Native language in Cuba. What language is spoken in Cuba? Official language. Participation in international organizations

Until that significant moment, when the sailors of Columbus landed in Baracoa Bay, Indian tribes lived peacefully on Liberty Island. Colonization brought the complete extermination of the indigenous population and Spanish became the official language of Cuba. Its Cuban variety is called Espanol Cubano. The formation of the language of modern Cubans was influenced by the dialects and dialects of slaves from Africa, imported to work on sugar cane plantations, immigrants from Mexico, from Haiti and from the state of Louisiana.

Some statistics and facts

• The population of Liberty Island is 11.5 million people.
• The Cuban language, despite its many features, is quite understandable for a person who knows Spanish. There are nuances in the number of second person pronouns and in some phonetic features of pronunciation.
• A huge number of people who speak Russian live in Cuba. This is the generation that studied in higher educational institutions during the Soviet era. They still remember the Russian language and willingly help tourists if necessary.
• English is still not held in high esteem on Liberty Island and is spoken mainly by the staff of large hotels in the resort areas of Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin.

Experienced travelers are advised to take a trip to Cuba, especially when it comes to an independent tour, a Russian-Spanish phrasebook.

The language of great discoveries

Spanish is widely spoken in the world by far more than other Romance languages ​​and is second only to Chinese speakers in terms of the number of speakers. More than 548 million inhabitants of our planet speak Spanish.
It is Spanish that is called the language of great discoveries, because it was spoken by the majority of navigators who discovered new continents and islands in the 16th-17th centuries.
The spoken and even written state language of Cuba contains a large number of words that are characteristic only of the local dialect. They are called "cubans". The inhabitants of the island prefer to say "you" even to unfamiliar and older people, but this is not considered disrespectful.

Difficulties in translation

Keeping in mind that English is not very popular, it is worth studying the names of dishes in the official language of Cuba in order to know what to choose on the restaurant menu. It is good if the tourist remembers how the numbers are pronounced in Spanish. This way you will be able to avoid misunderstandings in dealing with taxi drivers and sellers in the market.

As one of the last strongholds of communism on the planet, the country is of constant interest. While the rest of the world is living in the fast pace of the digital age, Cuba is slowly going its own way, with only a minority having access to the Internet. Dinosaurs of the automotive world, mended and repainted American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, clumsily slink along the dimly lit city streets. In rural areas, ox-carts, omnibuses, Chinese bicycles and cycle rickshaws take the place of automobiles. The dwellings are furnished with furniture antiques inherited from the ancestors, and are lit with energy-saving light bulbs that allow you to save money.

Cuba is inseparable from the international politics of the second half of the 20th century. At the age of six, children become young pioneers - the builders of communism. Across the country, giant posters contain incantations from the country's leadership, such as "Socialismo o Muerte" ("Socialism or death") and "Viva la Revolution" ("Long live the revolution"). Portraits of Che Guevara, the revolutionary martyr of the 1960s, can be found everywhere on the walls of shops, institutions and residential buildings.

Under harsh communist rule, the country has always been bursting at the seams. Its economic condition is directly dependent on the global situation, and the situation is further aggravated by the US trade embargo and the damage caused by hurricanes. Many families continue to live in cramped conditions in dilapidated housing, the monthly income of many Cubans in terms of less than 25 US dollars.

The obvious weakness of the Cuban economy and the deprivation of the Cuban people cannot be overlooked. In addition, there is no real freedom of speech, press and movement outside the country on the island, although there are some indulgences under Raul Castro. However, there is not that glaring poverty here, which is striking, say, in Bangladesh, India, Latin American countries. Housing is provided by the state, and you hardly see homeless people sleeping on the streets anywhere in Cuba, and although Cubans do not get all the food they need on coupon books, no one is really starving. All residents of the country have the right to free health care and education. Life expectancy has increased from 57 years in 1958 to 77.7 years in 2011. This is the 57th indicator in the world. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is lower than in the United States and the European Union.

Dilapidation, poverty and restrictions only emphasize the unbending spirit of the Cuban people. These people are characterized by remarkable stamina, patience and love of life, which, it seems, cannot be undermined by any economic hardships. Cubans are extremely friendly and hospitable and always willingly invite guests of the island to their modest homes. Energetic schoolchildren, all in the same uniform, are everywhere: rushing through the streets, playing a stickball game in the yard, riding homemade skateboards, flying kites.

Cuba today

Modern Cuba is slowly but surely beginning to make concessions to certain capitalist benefits, which seemed completely unthinkable under Fidel. Moreover, here they are no longer so aggressive towards their eternal enemy - the United States. A few years ago, in order to somehow strengthen the shaky state economy, Cuba tried to develop tourism, which seriously changed its appearance.

The number of people wishing to visit the poor but proud island of socialism is only growing every year, which, of course, affects state reforms. Gradually, the country acquires the notorious "elements of the sweet life", contrasting with the picturesque ruins that have been preserved since the time of the revolution. So, for example, the ban on the import of foreign cars into the country was recently lifted, thanks to which you can now see quite modern taxis at the Havana airport. The coast of Cuba in recent years has been actively built up with luxurious hotel complexes and spa hotels. And even though the level of service in most of these establishments still gives off a “Soviet flavor”, rest here can be called quite civilized and comfortable.

