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Cuban culture is a colorful, interesting, an often bizarre mix. This mix of different, often contrasting, factors and influences can be seen at many levels of Cuban culture. In Cuba, the intermingling of races is one the most obvious examples.

The Cuban Revolution has greatly affected Cuban culture, down to the most basic levels of daily life. Despite the often shallow Revolutionary propaganda spouted by the Government (sometimes in billboard form), the revolutionary cause has become thoroughly embedded in Cuban culture. This is because many Cubans greatly appreciate the social benefits of the Revolution, especially in the areas of education, and health care.

There is a strong artistic presence among the Cuban people, whether from artists formally trained in state-provided art schools, or self-taught amateurs. Cubans greatly enjoy music; in fact, several popular forms of music and dance such as salsa and the cha-cha-cha originated in Cuba.

Cuban food is a kaleidoscope of flavors thanks to the influence of the Spanish, African, French, Chinese and Arab cultures in the country's culinary history.

If any one dish had to be chosen to typify Cuban cuisine it would be pork roasted on a spit over an open fire, gamished with congri rice and boiled mandioc with garlic dressing, but fish and seafood are also very popular.

The world knows that Cuban rums are the finest that may be had. Brands such as Havana Club, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Bucanero and many others are very much in demand on the world market. The most typical drinks are the Daiquiri and the Mojito, both made with lime juice and pure cane rum.

Cubans enjoy many of the same forms of entertainment as found in other Latin American countries. There are some large differences, however, between entertainment in big cities, like Havana, and the rural areas of the country.

In Havana, there are many movie theaters which cost only a peso or so (five cents US$). There are also theaters (such as the Karl Marx theater) in the city.

One other favorite in Havana is Coppelia. Before Coppelia, many ice cream stores competed for customers; some denied services certain ethnic groups and were prohibitively expensive, so the government consolidated them. Coppelia is the world's largest, serving 30,000 people great ice cream every day at a low price all Cubans can afford.

Music and dance are very popular in Cuban cities. Many popular forms of music and dance, such as the salsa, and cha-cha-cha, have their roots in Cuban culture. Virtually any style of music can be found at clubs in some of Cuba's larger cities.

In rural areas, there are fewer options. Fewer people have televisions or radios and there aren't movie theaters or many dancing clubs.

At a community center we visited, a small movie theater that all residents could use freely was available. They were also working on establishing a computer center for locals to use freely. Each week, they also held community dances and parties, with some especially for the young ones.

Cuba is the focus of many highly debated political issues. Are the U.S. laws concerning Cuba an embargo or a blockade? What are the effects of this legislation, and what would change bring to Cuba?

Many people also wonder if freedom exists in Cuba. Is there democracy on this island? Many groups and countries have influenced Cuba's recent history. Revolutionary Cuba has been opposed by anti-Castro exile groups and the United States; assistance from the Soviet Union has kept it afloat in the past.

The Revolution changed Cuba in many ways. Find out how Cuba has changed and will change in the past, present, and future. One of the major factors in this change has been U.S. policy. U.S. laws have dramatically impacted the Cuban people over the years. Beyond direct government policy, the United States' actions toward Cuba have varied from extreme hegemony to outright terrorism.

The 15th century, and before, was largely a time of peaceful living for the indigenous people of Cuba. It was only at the end of the 15th century that Europeans (led by Columbus) discovered the island and brought the indigenous culture to ruins.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Cuba was almost exclusively dominated by Spanish colonial rule. Cuba acted as a hub of commerce between Europe and the New World. Accordingly, the slave trade through Cuba grew rapidly, ending only in the 1800s. The indigenous population was all but decimated by murder, starvation, slavery, and European diseases.

The 18th century saw significant development in Cuba's economy and infrastructure. It was during this time that Spain began to develop Cuba's natural resources rather than just treating the island as a trading station. The only major break in Spanish prosperity during this time was the British occupation of Havana.

The 19th century was a time of gradual decline for the Spanish in Cuba. Facing increased resistance from Cuban revolutionaries, Spanish authority eroded over the course of this century.

From the turn of the century to the present day, the 20th century has been a time of many changes in Cuba. With a new threat to true independence emerging in American imperialism, the Cuban struggle must have seemed to be a lost cause at times. Finally, with a stable government under Castro in place, Cubans can enjoy basic improvements in their standard of living.

Much of the Information you see here is from The Cuban Experience. Please visit their site as they much more information & pictures on Cuba & other countries.