Before Columbus' voyage to Cuba, the island was inhabited by
Indians. They survived mainly on agriculture and fishing.
The three tribes on the island were the Tainos, the Ciboneys, and
the Guanajatabeyes.
It was the Taino Indians, a part of the race of Arawaks, who were
most common on Cuba. They had come there during the 1400s from South America.
In Cuba, they lived in a peaceful society. They farmed such crops as corn, beans, squash, and yams.
They had some religious beliefs. The Tainos would hold small gatherings and burn tobacco.
They believed in life after death and a supernatural being.
The Indians wore no clothes, but they did know how to weave.
They hunted for small game, including many birds and ducks.
They fished with harpoons and nets, and kept the fish in small ponds until
they were ready to eat them.
In 1492, Christopher Columbus and his ships arrived at the island.
Their mission was to conquer the island, convert the natives, and make money for Spain.
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.
Fidel Castro
Click here for more information about this current ruler of Cuba.
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.
An example of
Modern Cuban Art.
On the next page I've posted some photos of Cuba for you to see.
Click Here
For Our
Photo Page.
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