Paradise Island

For many arriving on the island for the first time, Cuba is striking in its dissimilarity to the rest of the Caribbean. The best Cuban poet Nicolas Guillén compared the island to "a long green alligator". What is long, that's for sure - the distance from the "nose" to the "tail" is 1250 km. Comparable in area to England, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and has about 450 islands and islets called "cayos", which means "reefs" and "keys".

Given its size, it would take at least a month to get to know the whole country. Most start in the capital, Havana, and then travel to the famous tobacco plantations to the west, after which they visit the sugar cane valleys and the most beautiful colonial cities in the central part of the island. The easternmost region, called Oriente, is known for its high mountains and the second largest and most musical city.

Along the truly Caribbean beaches, mainly the northern coast, a lot of resort hotels have grown. Although many organized tourists still stay closer to the sea, each region of the island has its own charming towns that make people take trips inland.

Cuba's white-sand beaches are delightful, and the long stretches of Varadero coastline in the north are best known. Other beach tourism centers include Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Coco and Largo Islands. Sailing enthusiasts pay tribute to countless natural harbors, anglers hunt for marlin off the coast, divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks.

Most tourists prefer a full-service holiday, but the variety of Cuba's attractions also attracts a large number of independent travelers who find a lot of interesting things besides the sea and beaches. At the eastern end of the island rises its highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestro (until 1974 m), the birthplace of many uprisings; in the west, in the province of Pinar del Rio, the green valley of Viña Forest stretches with huge mogotes, steep hills up to 400 m high made of limestone; in the central part of the island are the lush mountains of the Sierra del Escambray and the old sugarcane plantations of the De los Ingenios Valley.

But there are also large and small cities. Havana combines beautiful Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant street life and a range of cultural events and attractions; Trinidad, a shining pearl of the colonial era, draws in beautiful apartment buildings, churches and other buildings on winding cobbled streets; - a colorful cocktail that has absorbed elements of Spanish, French and African cultures.

Climate

Cuba belongs to the zone of tropical trade wind climate. As for the seasons, only two weather seasons can be distinguished in this part of the Caribbean: dry (from October to April) and rainy, accompanied by quite strong hurricanes (from May to September).

Cold is a concept that no Cuban is familiar with. Even in January, the temperature on the island rarely drops below +22 °C. The apotheosis of the heat falls on August, when the thermometer freezes at +28 ° C in the shade. An additional bonus to the ocean winds and tropical stuffiness is high humidity, which often overshadows the first days of travel. But you should not worry about a specific reason: it usually takes no more than a couple of days to get used to the local climatic realities.

Main tourist destinations

What Cuba is really conducive to is a lazy beach holiday: in fact, the entire coastline of the main island is a continuous Bounty beach with starch-white sand and azure shallow waters. If your plans are not only regal reclining on a deck chair and getting a chocolate tan, try to stay longer in the main city of Cuba - Havana. Firstly, you still do not deprive yourself of a pleasant beach relaxation, because the city has snatched off a 20-kilometer piece of the sea coast, equipping it in accordance with the tastes of tourists. And secondly, you can fully enjoy the old architecture that the Cuban capital is famous for.

It is worth stopping by to plunge into the typical Caribbean flavor, gain impressions from exploring the historical part of the city (after all, it was from here that the Spanish colonization of the island began) and dance to the incendiary melodies of street musicians. The cradle of the Cuban revolution, Santa Clara, is mostly visited by those who are constantly haunted by the romanticized image of the ex-commandant Che Guevara. For your information, the remains of the Argentine rebel to this day rest in the local mausoleum. The cigar capital of Cuba, Pinar del Rio, is ready to offer its guests not only excursions to tobacco plantations, but also walks through the most picturesque valleys surrounding the city. You can rewind time and return to the colonial era in Trinidad. Some of the local mansions built by the "sugar kings" are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Of all the islands of the Cuban archipelago, Cayo Largo, Cayo Caco and Cayo Guillermo are recognized as the most tourist-oriented. The first piece of land is notable for its coral reef and iguanas roaming freely along the coast. There is practically no local population on Cayo Largo, but there are plenty of hotels and bars with visiting staff, as well as clean municipal beaches. It is best to escape from the blues and relieve stress on Cayo Coco. The main feature of the island is a cave disco organized for tourists on Tuesdays. From Cayo Coco, you can cross the sandy dam to the neighboring island - Cayo Guillermo, whose main attraction is the pink flamingos living here. It’s a paradox, but the Cubans themselves are really not allowed here, unless they work in one of the island hotels, so only overseas guests can enjoy fantastic sunsets and all the benefits of the all inclusive system on Cayo Guillermo.

Attractions and entertainment in Cuba

The main historical sights of Cuba are concentrated in Havana and several other large cities. In the capital, first of all, it is worth paying attention to the Old Havana area with its Cathedral of St. Christopher, Prado Boulevard and the Colon Cemetery, dotted with pretentious marble monuments. Contemplation of the Havana Capitol (a recognizable copy of the Washington one) will also give a pleasant experience. It is also interesting to wander around the old city squares, bordered by old colonial-style mansions. Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de San Francisco - all these paved spots are included in the mandatory minimum tourist program.

The tiny town of Remedios is well worth a visit for its Carnival Museum, the Alejandro Garcia Cuturla Music Museum, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. People go to Pinar del Rio to see the Guash Palace, go to a performance at the Milanes Theater and watch the production process of real Cuban cigars at the Francisco Donatien tobacco factory. In Matanzas, Vigia Square, San Severino Castle and Montserrat Chapel are considered must-sees.

