judo, combat greek-Roman

and freestyle wrestling, chess and

weightlifting. Each year, the country

is home to many international

sporting events.

CUBA TO DRINK ...

Cuba is the world capital of the cocktails you

drink all over the planet. Here were born the

Cuba Libre, mojito, El cubanito, The

manhatan, The president, L 'isla de pinos.

You can drink it, leaning against a bar counter

of 800, while a couple dancing a rumba old and

the sun colors of a sunset over the sea

sensuality. The quality of Cuban rum is

recognized in its various modes: fine, white,

gold and aged. The golden rum or aged and

preferably straight or with ice, while the cocktail is

ideal white rum (white paper or paper silver).

Several of the most famous cocktails in the world

are Cuban and are served in most bars in the

country, such as Cuba Libre, the mojito, the daiquiri, the President, the

Saoco, the cubanito.

KITCHEN ...

Cuban cuisine is a mixture of Spanish culinary cultures, and African

Caribbean: the first two are mainly written in cooking techniques, while the

third is felt in the use of spices.

The national dish is ajiaco: A soup of food

and various kinds of vegetables cooked

with pork, venison and beef.

One of the dishes is called "criolla"It is the

result of the confluence of factors, Spanish,

African, indigenous and other cultures.

Other typical dishes are: lechon (pork),

fried green plantains (tachinos, Chatinos

or tostones), blacks beans, congri Eastern

Europe (brown rice with beans), moros y cristianos (rice with beans blacks),

picadillo a la Habanera,Chicken a la barbacoa, And the tamales, or

bacanes ayacas, Among others. The desserts are always present on the

table at the end of every Cuban meal and the best known include:

the zucchini flan,

the bontianillo (Boniato sweet and sugar),

the coquito acaramelado (Delicious coconut caramel)

the malarrabia (Made with boniato syrup, cane sugar, cinnamon,

bitter orange peel, water),

the cafiroleta de ajonjolí (Boniato, sugar, water, eggs, barley water

and sesame butter)

the majarete (Sweet corn flour)

The fish (pescado) Is not common because it is almost exclusively intended

for export and is prepared in a sauce, grilled or fried.

"You're beautiful island ..."

The Cuban archipelago was discovered October 27, 1492 by Christopher

Columbus on his first voyage to what was then called New World.

The first seven cities were founded in the early sixteenth century by

Governor Diego Velazquez, who led the conquest of the country. These cities

are: Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, La Santissima Trinidad, Santi

Spiritus, Santa Maria del Puerto del Principe (Camaguey) and San Cristobal

de la Habana. The Spanish domination lasted more than four centuries and

ended with the military occupation of the country by the United States in

1898, which lasted until 1902, when it was established a republic

neocolonial.

The island's history has been marked by constant struggles for

independence, which began October 10, 1868 and whose most recent and

final phase began July 26, 1953, with the assault on the Moncada Barracks

led by Fidel Castro Ruz. This phase culminated in the victory of the

Revolutionary People 1st January 1959.

Population

More than 11,120,000 inhabitants, of which 75.2 cent live in urban areas.

The population density is 100.3 inhabitants per km ° and the provinces are

populated Havana (2,198,000), Santiago de Cuba (1023000) and Holguin

(1021000)

Official language: Spanish

Political division - administrative

The Cuban republic is divided into 14 provinces, 169 municipalities plus the

special municipality of the island of youth. From East to West provinces are:

Pinar del Rio, Havana,Havana,Matanzas,Cienfuegos,Villa Clara,Sancti

Spiritus,Ciego De Avila,Camaguey,Las Tunas,Holguin,Granma,Santiago

de Cuba and Guantanamo. Its inhabitants, according to the latest official

data dating back to 1994, approximately 10.8 million: 65.9 percent white, 12

percent of blacks, 22 percent mestizo and 0.1 Chinese or other ethnic origin .

Due to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, Cuba lives in a permanent

summer (the annual average and 23 degrees C). That's why tourism and

water activities can be developed in all months of the year. Warmer

temperatures occur in July and August. The period of cyclones begins in

October and extends normally up to November. In December and January

are registered the lowest temperatures, almost always decided by the

northern winds. In fact, in Cuba there are two seasons: the dry season

(November to April), the rainy (May to October).

Cuba is long and narrow island (1,200 km from Cabo San Antonio's west

end) to Punta de Maisi, East end) and the maximum width of 210 km and

the minimum is 32 Km dominate the plains and there are four important

mountain groups: in the west, Cordillera Guaniguanico, In the center of the

Cordillera Guamuhaya in the east, the massive Sagua-Baracoa and the

Sierra Maestra , Which is the highest peak of the country: Pico Real del

Turquino, 1974 meters high. The landscape is varied and ranges from semi-

desert to tropical moist forests. The country's biodiversity is high and its

varied ecosystems are in excellent condition.

MEDIA ...

ROADS AND HIGHWAYS ...

The main road is the Carretera Central, which crosses the island. There are

some highways (autopistas):

A1 (Autopista Nacional) combines Havana to Santa Clara and Sancti Spiritus,

with additional sections near Santiago and Guantanamo

A2 connects Havana in Melena del Sur

A3 (Autopista del Mediodia) combines Havana in San Antonio de los Baños

A4 (Autopista Este-Oeste) combines Havana to Pinar del Rio

A5 combines Havana to Mariel

Pimer anillo de La Habana, which runs through the capital

Circunvalación de Santa Clara Santa Clara through

The section of the Via Blanca from Matanzas to Varadero.

