Obama started to lift American relations with Cuba, a beautiful island nation that had been subject to a travel ban for many decades. Although there were many ways to get around it (primarily by flying to Cuba from Mexico and Canada), it was much more complicated than it is today.
Cuba remains a mystery to Americans. Many Americans know nothing about Cuba’s history, culture, and people. We’ll be breaking down the most popular myths about Cuba to show you the truth about the country.
This collection of Cuban facts is essential if you plan to visit Cuba. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Cuba.
Cuba is Bigger Than You Think
We often consider Caribbean islands archipelagos, such as the Lesser Antilles. These islands are home to smaller islands like Barbados or Grenada. Kitts and Nevis. Cuba is much larger than these islands. It is the Caribbean’s largest island by a considerable margin and is roughly the same size as Pennsylvania in terms of its land area. It is also a very long island. It could extend from South Carolina to Arkansas!
Cuba is more than just the main island. To its north and south, there are four smaller islands. Cuba is made up of over 4000 islands and cays. Cuba is nearly ten times the size of Jamaica (43,852 miles/105,806 kilometers).
Cuba is Very Diverse
Cuba’s most fascinating fact is its diverse culture. It has many people who have made it their home.
Before the Spanish conquest of Cuba in the 1500s, a native population known as the Taino existed in Cuba. Although they are now few, many of them still call Cuba home. Spain brought its culture and religion to Cuba and many other European and African peoples.
The Cuban national culture today draws influences from all these groups and has become a lively, welcoming culture.
Cuba is home to many World Heritage Sites.
Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, whereas some countries may only have one or two. Vinales Valley is located in the west. It’s home to some of the most famous tobacco farms in the world.
The World Heritage site of Havana dates back to the 1500s and is located in the capital, Havana. You can also visit Santiago de Cuba to find the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a fortress that dates back to 1648 and once protected the coast against pirate raids.
Are you planning a trip to Cuba? Stay a few nights in Havana, one of our favorite cities in the Caribbean. The Iberostar Grand Packard was a great location to walk to the most popular attractions easily.
Cigars are a way of life.
Cuban cigars are well-known all over the globe. They’re also made for export. Cigars are loved by all classes of Cuban society, unlike other countries that are considered the exclusive preserve of the wealthy.
What is it about Cuban cigars that make them so popular? Cuban cigars are made with a beautiful mix of tobacco leaves, which have been twice cured to create a smooth and flavorful smoke.
Their popularity worldwide is also dependent on how they are made. It takes months to become a Cuban cigar roller. They are still hand-rolled, which results in a high-quality cigar.
Cuba’s National Pastime Might Surprise you.
Think of the things that are uniquely American, such as apple pie, the Statue of Liberty, and baseball. Baseball is not just for the USA! It’s also a trendy sport in Cuba!
In Cuba, baseball was first played in the 1860s. Today it is a flourishing sport. Several MLB players from Cuba have played in the US over the years, including Rodrigo Alvarez, who fled Cuba in 1963.
Boxing, volleyball, and soccer are also very popular in Cuba. Despite its popularity in Latin America, soccer is far less prevalent in Cuba than baseball.