Cuba is not Cuba without a mention of old Hemingway. Here the writer is loved, honored, but not missing the opportunity to earn a little on his fame. If you are also not indifferent to the work of old Ham, look at the Finca Vigia estate in the vicinity of San Francisco de Paula (Havana district), to which the genius gave 20 years of his life.

For ecotourists in a country with 14 national parks and more than two dozen biosphere reserves, the possibilities are almost limitless. The most famous and most visited protected natural areas are the Bacanao, Desembarco del Granma, Sierra del Rosario and Topes de Collantes parks.

It is difficult to ignore the Cuban resorts, the most major of which is Holguin. Rest here, though expensive, but fun and prestigious. In addition, the most beautiful beach in the country, Playa Esmeralda, is assigned to the resort. Cheaper and less ostentatious, Varadero has made a name for itself with a vibrant nightlife. The regulars of this paradise are party fans, sex tourists and just lovers of all-inclusive relaxation. Well, travelers who do not belong to any of the above categories can be advised to look into Varadero for an excursion to the Jose Smith sugar factory, where the production of the rum legend, Havana Club, was first launched.

All sights of Cuba

Divers in Cuba live freely without exaggeration. If you wish, you can go in search of underwater adventures directly from the beaches of Havana, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba. The transparency of sea water is high almost everywhere, and the bottom is replete with coral thickets and interesting finds. But it is better, of course, to choose less crowded places, tested by experts. These include the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Juventud and Jardines del Rey. You can also chase exotic fish near the coral reef in the province of Cienfuegos.

There is no shortage of experienced instructors on Liberty Island, but most of them speak only Spanish and a little less English. Russian-speaking diving gurus are found only in Varadero and Jardines del Rey. It is also possible to get training in primary diving skills in Cuba, but it is unlikely that you will be able to acquire a certificate of a more advanced level (PADI).

It is not necessary to bring diving equipment with you. Almost all Cuban diving centers have their own material and technical base: sometimes thoroughly shabby, but quite functional. On average, dive rates range from 30 (daylight hours) to 40 (at night) CUC.

Holidays to celebrate with Cubans

Communist holidays are still in trend on Liberty Island. Here, the First of May and the Day of the Cuban Revolution (January 2) are still celebrated with great pomp. On July 26, a wave of parades and demonstrations in honor of the Day of the National Uprising covers the country. On October 10, all Cuban patriots do not go to work, but gather at the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes to lay flowers and express their deep gratitude to the “father of the motherland”.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of local residents are zealous Catholics, Christmas in Cuba is celebrated quietly, modestly and without traditional gifts. But on New Year's Eve in large cities unimaginable festive chaos reigns, accompanied by intoxicating parties and concerts.

Features of the national mentality

The indigenous population of Cuba lives mostly in poverty, but carefree and cheerful. All these tales about dancing in the middle of the street, amazing talkativeness of locals, prehistoric Cadillacs and Buicks, carefully inherited, as well as generous compliments towards white European women have a very real basis. The average Cuban behaves like a typical careless dreamer who dreams all his life about how one day he will get rich, but at the same time he will not agree to leave his usual comfort zone for any treasure. But there is a sacred meaning in such a way of life: to strain yourself in a country where there is a general leveling and revolutions break out from time to time, it is more expensive for yourself. Although scolding their regime in front of the Cubans is a kind of mauvais ton. Despite the fact that local residents have a meager salary, receive food on coupons and pay exorbitant prices for white sugar, which they themselves produce, outwardly they look quite content with such an existence.

As for the attitude towards tourists, then, of course, for most Cubans they are just fat wallets, from which, if possible, you need to shake out the maximum. If not everyone, then very many are engaged in a divorce for money on Liberty Island: starting from the state that put into circulation a special tourist currency, ending with petty scammers who deliberately provoke accidents in order to defraud a naive traveler of material compensation. Recently, such an unprecedented phenomenon as the financial stratification of society has begun to be observed in the country: Cubans, involved in the tourism sector and having the opportunity to receive tips in addition to their main income, have become a real elite.

Religion

Catholicism in Cuba is closely intertwined with Afro-Cuban religions, in particular with such as Santeria. Tourists have the opportunity to experience many aspects of these religious practices. In the early 1960s, the government stripped the Catholic Church of much of its power and influence, but masses are still held in churches throughout the island, and since the pope's visit to Cuba in 1998, Catholic services and ceremonies have become more widespread.

Language

The entire population of Cuba speaks Spanish. Recently, in connection with the development of the tourism industry among the islanders, all kinds of courses for studying foreign languages, mainly European ones, have begun to gain popularity. In particular, the staff of luxury hotels and taxi drivers overwhelmingly speak good English. But since there is still a long way to go before mass mastering the language of Shakespeare, it is better to get a paper or electronic Russian-Spanish phrase book before the trip.

Food in Cuba

Spanish, Creole and African motifs are closely intertwined in Cuban cuisine. A favorite side dish here is rice, which often includes black beans or beans. It is served most often with pork or chicken, since beef in Cuba is a pleasure available only to the elite. It is worth trying the Creole ajiaco, which is a meat stew with vegetables and spices. By the way, it is better to look for the most peppery and spicy dishes in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba.

