CUBA’S AFRICAN LEGACY

ORISHAS TO SALSA

The images popularized about Havana feature colonial-style buildings, classic cars and a bustling city. However, the true essence of Havana and Cuba itself is something that’s not easily captured on film, paper or word of mouth. Underneath every complex layer of Cubano life is the influence of a land separated by miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Africa is everywhere. In the music, fashion, dance, food and even the language. While many countries around the world struggle with its colonial history, Cuba has used this aspect of its past to create its culture.

YORUBA TO SANTERIA

African influence can be seen in many aspects of the typical Cuban’s way of life. It’s a rebellious energy and an unwillingness to surrender that has contributed tremendously to the resilient nature of the Cuban people. Perhaps most significantly illustrated in its spirituality and development of the syncretic religion - Santería.

Sewn into the very fabric of Cuban life, Santeria was created as a way for the Yoruba people to keep their culture and beliefs alive. African slaves brought to Cuba were forced to practice their traditional religions in secret to avoid persecution by their Spanish colonizers who customarily converted slaves and colonies to Christianity. They hid their Yoruba customs within Catholicism, masking the Orishas, deities in the Yoruba pantheon, behind the Catholic saints. This level of ingenuity and determination by the enslaved Africans to hold on to their culture and spiritual practices allowed them to maintain their religious traditions under the guise of Christian worship.

In a post-colonial Cuba, Africans continued to practice their religion and customs freely which helped Santería retain its authenticity to Yoruba customs. Today it’s commonplace to see Santeros and Santeras adorned in all-white clothing walking freely in the streets of Havana where drumming, dancing and the singing of Yoruba songs of worship can be heard ringing throughout the streets. So much so, that most visitors to Havana have no idea of the significance of these symbols. It is a striking contrast to many other colonized nations where traditional African customs have been almost completely demonized and eradicated by the introduction of Christianity. Here in Cuba tradition not only survives, it thrives.

A TASTE OF AFRICA

Cuban cuisine is another vital link to Africa. Similar to other Caribbean islands, Cuban food is characterized by a rich blend of a number of cultures that have been brought to the island through colonization. African, Spanish, and indigenous Taíno influences combine to create traditional Cuban dishes such as arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) and plantains that create a proverbial history lesson in every plate.

African slaves introduced ingredients and cooking methods, including the use of okra, yams, and spices such as cumin, garlic, and pepper. The preparation of certain foods, like tostones (fried plantains) and congri (black beans and rice), highlights the enduring African influence on Cuban culinary traditions. These dishes not only offer a taste of Africa but also serve as a testament to the cultural contributions of African descendants in Cuba.

AFRICAN RHYTHMS BEHIND SALSA

One aspect that stands out about Cubanos is their inherent rhythm. It’s found in the cadence of their speech, in their movement when they walk, in their mannerisms and gesticulations. During a stroll through Havana on any given day it is certain you will hear music or see dancing at some juncture.

Music and dance are significant cultural links between Africa and Cuba. Afro-Cuban music, such as Rumba, Mambo, and Salsa, has roots in African rhythms and percussion. Instruments like the conga drums and bongos are central to these genres, reflecting African musical traditions. The Yoruba-derived dance and music of the Santería religion, including the batá drums, have also left a lasting impact on Cuban culture. These drums are used to summon Orishas and are believed to bridge the gap between the spiritual and earthly realms. Batá drums are vital in Cuban music. Their unique, layered rhythms bring a deep cultural resonance to Cuban music and dance. This rich musical heritage illustrates the deep African influence on Cuban artistic expression, creating a vibrant cultural landscape that continues to evolve, thrive and inspire.

CUBA-AFRICAN SOLIDARITY

In addition to these cultural elements, the relationship between Africa and Cuba is further strengthened by political and educational ties. During the Cold War, Cuba under the leadership of Fidel Castro supported various African liberation movements, providing military and medical assistance to countries such as Angola (1975-1991), Namibia (1966-1990), and Ethiopia (1977-1978).

This solidarity extended to educational exchanges, with thousands of African students receiving scholarships to study in Cuba. These efforts fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support between Cuba and African nations, underscoring the enduring legacy of their interconnected histories.

¡PATRIA O MUERTE, VENCEREMOS!

The echoes of colonization and the slave trade still ripple through history, a haunting reminder of humanity's darkest chapters. Yet, from this abyss of suffering and destruction, a resilient spirit emerged- one that refused to be extinguished. A culture, born from the ashes of life, land, and legacy torn apart, took root and flourished, carrying forward the indomitable will of its ancestors. Driven by the power of the Orishas and the ancestral spirits of Africa and Indigenous peoples, Cuba stands as a testament to resilience. The battle cry rings out across the island:

¡Patria o Muerte, Venceremos!
Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome!

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