Embark on a journey to Cuba, a Caribbean gem that captivated 4.75 million visitors in 2018 alone, with numbers set to soar. From pristine beaches to a cultural tapestry woven from Latin American, African, European, and indigenous influences, Cuba promises an authentic experience. Dive deeper into this vibrant island’s soul, where music, sports, resilience, and a laid-back dress code await. Explore the culinary fusion and engage with friendly locals for an unforgettable adventure in Cuban culture. Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the Cuban culture before you visit.
Music and Dance are Important
Cuba is well-known for its lively dance scene which takes influences from both African and Spanish music. The mambo, charanga, rumba, cha-cha, and danzón are all popular types of traditional music that the Cubans still enjoy today.
The most famous type of music, salsa, evolved over time from a blend of these different types of music. Of course, Cubans also enjoy other types of music, like ballet and rock and roll.
When visiting Cuba, you’ll be surrounded by music. There are several opportunities to take dance lessons and you’ll find countless dance clubs where the locals like to gather.
Sports are a Big Deal
When Cubans aren’t dancing the night away, they’re cheering for their favorite sports team. While baseball is the most popular sport in Cuba, football, boxing, and volleyball are also commonly played.
The government actually promotes sports by choosing talented athletes to attend special boarding schools where they can train while keeping up with their usual classes. Because of this, Cuba regularly performs well at the Olympics. In fact, Cuba won more gold medals in the 2012 London Olympics than any other Latin American nation.
If you’re a sports fan, you can’t miss the opportunity to see a game while visiting Cuba. Try some of the amazing food and feel like you’re truly experiencing local life by cheering in the stands.
They’re Resilient
Life in Cuba isn’t always easy. But Cubans have a knack for pushing through any challenges that come their way.
Cuba hasn’t been able to get foreign cars or car parts imported since the late 50s. However, they managed to keep these vintage cars looking and working great. This has led Cuba to become a bucket-list destination for vintage car aficionados.
When visiting Cuba, you’ll see beautiful cars from the 50s lining the streets everywhere you look. To get the full experience, consider taking a classic car tour so you can cruise down the streets in an antique ride.
Dress is Casual
When you think of a Caribbean getaway, you probably think of wearing flowy and casual clothes. Not only are they more comfortable, but they can also help keep you cool under that hot sun.
However, many Caribbean countries are packed with expensive resorts where you may feel pressured or even required to bring nice outfits in order to eat in their restaurants. But it’s not like this in Cuba.
Cuban dress is very relaxed. Men typically wear the Guayabera, which is a linen or cotton button down t-shirt. This is typically white but can be found in other colors as well. Guayabera dresses are commonly worn by women.
These outfits are worn in both casual and more formal occasions, like weddings. Western-style clothing, like jeans, vibrant dresses, and shorter skirts are also becoming more popular.
So, when you visit Cuba, you can feel free to load up your suitcase with comfortable and casual outfits.
Their Cuisine Has Many Influences
One of the best parts about traveling is getting to enjoy the local cuisine. The food in Cuba is influenced by Caribbean, African, and Spanish cuisine. You can also find a bit of Chinese influence as well.
Rice and beans, particularly black beans, are a staple in Cuban cuisine. Chicken, pork, and beef are all common proteins you’ll find in Cuban dishes.
When traveling to Cuba, consider trying a few local favorites like arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), cocido de garbanzos (chickpea soup) and boliche (stuffed pot roast).
They’re Friendly
A great way to learn about the local culture and get an authentic experience when traveling is to talk to the locals. Although most Cubans only know Spanish, you can find plenty of locals who also know English in larger cities.
When taking a tour, eating at a restaurant, or relaxing on the beach, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local. The country is also very safe, so you don’t have to worry about pickpockets or other types of crimes.
They Aren’t Internet-Obsessed
How much time do you spend staring at a screen? If you’re like most, you probably use a computer for 8 hours a day at work, then come home and immediately stare at the TV or your phone.
While the internet is convenient and full of entertainment, everyone can use a digital detox from time to time. After all, you don’t want to spend your trip scrolling through social media instead of taking in the sites around you.
The Cuban people do not have the same internet obsession as much of the Western world. If you want to connect to the internet in Cuba, chances are you will have to rely on the free WiFi offered in hotels if you are staying in one. If you are not staying in a hotel, you will likely have to go to an ETECSA (Cuban telecommunications agency) point of sale to purchase WiFi hours at a rate of approximately 25 Cuban pesos per hour. With these hours, you will be able to connect at WiFi hotspots on the island, which are generally located in parks and public areas.
If this process seems a bit cumbersome to you, don’t worry. You can always ask a local for help, as the Cuban people are known for their warmth and hospitality. This characteristic makes Cuba an ideal destination if you want to disconnect from your phone a bit and fully enjoy your surroundings.
Learning About Cuban Culture
Although tourism in Cuba is increasing, it’s still easy to get an authentic experience here. Just follow the guide above to learn everything you need to know about Cuban culture before you leave.
Do you want to take some tours while you’re in Cuba to experience as much as possible? Then learn more about our classic car tours today!