In some establishments, you can also taste exotic meats (crocodiles, turtles). Quite popular types of dishes include huevos habaneros (a local variety of omelet with spicy sauce), chicharrones (crispy pork skin chips), pulpet meatloaf and the invariable lobsters, which are inaccessible to a simple Cuban, but are in great demand among the tourist fraternity. For dessert, you should take maduros (fried bananas), caramel cream dulce de leche (an analogue of domestic boiled condensed milk) and churros cookies, which are fried right on the street. In addition, Cuba has an abundance of fruits, so you can meet them not only in the form of desserts, but also as a side dish for meat dishes.

Of the drinks, it is worth appreciating Cuban rum and, of course, the legendary daiquiri, the favorite cocktail of John F. Kennedy and Papa Ham. Tourists drink guarapo cane juice more out of curiosity than pleasure. But local beer enjoys a good reputation. Coffee in Cuba is brewed the strongest, generously flavored with sugar, and sometimes splashing a couple of drops of rum into a cup.

In most hotels where breakfast or three meals a day is provided, the cuisine is more Europeanized. Usually the morning starts with a buffet with all the consequences. If you are looking for a typical Cuban tavern, welcome to the pubs in private houses (paladares), which have recently been actively replaced by classic restaurants.

Money

Theoretically, the currency of the country is the Cuban peso. In fact, there are two types of money in circulation: for the indigenous population, this is the same Cuban peso (CUP), and for tourists, it is a convertible peso or cookie (CUC). 1 cookie is 57.43 rubles, exactly 1 US dollar or 1.18 euros (for 2017).

It is most profitable to exchange euros (no commission) or Canadian dollars in local banks. The worst thing is to convert American currency, since the commission for its exchange can reach up to 20% of the amount. Money exchange is made at the airport, hotels and banks. The latter are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:00, and from 12:00 to 13:30 establishments are closed for a traditional siesta.

The resort areas of the island accept credit cards. Not so long ago, Cuba lifted the ban on the "plastic" of American banks, but failures in the conduct of payment transactions with Mastercard still occur. Protection from such awkward situations will be a supply of cash, which will be gladly accepted in any institution.

It is customary to give tips on Liberty Island. In restaurants, this can be the traditional 10% of the bill. There will be enough change in the bars (in cookies). Porters, maids and street musicians are given no more than 1 cookie.

On a note: before leaving, try to lower all cookies in stores, or have time to exchange them at Havana airport. Otherwise, you risk returning home with a pile of useless pieces of paper - convertible pesos are not changed anywhere else.

Travel budget

Compared to the rest of Latin America and other developing countries, Cuba may be surprisingly expensive, but staying on the island will cost you no more than holidays in other Caribbean islands.

Road

Air tickets can become the main item of expenditure, especially for residents of Europe and Asia. It is cheaper to travel during the off-season, from mid-December to mid-April, and with a full service fee.

Accommodation

Car rent

You can rent a car in Cuba in any major city, but keep in mind that gasoline here is expensive: about 1.20-1.40 CUC / l. To rent a car, you must be 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. To conclude a lease agreement, a passport and an international driver's license will be enough.

The rental price is from 45 to 150 cookies per day with no mileage limit. Usually the tourist pays the rent, as well as a mandatory deposit of 150-300 CUC (can be in cash). You will need to buy insurance on the spot, even if you pre-paid for the rental before arriving in the country. If you take the car in one place and want to return it to another, you will have to pay the cost of the return trip. If your vehicle is damaged, you must pay the first few hundred dollars needed to repair it, unless you can prove that the damage was not your fault. Before you accept the car, inspect it for dents and scratches.

Useful information: even while driving a rented car, it is unlikely that you will be able to disguise yourself as a real amigo on Cuban roads. Cars in the country are identified by the color of the numbers: yellow ones belong to private owners, blue ones belong to government agencies, and red ones are given out to tourists.

Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies and one of the largest islands in the world. Resembling a crocodile shape, a long, narrow island is located in the western Caribbean Sea on the border of the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban archipelago lies in the western Caribbean Sea. According to its history, culture, language and customs, Cuba is part of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Geography of Cuba
Area - 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turquino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.

The island is 1200 km long and 210 km wide at its widest point. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of ​​110,992 km2 and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains and hills here. The main mountain ranges of the country are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. In the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, there is also the highest mountain in the country, Turquino Peak (1974 m above sea level). The rest of the island is a fertile plain.

On the island you can admire the many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small, but they are very fast-flowing. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Of particular interest are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is Cauto (about 370 km), which flows in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateurs come here - ornithologists, because Cuba is a place of migration of resettled birds.

National symbols of Cuba
Mariposa "white butterfly", a variety of white ginger, characterized by a very delicate aroma. The national bird is the tocororo, the Cuban trogan, a native bird whose plumage combines the colors of the Cuban flag. The national tree is the Royal Palm. These palm trees grow all over the island.

Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system based primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is the money sent by Cubans by emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives who remained in Cuba.

Flora and fauna of Cuba
Differs in richness and variety. There are more than 300 nature reserves here, which occupy approximately 22% of the country's territory. UNESCO has declared six areas of Cuba biosphere reserves: the Guanacabibes Peninsula, the Sierra del Rosario, the Ciénaga de Zapata National Parks in the west, El Caguanes in the central part, and the Baconao and Cuchillas del Toa parks in the east of the island. Cuba is home to four percent of the entire flora of our planet. The most interesting types of Cuban vegetation are orchids, cacti and palm trees. Among the animal world there are endemic species, especially among reptiles and amphibians. The most characteristic of Cuba are crocodiles, which are bred on special farms. More than 400 species of birds are found in Cuba, there are also extremely rare ones, for example, the smallest bird in the world, the sunsuncito, or bird-fly. The smallest toad in the world, a tiny butterfly bat and a scorpion, whose length does not exceed 14 mm, also live here.

Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system based primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is the money sent by Cubans by emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives who remained in Cuba.

History of Cuba
The written history of Cuba begins on October 28, 1492, when the caravels of Christopher Columbus approached the island. Prior to this, Cuba was inhabited by three Indian tribes. The Guanatabeians were cave-dwellers, the Siboneans were hunters and fishermen. The Indians of the tribe were secretly engaged in agriculture. They moved to Cuba from the territory of modern Venezuela and were the most developed and largest group on the island.

Cuban population
It is more than 11.1 million people. The population density is 101 inhabitants per km 2. 75% of the island's population lives in cities, 25% in rural areas. Cuban cities are a mixture of architectural styles. The most populated provinces are Havana with 2.2 million people, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín with half a million people each. An amazing community of people arose in Cuba. White Europeans (mostly Spaniards), black descendants of African slaves and Asians from the Chinese community have long lived here. Today, half of the Cubans are mulattoes. Cubans are very sociable, talkative and cheerful.

Cuban lifestyle
This is one of the pleasures awaiting tourists. Cubans love the nightlife. At night you can dance, listen to music in the style of a dream. Music plays a very important role in the life of Cubans. You will come across a huge variety of musical styles, from traditional salsa to charanga and African rumba rhythms.

Religion in Cuba
The official religion on the island is Catholicism. However, the Afro-Cuban beliefs, called Santeria, which bizarrely mixed the foundations of Catholicism and the cults of the Yoruba people living in Nigeria and Benin, have a greater influence on Cuban culture. Religious rituals are performed right in the houses. Cubans arrange altars at home and decorate them with the attributes of the god they prefer to worship.

Official language of Cuba
The official language is Spanish. English, German, Italian are widely used in resort areas. Cubans are a proud people. They really want to make a good impression on foreigners and try to speak English: but if you say even a few words in broken Spanish, they will really love you. Cubans speak Spanish relatively quickly compared to other Latin Americans.

Time
It is 7 hours behind Kyiv, and 8 hours behind Moscow.

Currency unit
The monetary unit is the Cuban peso (CUP), equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, as well as coins of 1 and 3 pesos. There are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 20 cents.

Tourists must pay only in foreign currency, mainly euros or US dollars, so it is advisable to have more small bills with you.

When you change, you may be given the so-called Cuban convertible peso (CUC). This type of peso is equal to the dollar: 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing to do with the "wooden" Cuban peso. These banknotes are accepted everywhere and are exchanged on a par with US dollars. Most ATMs only dispense convertible pesos, while the bank accepts both dollars and convertible pesos. In order not to get into trouble - the convertible peso should be written "convertible" (convertible). As a rule, they are given in small denominations of 1, 5, 10 pesos. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the dollar is approximately 1:25. A convertible Cuban metal coin circulates on a par with American cents. Often they give change to both. Convertible pesos cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba, so try to spend or exchange them before you fly. Currency can be exchanged both at the hotel and at exchange offices that operate around the clock.

Avoid travelers checks and American Express cards. Cuba accepts the main international cards VISA, MASTER, DINNER`s CLUB. Credit cards issued by any US bank are not accepted.

Tourist fees
When leaving the country, an airport tax of 25 USD is paid. e

Car rental
It is very difficult for a foreigner to do without a car while in Cuba. In order to rent a car in Cuba, you will need a driver's license from your country or an international driver's license. You must be over 21 years old and the rental company will require your passport.

There are several car rental companies in Cuba. The main car rental companies in Cuba are Transautos and Havanautos. When renting a car, make sure that the tank is full so that you do not have to rush around in search of a gas station on the first day. In general, car rental is quite expensive (from $60). There are no particular problems with gasoline, although gas stations are much less common than we are used to. Outside of Havana, you can easily find gasoline for $0.5 per liter, but here you have to be careful not to fill it with donkey urine. In addition, before taking the car, you need to carefully examine it for defects, which should be noted in the contract. If the trip route involves trips to roads with poor coverage (trips along the coast, going to the beach), then you need to take only a jeep.

Number plates on cars in Cuba have different colors, indicating the affiliation of the a/b: yellow - private, black - diplomatic, brown - rent-a-car. There are also red ones, blue ones ... There are a lot of police in Havana, but they don’t touch cars with black and brown (tourist) numbers. If you clearly break the rules in the presence of a policeman, he has to turn away or lower his eyes - "he didn't see anything, that's why he didn't whistle." In addition, cars with such numbers enjoy certain benefits, such as driving through tunnels that are closed for repairs, connecting parts of Havana, parking in unauthorized places, etc.

Bike
Many people move around the city on bicycles. You can rent a bike from Capri and Riviera hotels ($1 per hour) or from a local for $1 per day. You cannot leave your bike on the street. It is better to do this at a bike stand for 1-2 pesos. For all problems with your bike (flat tire, puncture, misadjusted seat, etc.), contact Pocheria's small workshops.

Phones
Cuban telephone company - ETESCA. Phone cards can be purchased at ETESCA hotels, shops and call centres.

