In October 1960, the U.S. announced the first of several embargo restrictions applicable to most exports to Cuba. When Castro restricted the staff of the U.S. embassy to eleven persons, the U.S., on January 3,1961, severed diplomatic relations and withdrew its ambassador, setting the stage for escalation that lead to the failed Bay of Pigs … Read more
Cuba’s original inhabitants were an Arawak people called Taino who became extinct following settlements by Spanish colonists. From its discovery by Columbus in 1492 until the Spanish-American War in 1898, Cuba was a Spanish colony. In the 19th century, the country became a major sugar producer, with slaves from Africa arriving in increasing numbers to … Read more
by Christopher A. Perez, author “Cuba: 50 Years of Playing American Football” Cuba has a rich history of athletics. Whether competing domestically or internationally, the Cubans have a huge pride in winning and it is this athletic excellence has become a source of great Cuban nationalism. While the country is better known for their love … Read more
Most American are not familiar with Hemingway’s 21 year history living in Cuba. The island nation played such an important role in his life that he wrote seven books in Cuba, including The Old Man and the Sea, A Moveable Feast and Islands in the Stream. His tropical home, the Finca Vigía (Lookout Farm) is … Read more
The British captured Cuba in 1762 but a year later gave it back to Spain in exchange for Florida. The CIA World Factbook says 99.8% of Cuba’s population over age of 15 can read and write. Some 30 million Americans (14% percent of the population) fall below basic literacy skills, according to recent National Center … Read more
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Native American Taino food, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Some Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking – and some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor adds to the complexity of the island nation’s food tradition. The result of this confluence is a unique and … Read more
