What will the future bring to Cuba?
This month Cuba celebrates “la Fiesta de la Cubanía”, a national festival that commemorates the pride of being Cuban and the duty of defending the national identity and culture through celebrations and conferences.
So what better time to talk about the new changes affecting this country?
Cuba is turning a new page. The US embargo has ended and Raúl Castro is practising a new era of politics. But do you remember its past?
Cuba was one of the first countries colonised by the Spanish Empire and one of the last to proclaim independence in 12 August 1898. Later during the 20th century, Cuba went from being a Spanish colony to becoming the American playground, or as it has been called many times, “the brothel of the USA”.
The dictator Batista allowed casinos, mafia and prostitution to fill Cuba’s streets. American companies influenced much of Cuba’s economy including sugar production, electricity, oil refineries, hotels and food industries.
That was the background that led to a group of young men known as the “barbudos” (bearded men) among who were Fidel Castro, his brother Raúl and Ernesto “Che” Guevara and a revolution that ended in victory on 1st December of 1958 with the overthrow of the Batista dictatorship.
The Revolutionary Government carried out some of the promises they made, but the elimination of elections and freedom of the media caused many critics and intellectuals who supported the Revolution to break relations with the regime. And the subsequent alliance with the USSR and US trade embargo in the early 1960s, led to Cuba’s disappearance from the international scene.
But Cuba’s social achievements are real and undeniable. Since the nationalisation of education, health and other services in 1961, Cubans have enjoyed free access to education, health care and social protection. However the economic crisis suffered for more than 50 years has made it a very poor country. A country frozen in time, living in the past without new technologies and global development.
Since Fidel’s departure from government on his brother’s hands, Cuba has tried to change itself and become part of the globalised world. But many questions arise at this moment: What will happen now? How will this socialist country fit in a capitalist world? To what extent will America and the West affect the island’s economy again? How much will the life of Cubans change? And will democracy return?
What do you think? What is your prediction?
To contribute to the spirit of “Fiesta de la Cubanía” and in celebrating Cuban identity, please check out these movies about Cuba, its traditions and history:
- Chico y Rita, 2010
- Habana Blues, 2003
- Guantanamera, 1994
- Fresa y chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate, 1993)
- Memorias del subdesarrollo (Memories of Underdevelopment, 1968)
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Hola Elena!!! 🙂
You’ve brought in a topic that’s very interesting and something that I know a bit about 🙂 Cuba is one of those examples where history is particularly important especially when explaining the breakthrough- it simply cannot be avoided. It seems a matter of time when the sanctions will be fully taken off and of course very recently the US and Cuba re-established diplomatic relations 🙂 A lot of it I believe comes down to the role of Pope Francis who mediated between the sides although both sides had to begin talks sooner or later. I hope we’ll be able to really get the feeling for Cuban culture and there is certainly a lot to learn in areas such as healthcare or education. Looks promising and hopefully Cuba will excel in many areas without interference in their politics. Dedos cruzados 🙂
I wrote about the subject in the past so maybe you can find either of those useful (I hope):
https://diplomacyoldandnew2014a.wordpress.com/2015/01/29/three-golden-rules-of-crisis-diplomacy-lessons-from-the-cuban-missile-crisis/
https://diplomacyoldandnew2014a.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/us-and-cuba-diplomatic-relations-reborn-through-mediation/
Thanks for the links Maciej, very interesting information!
I really want to visit Cuba and learn more about its history and culture. Such an attractive country!
Espero visitar Cuba ante Los Americanos destruyen su caracter.
Elena, this blog post is so great. Such a complex topic broken down and explained so well!
Totally agree with Rosie. This can be a hard topic sometimes as it could lead to heated debates. Elena, I think you explained perfectly and in really short time what happened in Cuba.
On the other hand, I think we all can predict some things that will change in this country (as you said, they are moving towards a capitalism economy so some changes would be obvious). What I find really interesting is how those changes will affect the Cuban society.
I’ve really enjoyed this post, it’s very interesting, thanks for the movie’s recommendation too Elena. I hope the political situation in Cuba will change soon. It’s a beautiful country that needs to be free and have the same rights and opportunities like anywhere else.
So interesting!
Muchas gracias Elena ?
Me encanta la foto de los barbudos!
Otras fotos buenisimas y un poco sobre la revolucion cubana se pueden encontrar aqui:
http://elpais.com/elpais/2008/12/29/album/1230536268_910215.html#1230536268_910215_0000000000
Had no idea about this at all!!
It´s a shame even Spaniards don´t know about our own history
Thanks so much for posting such a clear and nice little summary!!
Elena, thank you for bringing this part of the history alive! It’s sad that such an important part of the history gets forgotten and even unknown!
I can say that I was lucky to live and work with Cubans in La Habana for over a month and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life so far. I learnt a lot about their culture and their history, which was great, as until then all what I knew was what the papers always said.
I may suggest to everyone interested in the genuine Cuban culture to travel there while nothing changes, as I do believe this beautiful country won’t stay like this for too long!
Great post Elena! Gracias! 🙂