RAILWAYS ..

The National Railways of Cuba (Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Cuba) is the only

railway company operating in Cuba FNC use a standard gauge of 1435 mm,

and extend from Guane, in the province of Pinar del Río (western end of the

island) , at Guantanamo Bay (east end).

PORTS ...

There are 7 ports:

Cienfuegos

Havana

Manzanillo

Mariel

Matanzas

Nuevitas

Santiago.

AIRPORTS ...

The capital city is served by José Martí (IATA airport code HAV). Other

international airports are:

Antonio Maceo Airport in Santiago de Cuba (IATA SCU)

Juan Gualberto Gomez airport in Varadero (VRA IATA code)

Airport of Holguin Frank Pais (HOG IATA code)

Jardines del Rey Airport of Cayo Coco (CCC IATA code)

Máximo Gómez airport of Ciego de Avila (IATA AVI)

Of Camaguey Ignacio Agramonte Airport (IATA code CMW)

Airport Vilo Acuña of Cayo Largo del Sur (IATA CYO)

Abel Santamaría Airport of Santa Clara (SNU IATA code)

Airport Cienfuegos Jaime Gonzalez (IATA CFG)

Guantanamo Mariana Grajales Airport (IATA code GAO)

Manzanillo Sierra Maestra Airport (IATA code MZO)

CLIMATE ...

Chunky subtropical moderate, with a predominance of warm temperatures.

On average there are 330 days of sunshine a year. There are two seasons:

the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).

The average air temperature is 25.5 ° C and those of the coastal waters of 25

° C. The average annual relative humidity is 78 percent.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

The monetary unit is the local Cuban peso, Used almost exclusively by the

Cubans, tourists instead use the convertible peso or CUC. So, to pay all

tourist services (hotels, restaurants, rentals) you would use the convertible

pesos but if you have to pay the drink purchased on the street or the city bus

will use those Cubans. Each type of change should be made only at banks

open every day except Saturday and Sunday morning, exchange houses

(CADECA) Or in international hotels that, unlike banks, do not add any

commission charges ever. You can also bring traveler's checks and major

credit cards.

FLORA AND FAUNA ...

Rich and varied. In the

country there are more

than

300 protected areas, which

occupy about

22% of the national territory. Cuba keeps four areas declared Biosphere

Reserve by UNESCO:

- The peninsula of

Guanahacabibes

and

- the Sierra del

Rosario

- west,

- Park Baconao and

- Cuchillas the east of Toa. More than 5% of the island flora is endemic,

this index is also high in vertebrates.

INNO ...

The lyrics and music of this hymn were

written by the patriot Bayamese Pedro

(Perucho) Figueredo at the beginning of the

exploits independence. How patriotic song

and battle cry was sung for the first time

October 20, 1868 the population of the city

of Bayamo, in the eastern region of the

country, and being adopted by the Cubans

as their National Anthem.

ECONOMY ...

The Cuban economy is

based on two

cornerstones:

- tourism

- the sugar industry.

Other important sectors are:

- Tobacco

- coffee

- rum

- honey

- citrus fruits;

- the pharmaceutical industry and

biotechnology,

- the materials for the

construction and fishing;

- exploitation of

deposits of nickel,

copper, manganese,

chromium and

refractory asfaltite.

EDUCATION ...

free at all levels and

compulsory until the

end

secondary education

(9th grade). In 1961,

the country eradicated

illiteracy through a

National Campaign. In all

provinces, there are

teaching centers

specialized polytechnic,

as well as faculty

universities and other Education Schools higher.

PUBLIC HEALTH ...

Cuba has a primary health care system is considered unique in Latin

America, with total coverage of the country. Medical services are free for all

Cubans. There is an extensive network of care centers (442 clinics and 281

hospitals), as well as other specialized centers. The infant mortality rate is

7.1 per cent out of every thousand live births, and life expectancy at birth is

75.2 years. Cuba is among the six nations of the world that produce

interferon (INF). Its vaccines antimeningococcici type B and hepatitis B and

C are unique in the world. These results are possible because of the

existence of 211 centers and institutes of scientific research and production.

Is not required any type of vaccination, but are recommended the

vaccination against hepatitis A and B (for the latter there is a high incidence

of carriers of the virus HBV).

FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS:

The most important festival and the most spectacular of Cuba is the Carnival

that takes place for a couple of weeks between late July and early August and

coincides with the end of the harvest of sugar cane. Among the most famous

include the Havana, in the second half of July, and that of Santiago, in the

same period, while in Varadero we have the only Cuban carnival is

celebrated in February. Among the other events to remember the Nuevo

Cine Latinoamericano the Festival Internacional, Held in Havana

December 1 to 10 and is the most anticipated cultural event of the winter.

ABaracoaIn June, there is the Fiesta cocoa, And October 14 to 18 held

Intrenacional the Encuentro en la America La Musica Latina y el Caribe

during which the island will meet the most famous band of Latin, a long

festival of music and dance offered by emerging and famous artists and

bands.

For sports fans, always in June, Torneo Internacional Clasico de la fishing

de la aguja Ernest Hemingway: On board of boats, fishermen from around

the world chasing merlin, tuna or swordfish emulating the feats of the

writer, a true icon of the island.

With regard to the Cuban official holidays are: January 1 Liberation Day,

25-26-27 July Days of the national uprising, Oct. 10 Anniversary of the

first war of independence.