If you are calling to Cuba, dial the international prefix (i.e. 10) followed by the country code (53 for Cuba) followed by the local code and telephone number. The number of digits in local telephone numbers may vary depending on the size of the city.

Private phones in Cuba must be called through an operator and prepaid.

Calls from abroad to Cuba: 10 - 53 - local code - local phone.

Calls from Cuba: 119 - country code - telephone number. For direct dialing: 0 - area code - telephone number

Gastronomy
The main products of Cuban cuisine are pork and chicken cooked in various ways, rice and black beans. You can enjoy good seafood such as prawns, lobsters, kaguama (turtle meat), octopus in garlic sauce, (we recommend private restaurants that cook at a high level and at reasonable prices). And, of course, exotic tropical fruits.

The shops
As souvenirs from Cuba, you can bring black coral and jewelry made from it, tortoise shell products (especially bracelets and hairpins), coffee and handicrafts. Jewelry made of black coral in a gold or silver frame, as well as items made from tortoise shell. Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of unique Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. When buying products made of crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise this souvenir will be confiscated during customs control. A good gift from Cuba would also be tumbadora or bongos - percussion musical instruments used in African melodies. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics.

And, of course, you can not ignore cigars and rum (the cost of a bottle of rum is from $5). To buy good cigars or learn about their production, you can contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas (c.Industria, 524). The shop on the ground floor of the factory sells all kinds of Cuban cigars. The most expensive are Cohiba Lanceros ($230 for 5 pieces).

Food is better to buy in stores or supermarkets. In INTUR tiendas stores, you can buy food, clothes, medicines, electronics and souvenirs for foreign currency. You will probably have to use the foreign exchange shops, as pesos can only buy books and medicines.

Cuban cigars
It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of what drives cigar fans when choosing a particular cigar. But many connoisseurs are of the opinion that Cuban-made cigars are superior to all other cigars in quality and taste. There is something elusive about Cuban cigars that gives them that famous range of qualities so appreciated by connoisseurs. Bright Cuban sun, special air humidity, rich fertile land, experienced hands of craftsmen? Probably, all this and much more has made Cuban cigars the most famous, a symbol of quality and style.

It is forbidden to import: fresh products, plants, drugs and pornographic materials, medicines without indicating the brand of the manufacturer, cars, motorcycles and spare parts for them. It is forbidden to export: singing and exotic birds, bark and wood of valuable species, skin and feathers of exotic animals and birds, cultural values. To export works of art from Cuba, you will need an official export stamp. Such a document will be issued to you in most specialized stores. When leaving the country, a customs fee is charged.

Mode of stay and movement
There are no restrictions on movement around the country for Ukrainian and Russian citizens.

Lost things

To report the loss or theft of personal documents or belongings, contact the nearest police station or a policeman. You may have to wait a long time for your application to be accepted. Remember to make a photocopy of the main pages of your passport in case the original is lost.

Holidays and non-working days
Holidays Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many festivals, celebrations and fiestas.

January- January 1 (national holiday) - Liberation Day, 1959
February– International Book Fair
March- International Puppet Theater Festival
April– Celebration of Spanish-Cuban culture
May- 1 May International Day of Workers' Solidarity; May parades and festivities; National Folk Dance Festival
June– Outdoor concerts; Havana carnival; Festival of Cuban Rural Culture - (national holidays)
July- July 26 - Day of the National Uprising, 1953), Celebration of the culture of the Caribbean peoples; Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
August- International Festival of Cuban Music.
September– Pilgrimage to the image of Our Lady del Cobre; theater festival
October- October 10 (national holiday) Day of the beginning of the war for the independence of Cuba from Spain, 1868); Contemporary Music Festival; Festival of Spanish Culture; International Ballet Festival.
November- Salon of contemporary Cuban art; Celebration in honor of the founding of Havana; International Festival of Choral Singing.
December- December 25 - (national holiday) Christmas; International Latin American Film Festival; Folk Art Festival.

See also:

Liberty Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, excellent beaches and a lot of colonial and revolutionary attractions. The white stone beauty of Havana, the resorts of Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - all about Cuba: tours, holidays, prices and maps.

• Tours for the New Year Worldwide
• Hot tours Worldwide

Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: "Communism off the coast of America." Joking aside, Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Comandante Che and his lively-ever-living follower, an external ideological enemy in the face of the States and the unprecedented patriotism of local residents. There are, however, radical differences from the USSR - a steady influx of tourists all year round, hotels with a high level of service and rich entertainment opportunities: diving, snorkeling, yachting and the list goes on. Plus, of course, let's not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the same ideologically hostile leadership, despite the embargo of the Island of Freedom.

Time difference with Moscow

− 7 hours in winter −8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Maps of Cuba

Visa and customs

For a tourist trip for up to 30 days, citizens of Russia and Belarus do not need a visa to Cuba. For your own peace of mind, you should take out travel medical insurance for the entire duration of the trip in advance.

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (two copies - the second one is presented upon departure), a return ticket and proof of financial solvency at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple credit card statement is fine). Hotel reservations are not required, but be prepared to answer the question of where you plan to stay.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco is allowed; 3 bottles of alcoholic drinks; perfumes, medicines and household items - within the limits of personal needs. Also, one photo and video camera is imported duty-free (plus 5 cassettes for each). It is forbidden to import drugs, pornography and firearms (with the exception of sport hunting rifles belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have the appropriate permit issued in Cuba upon arrival).

