Changing Cuba - Tribute to "P"

The Cuba that is changing - Tribute of

Photos: Nikolas Georgiou

Almost a year has passed since the day the Castles ceased to be in the Cuban leadership. Fidel and Raul were succeeded by Miguel Dias-Canel last April, ending a tradition that began after the victory in the 1959 revolution. for Cuba.

Review

Recently, Cubans have been en masse in favor of a constitutional overhaul of the country, thus showing their willingness to change certain things. The changes brought with it by the new constitution are particularly important, as the private sector is fully recognized, the presidential term is set, legal representation is granted at the time of appointment, the post of prime minister is established, the rights of foreign investors are recognized and also the rights of homosexuals are recognized.

The Cuba that is changing - Tribute of

Trinidad is a popular Caribbean tourist destination, as time has stopped there, offering its guests a unique experience.

Everyday life

For decades Cubans remained excluded from the rest of the world and one could argue that this is still the case today. Goods that are taken for granted in most countries of the world, in Cuba are a luxury. For example the internet, shopping, personal care items etc. During Fidel's time, a system of buying goods with a ticket was established, which is still valid today. That is, each family is entitled daily to a certain number of products from a particular grocery store, regardless of whether it can afford more. The goal is, according to the government, for all Cubans to have what they need and to avoid the black market. At the same time, Cubans are slowly gaining access to the internet world, to which access is not entirely free. In the last year, it has become possible for about 50% of the country's population to have internet connection, while there is an increase in internet cafes and public Wi-Fi hotspots. The Cubans were said to be in an age of rapid technological advancement, “it is the people who still walk with their heads held high”, which, however, seems to be gradually changing, especially in the younger generation.

Private sector

In Cuba, after the 1959 revolution, all companies and enterprises came under state ownership. However, in recent years, due to the many financial difficulties, a partial freedom has gradually been given to the private sector as well. For example, a citizen has the right to turn part of his home into a cafeteria, restaurant or souvenir shop. Others choose to rent rooms of their house to tourists.

The Cuba that is changing - Tribute of

Much of Cuba's tourism comes from the United States, and especially from Miami, an area where thousands of Cubans immigrated after the 1959 revolution.

American element

Much of Cuba's tourism comes from the United States, and especially from Miami, an area where thousands of Cubans immigrated after the 1959 revolution. country has an “anti-American climate”. However, the real picture is different. Cubans warmly welcome American tourists, while the “forbidden” of so many decades, arouses the curiosity of young people, who are now looking for the “in” products and brands that the rest of the world enjoys. After all, the American element is everywhere in the country from a single thing. The cars. These colorful cars that we see on postcards and are the trademark of Cuba.

Historically

In 1959, rebels in Cuba win the struggle to oust US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. Leading figures in this effort, also known as the “July 26 Movement”, were Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. The former assumes the post of President of the country and the latter becomes a member of his government, bringing radical changes in the country, such as the free health and education system. However, the victory in the revolution resulted in the US imposing an embargo on Cuba the following year, due to Fidel's refusal to cooperate. A development that put the Caribbean island in a particularly difficult economic position. Havana then turns to the Soviet Union, from which it imports products. Relations between Cuba and the USSR, in the midst of the Cold War, resulted in the Gulf of Pigs crisis in 1962. At that time, the Soviet Union deployed ballistic missiles in Cuba, provoking a reaction from Washington, bringing the two superpowers closer together. war. The confrontation ended 13 days later, with Moscow withdrawing its missiles and the United States assuring it would not invade Cuba. Moscow and Havana continued to have close ties, but the fall of the USSR in 1991 and the complete isolation of Cuba forced the Fidel government to open its borders to tourists.

The Cuba that is changing - Tribute of

Playing in the fields is something that can be found in many parts of Cuba. Baseball is another American touch in the daily life of Cubans.

Dance, color, music

In Cuba, which in the language of the natives of the region means “piece of land”, life has never been easy. The country, despite the difficulties it faces, is a popular tourist destination with many calling it a “colorful paradise on earth”, due to the enchanting landscapes and colorful houses. A paradise in which the Cubans themselves actively participate, with their dance and music. Unusually hospitable, for our data, Cubans complete in the best way the image of this wonderful Caribbean island.

The Cuba that is changing - Tribute of