Benefits and threats of tourism

Firstly, the tourism in Cuba has contributed to the development of economy. It has allowed the modernization in different aspects, for example, the extension of transportation and communication. At the same time, the tourism has improved the investment of extra-hotel installations, it has encouraged the creation of enterprises that complete the tourist offer of the country.

However, there are many aspects that currently limited a good development in Cuba, among them the concentration of tourism in two poles: Habana and Varadero that are reducing the opportunities of other cities. Although, we talk about a modernization in different aspects, Cuba lacks of a broad infrastructure for its visitors. Nowadays, Cuba is not considered an favourite place to travel, because lacking aspects of total quality that guarantee an unforgettable experience in Cuba.

Traditional dishes

Cuba's cuisine is a fusion of the Taino customs, cuisine Spanish, African and Caribbean.

SANDWICH CUBANO: 

It is a kind of snack that is often found in Cuba and in certain regions of the US where the Cuban community is important as Miami and Tampa, Florida.

Main Ingredients: Pan "Cuban" type cooked pork ham, pork, cheese slices, dill pickle, and you can also add spicy mustard sauce

CALDOSA: 

 It is a typical Cuban dish made from root vegetables, meat, spices and a variety of vegetables. It really is a modern way to call or Sancocho Ajiaco dishes that are typical of Cuba and several countries in the Caribbean region, each with its peculiarities and varieties.

The main meat is used to make the soupy pork is being the most frequently availability in Cuba.

When the meat is soft enough, some of it crumbles

They often leave whole chunks of corn on the cob and a portion of each type of food that were used, but always predominantly liquid puree.

ROPA VIEJA O  CARNE DESMECHADA

It is a preparation of shredded meat, specifically beef skirt accompanying beans, plantains, white rice and sometimes is filling for arepas.

It has acquired own character and even cooked directly, without having prepared a previously boiled. A meat and chickpeas, will often add other ingredients and spices like diced chips, red pepper, garlic, onion, bay leaf, thyme and clove.

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How Cuba will face the future in the education, economic and social fields?

In some years Cuba with the globalization process will have positive changes that will benefit the population in general. In education, we believe that the significant positive development will be seen, because Cuba in Latin America has always shown to be the best at a teaching level.
In economy, is possible that the United States removes the economic blockade that for years has stopped Cuba's economic development. Therefore this blockade eradication, Cuba's economy  will have a grand opening to new markets,increasing it's GDP.
Finally, socially with the development we believe will have the economy and the education, Cuba's poverty rates and unemployment rates will decrease.

TURISIM IN CUBA

Tourism is a main economic source in cuba. Cuban tourism is a sample of the rich landscape Caribbean, Creole cuisine and its mix of various cultural expressions.

Tourism became one of the main economic alternatives for the development of the country, with the demand for modern communications and transport infrastructures, supplies of water, electricity, waste removal, training and employment of staff

•Sun and Beach Tourism: tourism par excellence to enjoy as the Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo and Cayo Coco Cuba.

•Cultural Tourism: know the cities, museums and monuments that have historic or artistic value, such as salsa, son and mambo. Also the Museum of colonial art

• Rural tourism: The peace of the countryside, flora, fauna and the beauty of the landscape are its biggest attractions. As the province of Pinar del Rio, community of the terraces

• Ecotourism: Are national parks and nature reserves such as valle de vinares, san Felipe cays and alligators

•Culinary tourism: the typical food is the congrí, lobster enchilada, Tamale in seafood casserole. Etc. And in alcohol beverage is rum Havana club

HIGHER EDUCATION IN CUBA

The Government nationalized all educational institutions and created a system that is operated exclusively by the State. the educational system has a character Marxist ideological orientation, by the current Constitution.

The possibility of access to higher education in cuba is very easy because it is public and free. Also offers different options such as studying in face-to-face, virtual way or daytime courses. Cuban universities are characterized by forming solidarity students fighting for the defense of human rights, democracy, equality, social justice and oppose capitalism but students have certain challenges due to the difficult economic situation because internet access not always readily available.

Road infrastructure

The road network in Cuba for automotive transport has an area of ​​52,202 km, of which 17,212 km are paved roads aa for a density of 157 m of paved roads per km2. The network includes 654 km of highways and 400 km of other multilane expressways. It has 3815 bridges, predominantly reinforced concrete (95%).

The Central Highway (N-1) with a total length of 1435 km, built in 1931, covers all the provinces, through their provincial capitals with the exception of Cienfuegos. It is a two-way lanes and a width of 6.30 m in rural areas.

The National Highway (A-1 from Havana eastward, A-4 of the capital westward). Has a total of 597 km and joins passable Havana with the cities of Santa Clara and Sancti Spiritus east and Pinar del Río west. Also crosses the territory of the provinces of Mayabeque, Matanzas and Cienfuegos (east)) and Artemis (westward). Another stretch built connects to Palma Soriano Santiago de Cuba and partially to this city with Guantánamo. The initial project covered the whole island, but was stopped in the 90s.

La Vía Blanca, 4 lanes express highway, 138 km joins Havana to Matanzas and Varadero beach resort, meandering along the northern coast. It was completed in 1960. It is considered the first Cuban highway and is one of the busiest highways.