Fans of Cuban cigars should not forget the following point: although they can be taken out of the island as many as they like with a receipt, in Russia, according to our customs rules, you can import no more than 50 pieces.

You can export up to 1000 CUP and up to 5000 USD without a declaration, no more than 23 cigars per person (if the cigars are sealed in a package with a hologram, bought in a special store that issues receipts and an export permit, you can export as much as you like), goods in the amount of not more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only if there is a license issued by the store).

There is no tax free system in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural values, sea shells, antiques, precious metals is prohibited. When buying jewelry or goods made of crocodile skin, you must require an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be confiscated during customs control. These licenses are issued, as a rule, only in stores. In markets where crocodile skin products cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not given, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct direct regular Aeroflot flights Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: transit through Paris with Air France to Havana, via Amsterdam with KLM, via Madrid with Iberia, via Frankfurt with Condor to Havana and Varadero and other European carriers. The journey will take from 16 to 20 hours.

The flight from the CIS countries is carried out either through Moscow, or with a connection in European cities.

If tourists fly with KLM, due to inconvenient flight connections, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam. To do this, you need to apply for a transit visa, as well as book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: the time of the railway crossing from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.

Find flights to Cuba

Transport

Public transport in the country is underdeveloped, the most convenient way is to rent a car. Cubans themselves often use hitchhiking to move around cities or around the country.

Public transport

Buses are considered the main city transport, but they can only be recommended to extreme sportsmen: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are crowded, and they do not have a clear schedule and routes. Buses - in Havana they are called camallos (due to their resemblance to camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare costs 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect you are a tourist and take much more. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

For tourists there are special "tourist" taxis - these are always modern and serviceable cars. They can be ordered from any hotel or simply by phone; fare is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the journey. Regular taxis that accept pesos are quite old cars, and there are not many of them. Finally, there are private "bombs" in Cuba. Their prices are somewhat lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no guarantees of quality either.

Intercity communication

Locals often hitchhike around the country. Cuba even has a law that government vehicles are required to take hitchhikers on board if there are empty seats in the car. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by special people, like our traffic cops.

All major cities in Cuba have bus stations from where intercity buses depart. Unlike urban transport, they run more or less on schedule. The most budget option is Astro Bus. The bus fleet leaves much to be desired, but a trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus is a more modern fleet and the buses even have air conditioning. Fares are higher: from Havana to Varadero, a ticket will cost 8-15 USD. The company has its own website (translated into English) where you can buy tickets online. In other cases, travel cards are purchased at the box office at the station, and this must be done in advance.

Rent a Car

Cuba Hotels

Consulate General in Havana: 5-a Avenida esq. a 66, no. 318, Miramar, La Habana,; tel.: 204-10-74, 204-10-85.

Police: 116 and 820-116, ambulance: 242-811, fire brigade: 811-115, airport information: 45-31-33.

• Is Cuba suitable for a girl for an individual trip
• How to call in Havana from a Russian number to a local landline

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Cuban beaches

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with a convenient entrance to the sea, many are marked with the Blue Flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.

Most of the hotels on the coast are assigned separate protected areas of the beach, where you can hardly meet the local population. Sunbeds and umbrellas - free of charge.

You can safely go to any resort and be satisfied. But if you choose the ideal of the best, then you should pay attention to the following beaches:

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of white sand with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are attached to hotels, so it is always clean there and there are no suspicious strangers. Varadero is perhaps the most fun and noisy resort in Cuba, there are many discos here, so young and not very party-goers should go here. Varadero is also suitable for tourists who prefer an all-inclusive holiday - most of these hotels are concentrated here.

For families with children, the Santa Lucia beach is suitable (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camagüey). There is a comfortable gently sloping sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since you cannot get to this beach by regular buses, there are not many people even in the high season. These are very calm and beautiful places, but for fans of extreme sports there is also entertainment: diving with sharks.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cuba

Creole cuisine is widespread on the island, the main ingredients of which are pork and chicken cooked in various ways. One of the most popular national dishes is "Creole ajiaco" - pork with vegetables and lots of spices. It is also worth trying lobsters with lemon, dishes from crocodile or turtle meat, turtle eggs. In Cuba, they cook a lot from fruits and serve them with almost every dish. The coffee here is very strong and sweet.

National drinks are Cuban rum and numerous cocktails based on it: mojito, cuba libre, daiquiri and many others.

There are few restaurants in the classical sense of the word in Cuba, and they are all located in tourist areas and resorts. Credit cards are usually accepted there, but failures are not uncommon, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). The average bill in a good restaurant is about 30-40 CUP per person without drinks, in a more budgetary one you can meet 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and eateries with hamburgers in Cuba. You can eat there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. A separate story - Cuban bars. Most of them are very colorful and with a history, they don’t serve food there (maximum nuts and chips), but you should definitely try all the daiquiris.

Guides in Cuba

Entertainment and attractions

There are not as many cultural attractions in Cuba as in other countries, much was destroyed by the Spanish colonizers back in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, national parks and an amazing underwater world - this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical sights are concentrated in cities, most of all, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting area in terms of tourism is Old Havana, listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List of mankind. You should definitely see the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Havana Capitol - larger than Washington. Also of interest are the squares of the city: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which there are ancient buildings and structures, as well as the Revolution Square of Jose Marti with a memorial and an obelisk . At the top of the latter is the highest observation deck in the city.

