Christmas in Cuba

 

No other country quite captures the imagination quite like Cuba does. Whether it be the culture or the history or even their politics, Cuba has an appeal all its own. For many years, if you asked my husband which country he most wanted to visit, his standard answer and without any hesitation would be Cuba. I'm not sure if he wanted to try the cigars which for so many years were contraband in many countries or if he wanted to show off his Salsa skills to the locals, but I made it my mission to find out what it was about Cuba that held such interest for him. 21st century Cuba is unlike anything you've ever seen or experienced, lets face it, when you think Cuba the very first thing that pops into mind is Fidel Castro. But Cuba is so much more than that.

 

With a population of just 11 million people Cuban's are undoubtedly a naturally talented society and one that has consistently provided the world with a truly astounding array of celebrities in all fields, such as , Gloria Estafan (singer) of Miami Sound Machine, Andy Garcia (actor),(composer) Arturo Sandoval and so many more. Not forgetting movies such as The Mambo Kings which had some real Cuban inspiration.

Even the most casual visitor to Cuba who arrives for fun and rum very quickly begins to ask questions and get involved in thinking about the aspirations of Cuba and its people. You just cannot help getting drawn in by this captivating country and with the political landscape changing under the leadership of Raul Castro, curiosity about Cuba is being peeked and the list of reasons to visit keeps growing.

 

1. Havana has long been a city of intrigue. Get caught up in the rumba of the city, book your seat in a 50's car and drive around this city, rich in culture. Be sure to ask your driver to cruise along the Malecón, the atmospheric ocean road lined with lovers, fisherman and dogs peering out to sea set against a backdrop of a long parade of coloured but fading, and salt-eroded colonial and art deco buildings.

2. Take the opportunity to stay with a local at their licensed casas particulares (private homes) for  a night or two, a great way to soak up the local vibe.

3. Cuba is the country that historically produces the best tobacco in the world; and Cuban cigars reel in millions of tourists each year and Havana, is cigar city, home to the habano. This is where the torcido (rolling) takes place, transforming the tobacco leaves – already dried and aged – into habano cigars. Of the guided tours, the best is at the Partagas factory.It takes over one hundred steps to properly produce a single Cuban cigar. The industry follows a detailed cigar creation ritual that has not changed much over the last hundred years or so. Hardcore smokers know that the strongest, most authentic smoke always comes from a Cuban cigar and only a Cuban cigar

4. Visit the white sand beaches of The Playas del Este.Frequently overlooked by tourists, this 8km strip of beaches , each with its own name  from Tarar to Guanabo, offers their own differing scenic nuances and unique feel

5. Influenced by the African slaves and Spanish settlers who came to Cuba and defined into an unmistakable sound which screams of its origins, the music of Cuba, for me is one of the things I absolutely love. Both Jazz and Salsa found their roots in Cuban music. Not forgetting, the rhythmic dancing that goes along with it so a visit to Buena Vista Social club is a delightful experience.

6. And of course, you just have to try them rum at source, with swathes and swathes of land dedicated to sugar production it is no wonder then that some of the best rum in the world comes from Cuba , the best Mojito's are made with Havana Club rum.

So, yes many, many reasons to visit the island and I haven't even mentioned the incredible waters of the Caribbean or the warm weather.

Christmas in Cuba

 

 

 

 

                  Although Catholicism is a broad cultural backdrop in Cuba, the number of practicing Catholics among the people is more limited. Mass is held in Havana's Revolution Square and thousands of Cubans attend Midnight mass. It won't be surprising to find children attending school on Christmas day or businesses operating as normal, remember, many children were born after and during the revolution, and the new generations don’t know how the old generations celebrated Christmas in Cuba since they were forbidden to do it.

BUT since the unbanning of Christmas in 1997, celebrations are now beginning to become more and more popular. Though the bigger celebration is Noche Buena (Literally "Good Evening", but actually "Christmas Eve") during which Cubans make big meals for family and friends. You overeat, you over drink, it's the Cuban way. Dozens of friends, extended family and of course the main attraction, the whole roasted pig. Women have cleaned and re-cleaned their homes from top to bottom. They have spent hours in the kitchen preparing the desserts before the big day: large bowls of cascos, orange, guava, and grapefruit shells in sweet, heavy syrup; and baskets of buñuelos, fried sweet dough that is a must for Christmas. The men of the family just keep out of the way. Their only job is to buy the pig. On the night before the big day, everyone helps clean and prepare pig.

The whole experience is festive and noisy and loads of fun.

One thing is for certain, Christmas in Cuba will be unlike anything you've ever experienced before and even though it will feel sometimes, like you're in a time warp, this is one holiday that will be on your Most Memorable list.

The people are colourful, the cars are ancient, the music is hypnotic and the place itself resonates with its history.

BUT before you pack your bags and head off to the Salsa island, there are some things you really need to know:

1. Cuba has two currencies, strange we know but it is what it is. The Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC )The CUC is worth more than the CUP, and though workers are paid in CUP, most goods are sold in CUC.

2. You CANNOT buy CUC outside of Cuba, your best bet is to take Euros and exchange them there

. But be careful, exchange either

at a bank, a Cadeca (house of exchange) or at the airport. Hotels are not regulated so exchanging

currency here can be expensive.

3. You can also take along US Dollars, BUT this is the only currency on which a 10% surcharge is levied.

4. If modern is what you're after, you're not going to find it here, count on finding old men on  street

corners seriously engaged in that favourite of pastimes in Cuba, dominoes.

5. If shopping is your thing, best choose another destination, but if you're looking for laid back

relaxation surrounded by fun people and great hospitality...say Cuba!

Cuba will surprise you, enchant you and mystify you all at the same time, but it will never bore                                                                                         you! Don't limit yourself  to Havana, visit Varadero or Santiago de Cuba, as well, 

you won't be disappointed.