The employment in Cuba

The employment in Cuba

In Cuba, in spite of the limitations imposed by a cruel blockade with more than 40 years of duration, the employment constitutes a fundamental element in the planning of the economic and social development. The legislation has among its basic principles that of equality in the access to the employment, to the education and other rights.

Nevertheless, there are still some job opportunities available for expats who plan on working in Cuba. For instance, you can always find employment in Cuba-based offices of foreign companies or agencies. However, as most of these are joint ventures together with Cuban companies, Cuban applicants are usually treated preferentially.

Within the tourist industry, expats interested in working in Cuba may find employment as tour operators or representatives. You can, however, not expect to be hired as a barman, entertainer, or cleaning staff. These types of jobs are reserved for Cubans. Many expats with plans on working in Cuba also find employment as freelance writers, photographers, or journalists. However, you should be aware that you need a special work permit for this.

Keep in mind that almost all jobs are distributed by the state. Securing a work permit, the prerequisite for working in Cuba, is definitely not easy as Cuban citizens are treated preferentially.

Education in Cuba

The education in Cuba is 100% subsidized by the government, that is, that Cuban students at all levels can attend school for free. The Cuban government has been investing an important part of its budget into education for many years.

Cuba has increasing the level of education over the years, and it has improved since Castro started his mandate, with literacy rates ranking a notable 96% as early as 1995. However, Cuba currently continues to place great emphasis on education with the hopes of raising economic standards in the future, that would allow improve the quality of life.

Primary and Secondary Education 
In Cuba, the children between 6 to 16 years must attend to the school. In the school they should use uniforms with different colors distinguishing the various grade levels.
On the other hand, the primary level is formed by six years and then the Cuban students proceed to basic secondary or high school for a period of 3–4 years.
When the finished the basic secondary, the education will divided in two categories: The first is pre-university education, that leads to a Bachillerato degree and the second is completion of technical or professional training enables students to attend one of the country’s many technological institutes.

Those years at the school, are based on three main principles: self discipline, hard work and love of country. In this education system, is important that the chuldren learn different aspects related to communism, that is, that parents who violate this rule teaching their children contrary doctrine face could go to prison.

The Globalization and Cuba

The globalization is a process that has advanced over time, and it will continue because nobody can't to stop it, that is, neither close goverments as Cuba or North Korea. 

Nowadays, Cuba opposses to the implantation of globalization model, and it has increased the poberty in this country, and other countries of third world. According to the above, the Cuba's president looks the globalization as process of humiliating alms given by the masters of the world: "The draft agreement that is imposed by the masters of the world in this conference is that we resign ourselves to a alms humiliating, conditioned and interventionist." 

Cuba thinks the globalization is an inequality process. Cuba is an example of a country that advocates for equality and social justice. However, Cuba due to this opposition reflects social and economic crisis, related to education, health, security, employment, etc. 
Despite, this country has developed many big programs to endure this problems and the perspective is more comfortable. Among them, program with the aim of bringing technological development at all levels of the population, presenting social institutions, these programs and and the continuous search for the social development, despite the difficulties mentioned above.

The globalization in the totalitary system of Cuba

The globalization in the totalitary system of Cuba 

The globalization change all in the society, make into more dynamics, extend and  integrate the world.
But in Cuba, the people are isolated for the goverment on the free access to internet and the social networks. In fact, in Cuba for the system goverment some aspects of the globalization can not be developed, because the globalization want impose the system of capitalism and  cuba is marked for the comunism.

The Folklore in Cuba

The Folklore in Cuba 

The most representative events or festivals  in cuba that represent the culture of the country, its folklore and musical styles are  the festival of jazz of the Habana, the carnival of the Habana, "Santiado de cuba" and "Remedios". In these festivals we can identify the aspect multicultural of Cuba, and how the natives of here express in their personalities the folklore and his customs.

 

  

         

Some common manners in Cuba

Cubans have little contact with tourists, they generate them distrust, fear and much more, unless tourism are your work, they do it for earn money, but for them this is not friendly or sympathetic.

When hope a friend in house, we need to stand up before the arrival of a visitor. If the visit is a young, elders of the House can sit; women should not be standing if the visitor is a man. When we met a friend, we must expect that the most senior person is that extend the hand. Man should wait about  women to be that extend your hand.

When speaking to the elderly, or to strangers, Cubans speak more formally as a sign of respect. They shake hands upon greeting someone. Men often exchange friendly hugs and it is also common for both men and women to greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

In Cuba it is in bad taste to shout in the street, or call out shout  to the people, in the public transport is must give the post of older people and who have disabilities in addition is distasteful to put music on  them.

