Cuban culture
Introduction
Cuban culture is a complex blend of different, often contrasting, factors and influences. Cuba is known for its cultural diversity, built from Spanish, African, French and Asian influences. The culture is characterized by its unique art, music, cuisine, and sports, which have all had a significant impact on the world stage.
History and Influences
Cuban culture has been influenced by its complex history. The indigenous people of Cuba, the Taino people, had a significant impact on the culture, particularly in terms of food and language. However, the most significant influences came from the Spanish colonizers and the African slaves they brought with them. These influences have created a unique blend of cultures that is evident in the everyday life of the people.
Language
The official language of Cuba is Spanish, and it is spoken by virtually all Cubans. The Cuban dialect is known as Cuban Spanish and is a form of Caribbean Spanish. The language has been influenced by the indigenous languages of the Taino people, as well as by the languages of the African slaves brought to the island by the Spanish.
Art
Cuban art is a very diverse cultural blend of African, South American, European and North American elements, reflecting the diverse demographic makeup of the island. Cuban artists have embraced European modernism, and the early part of the 20th century saw a growth in Cuban avant-garde movements, which were characterized by the mixing of modern artistic genres.
Music
Cuban music is a blend of Spanish and African influences, and is known for its rhythmic intensity and compelling melodies. It has given birth to various styles such as son, rumba, salsa, and timba. Cuban music has been immensely influential in other countries, contributing not only to the development of jazz and salsa, but also to the Argentinian tango, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat, and Spanish nuevo flamenco.
Cuisine
Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and other Caribbean cuisines. Some Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish and African cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. A typical meal might consist of rice and beans, cooked together or apart. When cooked together the recipe is called either "Congri" or "Moros" or "Moros y Cristianos" (black beans and rice).
Sports
Baseball is by far the most popular; other sports and pastimes include football, basketball, and boxing. Cuba is a dominant force in amateur boxing, consistently achieving high medal tallies in major international competitions. Cuba also provides a significant number of players to Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States.