Cuba is a unique state with a rich history that has gone through a revolution and many social upheavals.

Cubans are characterized by great cheerfulness (it is no coincidence that carnivals with noisy songs and dances are the main entertainment in Cuba ), failures and hardships are not able to break their spirit.

Also inherent in Cubans is calmness and slowness in doing things, which often seems strange to a European accustomed to the fast pace of life.

Cubans tend to strive for communication, for the team, they are open and simple, ready to help. They love children here very much, forgiving them any pranks.

Cubans highly appreciate soft, good-natured humor that does not offend a person.

Population

According to Countryaah, the population of Cuba is about 11.4 million inhabitants. The composition of the population is very diverse; over the centuries, a huge number of representatives of various nationalities have flocked to the island.

Most of the inhabitants of Cuba (about 65%) are white descendants of Spaniards. The rest are Negroes, mulattos and mestizos, as well as Jews, Arabs, etc. The Chinese diaspora is quite extensive.

To date, the average life expectancy of Cubans is 76.8 years. However, the composition of the population is very young: 37% of the country’s inhabitants are under 15 years old, and only 6% over 65 years old.

Language

The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Here it is filled with borrowings from African and Indian languages, the pronunciation is somewhat changed. Also in use (especially in resort areas) are French, German and Italian, with hotel staff it is quite possible to explain yourself in English.

Cubans belonging to the older and middle generation also speak Russian, since many of them studied in the USSR.

Religion

Despite the socialist regime reigning in Cuba, the majority of the inhabitants are quite religious. The main religion is Catholicism. Under the influence of African pagan beliefs brought with them by black settlers, a syncretic cult called Santeria was formed. Pagan religions gave rise to local gods in Cuba, who, however, are most often associated with Catholic saints. Check agooddir for recent history of Cuba.

About 5% of the population (more often the inhabitants of the provinces) also profess Protestantism.

Behavior rules

The inhabitants of Cuba have quite a lot of habits and traditions that, without prior study, may seem rather strange to a European.

The extreme hospitality and friendliness of the Cubans allows them to easily get acquainted right on the street and immediately invite guests to share a meal. Here it is considered normal. At the same time, Cubans do not impose their communication.

The doors of the houses are almost always open, everyone knows what is happening with the neighbors, on the street, no one has secrets, the residents are talking cheerfully, making fun of each other. Yes, and different generations freely communicate with each other, together connecting to spontaneous street dances and fun.

Cubans treat with some disdain the norms and rules of decency, which they find burdensome.

Cuban men meet women easily and naturally. Here it is supposed to freely and openly admire any beautiful woman seen on the street, especially a white-skinned one. Admiration is expressed by exclamations and air kisses, and regardless of whether a friend is walking next to a man or not. But insulting the fair sex is considered almost unthinkable here.

Fights, like foul language, are extremely rare in Cuba, Cubans are of the opinion that any conflict can be resolved calmly and reasonably. Even harsh remarks are not in use – it offends a person in vain.

When meeting, it is supposed to hug, kiss and pat each other on the back.

Saturday evening is a special time for Cubans. Talking about business or making urgent calls at this time is considered bad manners. Residents go to visit relatives, walk the streets, go to restaurants, cinemas, rest and relax in every possible way.

Beer is the favorite drink of Cubans. It is always served cold. To specifically ask for a chilled drink is to offend the owners of a cafe or shop, it goes without saying.

In the cities of Cuba, it is not supposed to cook homemade dinners, spend a lot of time at the stove, even if there is enough food in the house.

National Cuban holidays

January 1 – Liberation Day (1959);

May 1 – International Workers’ Day;

July 26 – National Uprising Day (1953);

October 10 – Day of the beginning of the struggle for the independence of Cuba from Spain (1868);

December 25 – Christmas.