Santeria in Cuba

Santeria in Cuba

The colours ritualism that is performed in the "Santeria" starts with white clothes because it symbolizes the purity for the occidental culture; the colour is given to following days according to the "Orisha":

• Eleggua: Guardian of the roads   RED and BLACK
• Obatalá: The world's creator  WHITE
• Yemayá: Queen of the seas and mother's protector  BLUE and WHITE 
• Oshun: Queen of the rivers, lakes and gold  YELLOW and GOLD
• Changó: God of strenght, represents the sexuality  RED and WHITE
• Oggun: God of iron and minerals  BLACK and GREEN
• Babalú Ayé: God of sickness  VIOLET

Cuban Festival and its Colors

Importantly, Cuba has different festivals in every month of the year, but today we are going to talk about the most representatives festivals that throughout of the year excited to all citizens and tourists.

1. Havana Jazz Festival: 

Was born in 1978, when Bobby Carcasses, and other well known Cuban Jazz musicians, presented the first Jazz concert at the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza in downtown Havana.

Hot, throbbing, live Latin rhythms morning, noon and night on the ultimate Latin jazz and Cuban culture dream tour.

This festival characterized by different colors, each one in charge of represent the essence of it. The most important colors are green, orange, red and blue, because they show the influence of Africa in this musical form. 

The above, we can see in its logo, that represents the festival worldwide. Also, we can see different colors on the scene, highlighting the beautiful gold of the instruments such as, trumpet, trombone, tuba, etc. 

2. Havana Carnival: 

 

Until 1998, this Cuban festival was annually held in February, but has since been moved to July. It consists in each neighbourhood organises their "comparsa", which is to perform in the parade and dance show. 

If you going to Havana Carnival, you can see too attractive colors such as, pink, yellow, red, green, blue that are part of the each beautiful dress, those illuminate every street of Havana. Also, in Cuba is typical to use different crowns with feather, which are painted with differents colors and carry lights. 

Finally, the most attractive thing in this carnival is the floats that gather all creative of each member of the neighbourhood and they have attractive,colors and figures. They form with lights and always have a mean. 

3. Remedios Carnival

This is the culmination of the Christmas festival - "Las Parrandas de Remedios", which sees fireworks, a street party and friendly competition between the neighbourhoods of Son Salvador and El Carmen. A lesser known but heart-warming and unique Cuban festival.

Of course, the most attractive things in this holiday is the use of different color lights, that illuminate each street. Also, if we have the opportunity of spending Christmas in Cuba, we can see different colors in the sky, thanks to the fireworks at the night. There are different types of fireworks and differents colors such as, green, pink, red,  blue, white, yellow, orange, etc., that you can see both in heaven and the floats. 

Religious Celebrations

Cuba is mainly a Catholic country is estimated that 60 % of the population in Cuba is Catholic , Catholicism is modified and influenced by syncretism

Membership in Protestant churches is estimated at 6% and includes Baptists , Pentecostals witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists , Presbyterians , Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Quakers (Quakers ) , and Luthe

Cuba is home to a variety of syncretic religions of cultural origin in much of Africa . According to a report by the United States Department of State , 2 some sources estimate that 80 % of the population consults with practitioners of religions that have their roots in West Africa, as Santeria or Yoruba . one of the African peoples were imported to Cuba during the sixteenth century and throughout the nineteenth century to work on the sugar plantations . Santeria blends elements of Christianity and belief in West Africa and as such made ​​it possible for slaves retained their traditional beliefs while practicing Catholicism.

La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Our Lady of Charity ) is the Catholic patroness of Cuba and is highly revered by the Cuban people and seen as a symbol of Cuba .

The festivities began to be held in Cuba from the Spanish occupation. Always involved a procession followed by a party , verbena , guateque or fair as the case . The most popular are :Our Lady of Charity of Our Lady of Candelaria and San Juan Bautista .

 
Carnivals are traditional Cuban holiday that has its roots in the celebrations held by Hispanics and their descendants. According to the old tradition of the peninsula , has elements like the costumes, floats, and parades among others. In the capital were held around three days before Lent . From the Midwest to the East its origin is linked to the festivities of the people.

 Carousing and brass bands are other traditional festival that have many points in common with the carnival for the use of floats and changüies . The best known are those of Remedios in the province of Villa Clara and Bejucal in Havana but also held in Sancti Spiritus and Ciego de Avila .

The ceremonial and festive process, according to the various anniversaries, includes various instrumental ensembles , multiple songs and dances , which are an essential part of religious activities . Followed by its importance and dissemination manifestations of palo monte , plow and cross Santeria with Mt. post and cross with spiritualism .

In the religious festivals of Haitian origin is no marked two subgroups. They are the Bande- Rará and parties to praise .

Flag of Cuba

On May 20, 1902, the Cuban national flag was hoisted as a symbol of independence and sovereignty.

His design incorporates three blue stripes, representing the three parts that the country was divided during the independence wars, central, occidental, and oriental areas of the country, and two white stripes symbolizing the purity of the ideals and the light of the Cuban patriots. the red triangle stands for the blood shed to liberty the nation the sky turned red from the blood shed in battle and the triangle means liberty, fraternity and equality. The white star in the triangle represents the strength, beauty, wisdom, virtue and charity.

The stripes of the Cuban flag integrated symbolic numbers. The three blue stripes form the number 3 and represent harmony. The sum of the blue and white stripes is number 5 and the life-giving spirit of nature. Triangle forms the number 7, and the star is considered as divine by the Jews and Greeks.