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Cuban Culture. |
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A country prodigal in artistic and creative manifestations. It has made contributions to international culture with important names of writers, thinkers, dancers, musicians, painters, poets and singers. Cuban craftwork is interesting, with outstanding works in leather, vegetable fibers, wood, stone, metal and sea products. Cuba's cultural infrastructure consists of theaters, museums, art galleries and cinemas, where not only samples of the national wealth of all times are shown, but also of world art. It is the seat of important international events such as the Ballet Festival, the biennial of visual arts, popular music festivals and the Festival of the New Latin American Cinema, among others.
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¿What does Cuba means? |
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The word Cuba might mean land, in accordance with the indigenous origin of the term originally from the Arawakan language of the Taíno culture.
It could also mean cupola, according to new information provided by more recent studies, yet to be confirmed, in which a Hispanic-Arabic origin is attributed to the name of Cuba.
However, contemporary Cubans are not that concerned about these matters. They are, nevertheless, proud of their country and their idiosyncrasies, today a result of a cultural syncretism that also, and perhaps more than anything, entails the "Cuban essence." |
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¿What is Cuba like? |
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Cuba is a long narrow island that looks like a crocodile and reaches 1,200 km in length. Its widest section covers 210 kilometers, and narrowest 32 kilometers.
The island has 14 provinces and the special municipality of the Isle of Youth. (Isla de la Juventud)
For economic, political and administrative purposes, the island is divided into 169 municipalities, of which the capitals are as follows: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Guantánamo, Bayamo, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti-Spíritus, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Pinar del Río and Havana, the latter being two provinces.
In the urban parts, where 70 % of the population lives, the eclectic architecture prevails. However, in some cities' old quarters, like Havana or Trinidad, among others, a colonial ambience has been preserved.
In rural areas, lush natural settings make for spectacular scenery and migratory routes for bird life can be seen in the countryside. Rural life operates in different ways and confers its own unique characteristics on the Cuban countryside. |
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¿What are Cubans like? |
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Being Cuban…It is very hard to say in only a few words what this really means. We could say that it is the result of melting different ways, cultures and traditions that ended up by creating a third culture. This is why, instead of talking about being Cuban, it would be better to talk about Cubans, or even better, get to know them!! For now, just be aware of the fact that lots of happy, noble and hospitable people are waiting for you in this little great island. |
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