Cuba By: Yanet Lopez

Agenda National Symbols - Coat of Arms - The Flag - National Anthem Beaches - Varadero - Cayo Coco - Santa Maria del Mar Music - Cuban Salsa

National Symbols Coat of Arms The National coat of arms represents our island. It is shaped like a pointed leather shield, and divided into three sections. In its horizontal upper part, there is a golden key between two mountains, and a sun rising over the sea - which symbolizes the position of Cuba in the Gulf, between the two Americas, amidst the emergence of a new state. The blue and white stripes, down the left hand side, represent the situation of the island, in terms of its division into states, in the colonial period. Down the right hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the unbreakable character of the Cuban people." It is also ornate by a laurel branch at its left representing strength, and an oak branch at its right representing victory."  

The Flag The shapes and colors of the Cuban flag represent something to the country . The blue stripes refer to the three old divisions of the island, the two white stripes refer to the strength of the independents ideal, the red triangle stands for equality, fraternity and freedom as well as for the blood split in the struggle for independence and the lone star symbolizes the absolute freedom among the people.

National Anthem

Beaches Varadero Varadero Beach is the most popular beach in the island. Having more than 20 km. of beaches, it has exceptional natural features for the visitors’ enjoyment. Varadero beaches shallowness allows swimmers to go several meters into the sea and have a good time at the wide sandbanks. Varadero also stands out for its fine white sand of calcareous origin covering the length of the shore. Being a peninsula it has varied and luxuriant flora and fauna spread out among nearly 10 virgin islets, sea bottoms with more than 40 species of coral, a wide range of fish, lobsters, shrimps, crabs, 70 kinds of mollusks and charming dolphins that can sometimes be seen from the shore or riding a catamaran.

Cayo Coco Cayo Coco is the forth island in term of size forming the Cuban archipelago; it is located to the Atlantic cost of Cuba, close to the Canal Viejo de Bahamas. Today, Cayo Coco is a paradisiacal place relevant for the balance and degree of preservation of the ecosystem it has attained , by protecting its virgin atmosphere isolated from modern world. Its beach is 10 Km long, of fine sand and warm and crystal-clear waters. A privileged reserve for flora and fauna, this key hosts species such as the wading birds, particularly the coconut the island was named after, the gray heron, and the pink flamingo which total over 30 000 and is among the biggest herds in the world. It is also favorite habitat for other bird species such as the cormorant, woodpecker, mockingbird, pelicans and many duck species. A 10-30 Mt. coral reef, over 10 Km long, adds more attraction to the place; the diversity and abundance of marine species make divers feel in a real aquarium.

Santa Maria del Mar Santa Maria is one of the most breathtaking of Cuba’s 300 natural beaches, like Havana, is definitely one of the few cities worldwide that boast an stunning mélange of sea, sand and sun. With 8 kilometers of good quality sand, Santa Maria del Mar is the longest beach of the north littoral of Havana. In Santa Maria del Mar, you can enjoy catamaran rides, rent jet skis, sail boats, rowboats and explore its many other attractions. Also, you have the clear turquoise blue waters that contrast with the broad beach of coral sands dotted with coconut trees and sea grapes.

Cuban Music Cuban Salsa Cuba music is a perfect blend of music from all over the world although the roots lie in West African and Spanish musical forms brought to the island by the slaves from Africa and the Spanish immigrants. Cuban music and dance styles include: salsa, son, rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, bebop jazz, salsa conjuntos, and charangas. It’s difficult to say who “invented” some of the popular Cuban inspired musical forms, combination of instruments, evolved rhythms and dances. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4e7VcnWCT0

Conclusion Cuba is an island unknown to many people,  with only 2 million tourist a year,  and hundreds of mile of coastline  and pristine beaches and  keys.  It is a place still waiting to be discovered by foreigners and Cubans alike.

References www.virtualtourist.com. www.dtcuba.com www.cuba-beaches.com www.youtube.com