A land of symbols
Cuba's food, flowers and music
Roberto Iguale
Cuba is one of those four letter words to some pundits and politicians, who let criticism of the country overshadow understanding of its vibrant people, food, music and natural beauty.
The Cuban culture is very diverse, with Spanish, French, Portuguese, Middle-Eastern, Asian, African influences It is a country strong on symbols.
The national flower, la Mariposa Blanca (The White Butterfly), is a member of the jasmine family.
It was used by Cuban women during the independence war to transmit messages among the rebel forces.
It's a symbol of purity, fight and independence. It grows in humid places, like river shores and lagoons. It ‘s also be cultivated in gardens and back yards.
A Cuban "tocororo’s feathers reflect the colors of the Cuban flag: red, blue and white. The bird has become a symbol of freedom, because once inside a cage it dies.
La Palma Real(The Royal Palm). the national tree grows everywhere at the Cuban country side.
It's a source of wood and materials for rural construction, hats, oil and other elements for the tobaco industry.
Because of its erect structure and its ability to, survive difficult storms, it has grown to symbolizie the strong character of the Cuban people.
Popular music is el són which is the basis for the music styles of salsa, mambo, rumba, cha-cha-cha.
It combines the structure and elements of Spanish canción and the Spanish guitar with African rhythms and percussion instruments of Bantu and Arará origin.
Reggaetón has a growing popularity now.
Cuban food is Spanish with Caribbean spices, plantains, black bean ropa vieja (shredded beef), C pork with onions, and tropical fruits.
Black beans and rice, referred to as Platillo Moros y Cristianos and plantains are staples of the Cuban diet.
Many of the meat dishes are cooked slowly with light sauces. You’ll find garlic, cumin, oregano and bay leaves in almost everything.
Photo: Mariposa Blanca, Cuba's national flower.
Source(s):
cuba-pictures.com/resources/i…
cuba-pictures.com/music/index.html
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Roberto Iguale has relatives he hopes ot meet when he visits Cuba next year.
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