It is customary to learn about the people and the places to visit when one travels to a foreign land. That is why, here is a blog written and dedicated to those who have a plan to travel to Cuba. Why visit Cuba? Well…it is an island that assaults the senses. The country is known for palm-fringed white sea beaches, its legendary cigars and exotic cocktails. There are many other things to learn about the people and their culture. Here are some interesting things to talk about:
#1. An inter-mixture of race and culture
This is a multi-ethnic nation. Hence, Cubans treat their nationality as a citizenship with various national origins and ethnicities. As per the 2014 Autosomal study, the genetic ancestry of Cuba comprises to be 72% European, 20% African, and 8% Native American. This is just an overview of the upper layer of the genetics tree. The other branches include Multiracial (Mulatto and Mestizo), Asians, Amerindian.
2. A culture highly shaped because of its geographical location and political isolation
Cuba is a country that comprises of the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and other minor archipelagos. Cuba is also one of the last bastions of communism. As a result of these, the country has not been much overrun by tourists and has helped conserve the personality of the Cuban society. The locals are very friendly. Cubans are generally described to be very loud and expressive. So after you visit to Cuba, you might find the other Latin American countries to be way more sobered than the Cuban nationalities.
3. You would discover yourself in a society that loves to keep it antique
Seen the Godfather? Now fast forward to the future when you travel to Cuba. You will still be privileged to notice the old American cars being driven on the road. Not just cars, everything that you will notice will make you feel as if you are still in 1950s – notice the old colonial architecture with peeling paint.
4. What about the food?
It is very difficult to complete a blog on Cuba tours or close a travel chapter without talking about the food. Although the Africans and the Spaniards have mainly contributed to the shaping of the Cuban cuisines, other cultures such as the Arabic, French, Portuguese, and Chinese are said to have contributed. Traditional Cuban dishes lack seasonings and sauces. Typically Cuban meals revolve around staples like fish, chicken, and pork accompanied by combination of beans, rice and root vegetables. Some of the basic Cuban dishes that you might have to try are ajiaco (rich meat stew and root vegetables), tostones (plantain fritters), and ropa vieja (stewed shredded beef).
Hope I have provided you with enough information about the people and culture of Cuba. The blog has been written with an objective to help both kinds of travelers that we know of – solo travelers and travelers who prefer to take the assisted tours.
