A Brief Overview
Havana, Cuba, has not been on the Christmas card list of Washington, USA since shortly after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. On the other hand, Canada kept a relationship with Cuba, and Canadians make up almost a third of all tourists that visit the island. Western Europeans essentially make up the rest of tourism which is the countries primary source of income. As a tourist, you are helping the people by spending on excursions, food, drink and goods. Find goods and buildings of the 1950s and 1960s that have been re-worked and repaired repeatedly. Cuba is one of the last actual socialist countries, and you will see art and statues of communist leaders like Lenin and Marx and heroes of the revolution such as Che Guevera and Fidel Castro.
Enjoy the beaches and crystal-clear sea, Old Havana town and squares, cafes and bars, restaurants and nightlife. There is so much to see and do. Hopefully, this site will give you some assistance in making the most of your visit.
History (bite-size)
In 16th century Cuba Havana became a stopping point for Spanish ships returning to Spain during the conquest of the Americas. King Phillipe II takes the city in 1556 and reinforces the harbours to become the official Spanish Port Authority and hunts Gilberto Giron and Francis Drake (Pirates). A reward is offered for the head of Franny Drake in the sum of 20,000 Ducats (£7 million today). Escaping capture, the pirate and slave trader will eventually become Sir Francis Drake (that is a whole new story, in short: Becomes Queen Elizabeth I private pirate, sacks many more Spanish ships, Sir Franny pisses off King Phillipe II even more, who then invades England).
The 17th century Cuba survives the Dutch, the Spanish, the English and Yellow Fever (which killed a third of Europeans on the island).
In 1762, the Count of Albemarle commanding the British Army attacked Havana and central Cuba, and after seven years of war, the English, aided by the French, remove the Spanish. However, just a year later, the Spanish get Cuba back by swapping Florida for it. Trade flourished, and the island remained under Spanish rule until the end of the Spanish-American War, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Cubans. After three years of American rule, the country gained independence in 1902. Cuba had good economic development in the years that followed. However, corruption and despotic rulers endured. The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and Raul Castro (26th July Movement), would overthrow dictator Fulgencio Batista. The new government aligned itself with Russia and was solely supported by USSR subsidies which would end with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Visit Cuba Before It Changes
If you are thinking about a trip to Cuba, go soon, before it changes. Because it will, and for the Cuban people, it will be for the better. Currently you can witness a country stuck in time, since the 1950’s. After La Revolución and the USA embargo, nothing much has changed. There is little advertising, no McDonalds, Costa Coffee or Coca Cola (at least not officially).
There are only two countries in the world where you cannot buy a Coke, and the other one is North Korea!
Transport is usually by car, in a 1960s (or earlier) Ford, Buick, or Chevy, maintained by ingenuity and glue.
keep the roads busy. Horse and carts are still used for delivering goods. Yet, for all the hardships that the Cuban people have endured, they welcome visitors with open arms and pride. Interestingly, the island has some of the best educational and medical facilities in the world.
Best Things to See and Do in Havana
Havana, Cuba will be a great place for you to visit, just remember that the reviews below are TWATA reviews. Before you visit Havana, you may want to so some homework and read some reviews such as these at tripadviisor.
El Malecon
Construction commenced in the early 1900s with further development during the 1920s to the 1950s. It was initially called “Avenida de Golfo” as it faced
Playa del Este
Just a short car ride (or bus), 11 km east of Havana, white sandy beaches, clear blue sea.
Plaza Vieja (Old Square)
Plaza Vieja is Spanish for Old Square but it has also been known by many other names over 500 years. This Plaza has been used
Old Havana
Old Havana is a very popular area with tourists and locals alike. As a cruise passenger, just a few steps from the cruise terminal will
Food and Drink in Havana
It can be pretty hit and miss when it comes to the standard of food. However, (more coming)
Is Havana Safe?
Havana is relatively safe when compared to cities of North and South America and Western Europe. A heavy police presence on the streets and severe penalties handed down by the courts has deterred organised and violent crime. There is no gang culture, low drug use, and home invasion or burglary is practically non-existent. Havana is considered one of the safest cities for tourists, but you should be aware of your surroundings like in any foreign country.
There has been odd pickpocketing incidents and bag snatches. You should wear a body bag, money belt or secured wallet. Use hotel safes if staying in Havana overnight, and do not leave valuables out in your room. Do not change currency with individuals on the street; use the official kiosks. If getting off a cruise ship, you should allow 30 minutes queuing for currency exchange. The currency and how best to obtain it detailed below.
Most ill-intent against tourists is simple overcharging or short-changing, particularly against inebriated persons. Agree on taxi fares before travelling. If approached to buy Cuban cigars or rum on the street, politely say “no” and walk on, no matter how good the deal sounds. These products are usually fake or of inferior quality. These professional con artists are called jineteros (jockeys). Buy your rum or cigars at the factory visits or from decent retailers.
Watch out for crumbling pavements, potholes and missing utility hole covers. Cyclists will ride anywhere, so take care, especially in the streets of the main squares. If sitting on the Malecon, be careful of waves that can break over the wall, and the pavement can be slippy in some areas of the esplanade.
If you keep to the main tourist areas of Havana, you will be fine.
What Currency Should I Use in Havana?
If you have googled “what currency should I use in Cuba?”, you may be confused. That will be because there has been quite a few changes to the economy in Cuba over the past couple of years.
More Information About Havana, Cuba
For those of you who are still interested in learning more about Havana and Cuba, below we have added a few more snippets of TWATA, enjoy.
Religion and Local Beliefs
About 60-65% of Cubans are Catholic. The second most followed religion of Cuba is Santeria (translated: “Way of the Saints”). This Afro-Caribean religion is based on Yoruba beliefs. Yoruba is practised by around 35 million people of different ethnic groups in Africa mainly from the Lucumi region of Benin and Nigeria. The Santeria grew out of the slave trade of Cuba’s past. Slaves were forbidden from practising their religions, so they disguised their Gods as Catholic figures and continued to pray. Over time, the combining of Yoruba beliefs with Catholic terminology and figures (Syncretism) has led to many Cubans believing the two religions parallel one another.. Therefore, it is common for Santeria practitioners to baptize their children or attend mass. And, in the house of a Santero, you may find Catholic figures next to Orishas (the lesser beings that care for the universe that God created).
Two White Doves
Many Cubans think that Fidel Castro was a believer of Santeria. You may remember seeing this iconic image of 2 white doves landing on the podium and one taking a seat on Fidel’s shoulder as he gave his famous victory speech on January 8th 1959. Doves are symbols of the Sun God in Santeria called Obatala. People understood this to be a sign that God chose Fidel to lead the people of Cuba.
While wandering around Havana, you may notice people dressed completely in white. Usually, these people are undergoing their Santeria initiation. They will wear white for one year and not venture out after dark. They must only be touched by a family member or lover, so don’t wrap your arm around them for a selfie. There are no temples, churches or scriptures, knowledge is passed down orally. Prayer and rituals are performed in public or at homes. You may see shrines outside homes.
Noticing Santeria Around Havana
When you are walking around Havana, you may notice people dressed in all white. Usually, these people will be undergoing their Santeria initiation. They must wear white their entire time for one year, staying in every night and only being touched by a family member or lover.
There are no official temples or churches and no scriptures. Therefore, religious knowledge is passed down orally, and prayer and rituals are performed in public or in private homes. You may see shrines outside such houses, especially in Regla on the eastern side of Havana. Here many Babawalo’s live (priests or chieftains), and they will happily give you advice in exchange for a small fee.