The province of Havana will be of particular interest to fans of ecological and adventure tourism, as there are many quiet secluded beaches. The Escaleras de Jaruco area has many caves and sheer cliffs: it is good for speleologists. In San Antonio de los Baños, you can visit the Museum of Humor, while the coastal village of Santa Cruz del Norte is famous for producing the famous Havana Club rum.

In the city of Santa Clara (province of Villa Clara) there is a Memorial to them. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most curious in Cuba, are worth seeing.

The city of Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Gouache Palace, the Milanes Theater and the Francisco Donatien Cigar Factory.

Juventud Island is the second largest in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous natural reserve "Los Indios San Felipe" with unique flora and fauna, the prison "Presidio Modelo", a copy of the American prison "Joliet" in Illinois (where Fidel Castro served his prison sentence), the national marine park "Punta -Frances" and the international dive center "El Colony".

In the province of Matanzas, in addition to the caves with cave paintings, it is worth visiting the provincial capital of the same name. Mandatory to visit: Piazza Vigia (foundation of the city), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (because of its size it is considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of "Triumvirato" - there in the 19th century there was the largest uprising of African slaves in the history of Cuba. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the village of the Taino Indians in Guama, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, as well as the Historical Museum on Playa Giron.

You should definitely make a trip to the amazingly beautiful national parks of Cuba.

New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, with a special scope for business in big cities.

January 2 is the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and the Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official holiday throughout the country, solemn processions are held in the cities, the president makes a pathos speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and everything ends with festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of holidays, inherited from the communist era. Here, May Day is still celebrated in the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, peppy patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26 they celebrate the Day of the National Uprising, also with parades and demonstrations, and on October 10 - Independence Day: the main venue is the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes ("father of the Motherland", one of the leaders of Cuba's Ten Years' War against the Spanish colonialists) on the square in Havana, to to whom flowers are laid. On this day, no one works either.

In July and August in Cuba, you can visit two carnivals at once - in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

On weekends from July 15 to August 15, Cuba hosts perhaps the most colorful and fun event of the year: the Havana Carnival. These days, freaks from all over the country gather in the capital, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiris and have fun literally around the clock. Many perform in teams and prepare for the carnival in advance in order to surely outshine all the other participants in the dance. Another carnival takes place at the end of July in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The scenario is the same: dress up, drink and dance. It is very convenient that both holidays fall at about the same time: you can visit both carnivals on one trip.

In the first week of December, Cuba hosts one of the most important cultural events for the entire Hispanic population of the planet - the New Latin American Film Festival. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the "Oscar" - for directors, actors and other cinematographers - it is a great honor to be awarded this award.

And at the end of February, smokers from all over the world come to Havana, as the International Cuban Cigar Festival takes place here. It lasts 5 days, at which time there are excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can try a variety of cigars with a glass of wine or rum.

Cuba is an island state on the border of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Initially, Indian tribes lived here, who spoke their own dialect. When the Spaniards arrived on the island, the latter practically exterminated the indigenous population and imposed their own language on the remaining people. What language is spoken in Cuba today? Let's try to answer this question.

Official languages ​​of Cuba

Cuba is one of the many countries whose official language is Spanish. In colloquial speech, it differs somewhat from pure, canonical Spanish. At one time, there were many French, American, Italian and German colonists on the island. All of them contributed to the formation of a special dialect of the Spanish language, which today is known as Espanol Cubano.

If we talk about the differences between the Cuban manner of speech and mother Spanish, there are significant distinctive features. This is especially evident in the pronunciation of individual words. There is no plural in Cuban speech when referring to a person. In other words, the locals never say "you", even to an older or unfamiliar interlocutor.

What is the language in Cuba? What language is spoken in Cuba? In addition to Spanish, English and French can also be heard on the streets of local cities. Surprisingly, some older Cubans can even speak Russian. But I would like to talk about this further.

Do Cubans speak English?

As you know, relations between Cuba and the United States have not historically been the warmest. Therefore, the main part of the population of the island does not consider it necessary to know and even understand the common phrases of the English language. However, there is a special category of Cubans known as "friends". The latter are fluent in English and are studying this language in order to earn money on foreign tourists. Appeal to the interlocutor such people always begin with the phrase: My Friend.

The so-called "friends" make money on travelers from other countries, offering the latter assistance in finding accommodation, cheap drinks and cigars, escort girls, etc. Such people usually follow tourists for the whole day and behave extremely friendly, hoping for a kind of content on their part, that is, buying food and drinks in local bars, receiving money as a gift.

What language do other people speak in Cuba? Speaking in English to passing islanders, one can understand that most of them do not understand even the most common phrases in this language, or simply do not want to do this.

How are things with the Russian language in Cuba?

Let's continue to consider what language is spoken in Cuba. It is worth noting that there is no other state in the Caribbean where the Russian language is so widely spoken. The thing is that at one time numerous Cubans were educated in the Soviet states. Many Cubans are married to Russian women.

Cubans show good attitude towards Russians. The local population still remembers the times when domestic products were imported here at affordable prices. Many Cubans still drive Soviet cars to this day. Therefore, it is not so difficult to find a person who knows Russian on the street of a Cuban city.

Finally

What language is spoken in Cuba? As you can see, you can come here knowing only Russian or English. However, it is a good idea to learn a few common phrases in Spanish before you travel. Particular attention should be paid to Spanish numerals. This will avoid misunderstandings when paying a bill in a restaurant, communicating with taxi drivers and sellers in local markets.