Cuba
"Pearl of the Antilles"
Climate:
Historical sites:
Old Havana:
-founded in 1519
-once the largest port in the region-a mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and narrow streets lined by private homes
-Highlights include the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal (one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas)Parque Historico Morro y Cabana, Havana:
-Built by the Spanish beginning in 1589 to protect against pirates
-Visitors can also explore the ramparts, barracks, and a still-working lighthouseComandancia de la Plata, Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra:
-Perched atop a mountain ridge usually shrouded by mist
-A rebel headquater
-Getting there involves a four-hour climb through the woods, but it’s probably worth it
-The main attraction is probably Casa de Fidel; which includes no less than seven secret escape routes
Monetary system:
Food:
Holidays:
Carnival:
The most famous of all Cuba festivals is the carnival at Santiago de Cuba, held annually from July 18 to 27. One of the most raucous of Cuban events the weeklong festival celebrates Cuban traditions dating back hundreds of years.
Trinidad Way of the Cross:
Another celebration of Cuban traditions takes place in the historic colonial town of Trinidad. The way of the cross procession winds through the cobbled streets, past centuries’ old churches and buildings. The Catholic celebration received new blessing from the Cuban authorities after Pope John Paul II visited Cuba and spoke critically of the U.S. embargo.