PLACES TO MEET THE LOCALS
1.Playas del Este
On weekends, families flee sticky Havana for a day at the beach. Tourists usually gather toward the west end, though many Cuban families prefer the beach around Guanabo (for further details see Playas del Este).
Locals and tourists alike gather on the white sands of Playas del Este
2.Parque Central, Havana
Havana has many plazas, but this tree-shaded park on the edge of Old Havana is the liveliest. Baseball fans gather here to argue the finer points of the game. With plenty of benches, it is a great place to watch the flurry of activity. Expect jineteros (hustlers) to approach you to tout their wares or services (for further details see Havana).
3.The Malecón, Havana
The cooling breezes of the capital’s seafront esplanade attracts habaneros (Havana locals) of all ages, who socialize with guitars and bottles of rum. On hot days families bathe in the balnearios cut into the limestone rock. It’s the perfect place for a sunset stroll but take care and be sure to watch your step – the sidewalk is crumbling and waves often crash right over the seawall (for further details see The Modern City, Havana).
4.Casas de la Trova
When bitten by the dancing bug, head to a Casa de la Trova. Every town has one of these traditional live music houses, where Cuban singles as well as couples have a great time dancing to salsa and timeless sons and boleros.
5.Calle Obispo, Havana
This pedestrian-only shopping street has plenty of intriguing shops, bars, cafés, and ice-cream stores. It is also packed with many private art galleries (for further details see Calle Obispo). Pickpockets are on the prowl, so make sure you guard your belongings.
Calle Obispo, Havana
6.Baseball Games
Watching a Cuban baseball game is as much a social experience as a sporting one. The crowds are passionate but friendly, and the game is interspersed with chatting and drinking. You will make new friends here, even if you support the “other” team.
7.Cumbanchas
Few Cubans have money for discos, so they spark up their own song and dance at street parties where anyone can join in. Contribute a bottle of rum, the drink of choice, as courtesy. Even if you arrive with a partner, expect to be asked to dance.
8.Coppelia
Cubans adore ice cream, and every major town has an outlet selling the Coppelia brand. Seating is communal and ice cream is sold in Cuban pesos at incredibly low prices. Standing in line with Cubans is part of the experience. The branch in Havana is spread over an entire block (for further details see Coppelia).
9.Mercados Agropecuarios
The farmers’ markets are packed with Cubans shopping for fresh produce, while others enjoy the local gossip. Every town has at least one “agro.” Even if you are not planning to buy, the atmosphere makes a visit worthwhile.
Mercados Agropecuarios, Havana
10.Casas de la Cultura
These cultural centers can be found in every town. The atmosphere is informal and they are great places to make new friends and perhaps learn a few dance moves.
TOP 10 CUSTOMS AND BELIEFS
1.Politeness
Old-fashioned courtesy, such as saying “thank you” and “please,” is very important to Cuban people.
2.Dress
Cubans dress fairly conventionally. Anyone wearing alternative clothing may be viewed as anti-establishment.
3.Santería
More than half the Cuban population are followers of this Afro-Cuban religion (for further details see Santería).
4.Racial Harmony
Cuba is an ethnically diverse society, and the degree of racial harmony on the island is profound.
5.Equality
The concept of equality for all on every level is a concept Cubans hold very close to their hearts.
6.Take it Easy
Hurrying is uncommon in Cuba, and foreigners who expect things to happen quickly can be disappointed.
Taking it easy on the Malecón
7.Greetings
Cubans greet everyone upon entering a room. People refer to each other as compañero (companion).
8.Machismo
This is totally ingrained among most men – even married men flirt openly.
9.“The New Man”
Che Guevara dreamed of creating a society where people were motivated by altruism.
10.Chistes (Jokes)
A great sense of humor helps many Cubans deal with the hardships of daily life – the subject of most chistes.
