Think Cuba and what images come to mind? What pictures have you seen that capture the essence of the country, its culture, its history?Here are a few:
1) Che Guevara
Some people might not know (of) Che Guevera and/or what he represented, but I bet you the same people have probably seen that picture of him somewhere – on a t-shirt or on a street wall, a web page, or a postcard.
So to open up the proceedings, we have none other than the main man himself. It goes without saying, really, what with the fearless way in which he knotted up the bowels of history. He was a daring revolutionary - and a handsome one at that (if I do say so myself!).
2) Fancy a Cuban Cigar?
Another symbol of the Cuban revolution, Cuban cigars are considered to be one of the best cigars on the planet (if not THE best), made all the more notorious when, in February 1962, John F Kennedy slapped a trade embargo on Cuba in response to Fidel Castro’s communist rule.
As a testament to just how irresistibly popular Cuban cigars are, the night before the embargo was to come to fruition, JFK went and purchased 1,200 of those beautiful fat babies (petit coronas).
3) Mine’s a Vintage…
1950s vintage American cars add to the flavour of Cuba. The country used to be an insatiable importer of the vehicles before the revolution and the ensuing embargo kicked in.
As old as those cars are, they are still in amazingly impeccable condition. If you concentrate solely on the vehicle, you can almost convince yourself that the 50s haven’t come to pass at all.
Some are often used as taxis to ferret tourists around. I wouldn’t want to get out of one of those beauties (well, unless there, erm, was no air conditioning… or the taxi driver farted).
4) Coco taxi
These cute little triple-wheeled scooters are like moving oranges, like if Roald Dahl was to describe ‘a coco taxi’ in one of his books, this would be it - like a toy you wish you had when you were little (now here’s your chance, you grown-up, responsible, law-abiding person, you!); like riding inside a big yellow ladybird …if a yellow ladybird exists, that is (and if not, whyever not?)
Why can’t we have one of those in
Not fair.
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5) Folklore Dances
When African slaves were brought over to
Religious folklore dances are an example of that – dances to appease the Yoruba gods (Orishas). Just as African slaves invented the Brazilian ‘dance’, Capoeira, as a disguise for practicing traditional fighting techniques, folklore dances in Cuba used Christian culture to disguise the practice of their own religious beliefs (called Santeria or ‘La Regla de Lukumi’).
6) Children of
Awww, this is a really beautiful picture. They look absolutely adorable. They look happy, mischievous and healthy (which is how every child should look).
They seem to jump out of the picture in comparison to the background. Maybe it’s down to the photographer, but I’d like to think the boys had more to do with it!
It’s also a great picture of camaraderie as they look like they’re the best’est of friends.
7) Music
Where would
Feel it in your toes and let it travel up your spine – through your mouth – and back down your toes again. Cuban music is energetic – a wonderful fusion of African and Spanish influences, and frankly if you feel miserable after listening to a dose of it….then there’s something wrong with you…definitely. Call your doctor. Pronto.
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8 ) Old
Old
To preserve the architecture, in 1982, Old Havana was declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO.
Old Havana is also famous for a little bar called “La Bodeguita del Medio” where Ernest Hemingway frequented for mojitas, writing and chin-wags with other artists.
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9) Street Art
You’ll find paintings, logos, graffiti and other inscriptions on many walls in
I like the juxtaposition of the woman walking one way with the faces facing the opposite way. They both compliment each other in a way and might not have had the same visual impact had they been photographed separately.
10) Hey Mami!
I couldn’t resist another one of these pics. These sassy old women are a symbol of pure feistiness, carefreeness and survival. I bet they have more than a few tales to tell. I think I’m going to retire in
Plus the picture is beautifully shot. The woman’s profile against the yellow backdrop and the enormity of the cigar – the rose tucked under her headscarf and her jewelry – the lighter she casually holds in her right hand. The combination and balance of all those elements is remarkable.
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