![]() ![]() A revolutionary, author, doctor, and military leader, Guevara played a pivotal role in the guerrilla campaign leading up to the Cuban Revolution and the defense of the Bay of Pigs, as well as in diplomatic relations, up until his death in 1967. Standing alongside Castro as an equally prominent political figure, Che Guevara (although Argentinean) holds a very important place in Cuban history. What followed was an attempt by the United States to overthrow Castro’s communist rule at the Bay of Pigs, and tension and trade embargoes following the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro became the leader and his brother, Raul, his deputy. This was until revolutionary Fidel Castro led a 9000-strong guerrilla army into Havana in 1959, forcing military dictator Fulgencio Batista to flee. Despite the economy booming, leaders at this time ruled through corruption and control. In 1902, after periods under Spanish, British, and United States rule and involvement in the Spanish–American war, Cuba got its independence. In 1511, Diego Velazquez de Cuellar founded Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement in Cuba, and three years later what’s now known as Havana was built. Spanish colonialist Bartolome de las Casas estimated that Taino populations in Cuba had reached 350,000 by the end of the 15th century.īy then, Christopher Columbus had landed in Cuba and claimed the land for Spain, naming it Isla Juana. The Guanajatabey were hunter-gatherers and fishers, and Taino communities also harvested yuca, cotton, and tobacco. Life in the cities and life in rural areas can be quite different, but the pace of living is consistently Cuban – you’re on local time now, so go with the flow.īefore the arrival of the Spanish in 1492, Cuba was home to Mesoamerican cultures, including the indigenous Guanajatabey and Taino people. ![]() Coffee, cigars, and rum flow freely, and people dance to the sound of trumpets and guitars in city streets. This love of life is also evident in the street parties, festivals, and fiestas that are celebrated throughout the year. Despite this, events like birthdays, holidays, and marriages are celebrated with gusto, with special meals, music, and dance featuring. Living in a Communist country means Cubans sometimes go without the luxury items that many Westerners take for granted, with certain foods and consumer goods not available. The modern arts are also alive here, with ballet, contemporary dance, and film rising in popularity – so much so, Havana is now home to internationally recognized film, literature, and music festivals. You won’t be surprised that Cubans love music and dancing – with everything from Afro-Cuban rhythms to classic melodies filling the air in clubs, bars, restaurants, and on street corners. There’s something about that man that I don’t like.With Spanish, African, and Creole influences, modern Cuba is home to so many cultural components – some of which don’t feel super ‘modern’ at all! They asked her if she wasn’t going to greet him as well, and she said: “No. When he arrived, everybody got on their feet and went to say hello, but she stayed behind, next to the pianist. Celia was singing at the piano, and Castro was already well-known. One time was at the home of the editor of Bohemia magazine. Remember, Celia was Cuba’s most famous artist it would have been very important for the government to have her on their side.Ĭelia actually met Castro on two occasions. ![]() I’ve always thought that if they had allowed Celia to bury her mother, the story of Celia and Cuba would have been very different. That’s when she said, “If I can’t return to bury my mother, I’ll never return.” Then in 1962, Celia’s mom died, and when Celia requested permission to go bury her, the Cuban embassy denied her the visa. She was going to tour with La Sonora Matancera in Mexico, and Rogelio Martinez, the director of the band, said, “I don’t think we’re coming back.” At the time, of course, everyone thought the Castro regime wouldn’t last. When she sang it in the studio, it was the fist time I ever saw Celia cry at a recording she realized she truly was never going back.Ĭelia left Cuba on July 15, 1960. ![]() Angie Chirino, Willy Chirino’s daughter, wrote a song for her called “Por si acaso no regreso” (In Case I Don’t Return). Back in 2000, when Celia was 74, she was already sick when she recorded the album Siempre Viviré. ![]()
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