2. Cuban Culture Fidel Castro was longest running leader. Believed in socialism. Instigated a communist state. For 30 years, Christianity was forbidden. No visible practicing Catholics.

3. Castro was upset with the wealthy of Cuba. He felt they were too powerful. The poor were too poor. After his “Revolution” took over, he offered a one time chance for the wealthy to leave Cuba, or to remain and have all their assets and belongs taken from them. People could keep their jobs, but all would be paid the same. No more social classes. May of the people left and came to the U.S. To this day, many Cubans living in the U.S. are waiting for Castro to die and go back to Cuba to live the good life. Cuba is no longer the beautiful tropic paradise it once was. At one time, Cuba was the tropical paradise to U.S. citizens. Now they are forbidden to be in Cuba due to U.S. sanctions for tourism and trade. Having a Cuban cigar is illegal here in the U.S.

4. Since Catholicism had strict rules about divorce, Castro banned the religion. He wanted a divorce after discovering his wife’s infidelity (even though he himself had not been faithful himself). Santeria became the religion – with a mix of Catholicsm. Santeria came from Africa…better known as a type of voodoo practice. Mostly practiced by Afro-Cubans

5. Two types of Cubans: 1.Hispanic Cubans – can trace their origins back to Hispanic roots…..Spain, Aztec, Mayan. 2.Afro-Cubans – can trace their origins back African roots….came from slave ships to the new world. Brought with them new religion and music.

6. Cuban culture has a strong music and dance influence. Children learn from an early age to dance. It’s a form of expression and of art. Many of the popular Latino music and dance today originates from Cuba…..Salsa, meringue, cha-cha, etc. Everyone learns to dance…it’s a must in the culture. All arts…music, dance, painting, etc., are a valued part of the culture and community.

7. Old classic cars are also precious. But because they have no gas resource due to the break up of the communist block in Russia, many cars now are just objects to sit and view.