Cuban culture thrives through time-honoured traditions that have shaped the island’s identity for generations. The blending of indigenous customs with Spanish influences has created unique experiences that continue to captivate visitors today. These deeply rooted cultural practices offer travellers authentic glimpses into the heart of Cuban society and the island’s history.
Travellers looking to discover Cuba’s traditions this season can explore with ease thanks to Sunwing Vacations’ comprehensive all-inclusive packages with flights on board WestJet to the island.
The art of the Cuban cigar
Cuban cigars have roots in the indigenous Taíno people who first cultivated and smoked tobacco on the island. Spanish colonists recognized the quality of Cuban tobacco and established plantations that would eventually create the global standard for premium cigars. The tradition includes seed selection and soil improvement to the masterful hand-rolling techniques of torcedores (cigar makers). Now, the social aspect of smoking a cigar is just as revered, reflecting Cuban’s love for community and conversation, be it with friends or complete strangers.
Baseball, Cuba’s beloved pastime
Baseball arrived on the island during the 1860s through Cuban students returning from American universities, but the sport quickly became part of Cuba’s culture. The game gained tremendous popularity as Cubans embraced it not just as entertainment but as a symbol of national identity, particularly during the independence struggles when baseball represented a departure from Spanish influences. Cuban baseball developed its own unique style characterized, best experienced live with the roar of the crowd. The tradition has produced legendary players who became national heroes, making baseball stadiums across Cuba important cultural landmarks.
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Cubans love to ring in the New Year, and they do it in a style that is uniquely their own. If travellers find themselves on the city streets during this holiday, they need to stay alert or may be in for a cold shower. One common tradition in Cuba is to throw a bucket of dirty water out of the window, symbolizing tossing out all the bad memories of the year gone by. Another common tradition is the burning of a scarecrow, representing the purging of the year’s negativity, inviting a fresh start. If vacationers see people take to the streets with their luggage, it’s not a mass evacuation – Cubans take their suitcases out for a walk in the hopes that it will increase their chances of travelling in the year ahead.