Heritage & Traditions

Havana’s José Martí Museum

By Livia Rodríguez

Inaugurated on January 28, 1925, the José Martí Museum in Havana is home to the world’s most important collection of items relating to the life and work of Cuba’s “Apostle” and national hero.

Tales from Atarés Castle

By Ciro Bianchi Ross Photos: Prensa Latina

The construction of the Atarés castle, on Soto hill behind Havana bay began following the storming of Havana by the English in 1762.

Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU visits havana

Text and photos by Heidi Hollinger

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Havana 40 years after his father Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s historic state visit in 1976 when he became the first NATO country leader to call on the island since the 1959 Revolution.

Classic Cuban Rums

By Ciro Bianchi Ross

In 1778, the Island exported over 230 thousand liters of rum, but by the beginning of the 19th century – 20 to 25 years later – the country was producing over 4.5 million liters.

Casa del Habano Partagás your friends’ friend

By Mercy Ramos Photos: Courtesy of Tiendas Caracol

Lovers of the renowned Cuban cigar brand have a yearly opportunity to gather in the Cuban capital to take part in an exclusive event where they can enjoy the island’s famous tobacco and discover its tobacco plantations among other activities.

The Bridges of the City of Matanzas

Por Charly Morales Valido Fotos: Cortesía de Claudia Corrales

With the recent celebrations for the centenary of the Silverio Sánchez Figueras Bridge, the western Cuban city of Matanzas now has five bridges that are more than 100 years old, something unique in Cuba and the Americas.

From My Kitchen

By Silvia Mayra Gómez Fariñas

We found this dessert in Paradiso (Paradise in English), novel of the great Cuban writer José Lezama Lima. One of its chapters describes the menu of a family supper, where Lady Augusta, the main character’s grandmother, enjoys herself and gives a touch of originality and simplicity to the meal with a crema helada (iced cream).

The New King of Havana Club

By: Mercy Ramos, Photos: José Meriño

World famous Havana Club rum now has a new cocktail named “Cunyaya” created by skilled Cuban barman Amaury Cepeda, who recently won first prize at the this year’s Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix.

Cuba-Canada, A stable, profound and multidimensional relationship

Relations between Cuba and Canada are an example of positive ties between two countries, as much on the economic and commercial level as the cooperative and political sphere.

A Sweet History

By Domingo Cuza

Cuba’s history is intertwined with the cultivation of a certain Asian plant, one which has defined its drinks, its confectionary, its rural landscape and even the predominance of a certain skin color in certain towns. Not only has this crop shaped the country’s industry, railroad, and plantation communities, but it has had an impact on its economic and cultural life like no other.

Ciego de Ávila: Cuba’s Pineapple Province

By: Neisa Mesa

Originating in South America, the “queen of fruits” is very popular among European consumers, particularly the hybrid MD-2 variety, and its cultivation covers an important area of Ciego de Ávila’s farmland.

The Aliñao, A Celebration of Life

By: Domingo Cuza Pedrera

Cuba is a country of celebrations, any occasion is a reason for a party. Cubans celebrate the Saints, birthdays, the Epiphany, New Year's… but most of all we celebrate life. If death brings tears, the advent of a new life brings happiness and joy, and the fact is that this is the way we are, passionate and extreme.

The Havana Club Icónica Collection

Forget about cocktails for a minute! The Havana Club Icónica Collection offers drinkers a refined way to enjoy high quality cuban rums.

Third Pope to Visit Cuba

By: Nuriem de Armas, Photos by Prensa Latina

Pope Francis will come to Cuba this September, making him the third Pope to visit the Island in 17 years. The Pope will make his stop in Cuba before going to the United States, where it is foreseen that he will give a speech before the National Assembly in New York, meet with Barack Obama, and participate in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

A Necessary Clarification

By: Diana Díaz and Rey Almira

In the last several years we’ve often seen photos taken by Alberto Korda, posted in books, newspaper articles, documentaries and exhibitions of Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara playing golf. At the time Castro and Guevara were respectively Prime Minister and Minister of Industries.