SETTLEMENT - 15th Century

Land of Grace

"The many different types of palm trees, the tallest and most beautiful I have ever seen, and innumerable big and green trees; the birds with rich plumage and the green fields, make this country, my dear Lords, of such an incomparable beauty that it surpasses all others in grace and charm and is comparable to day to night splendor. I have become so stunned at seeing such beauty that my words are inadequate."

Christopher Columbus To King Fernando and Queen Isabel, 1492

"The main characteristic of the Spanish empire (was) its centralization. Unlike in North America, the Spanish Crown was the decisive factor in the colonization as well as in the government and organization of cities. During the first 100 years of Spanish rule (in Cuba) each ship brought new decrees and laws from the Governing Body in Seville (Spain) or from the West Indies Council (in Spain). In 1635 there were more than 400,000 decrees, 2500 per year, since Columbus discovered America.

... Except for the highest officials, most government officials were paid poorly, thus, corruption was common."

Hugh Thomas CUBA - The Fight For Freedom 1762-1909 pp. 70-71

"Build up the souls and set them on fire. And make the truth shine like lightning, and let free and honest men follow it."
"Con Todos y Para Bien de Todos" by Jose Marti, Cuban Apostle for the Cuban War of Independence from Spain 1853-1895

MARTI by Antonio Espina

Photographs

20th Century

YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE - 1901-1959

MUSIC

During its years of independence, Cuba produced five ballroom dances which became popular worldwide. The fact that they became popular worldwide proves that they were outstanding. They were all very original and happy music. They are evidence of a capable, prosperous and happy people. They are the Habanera, the Mambo, the Rhumba, the Conga and the Cha-Cha.
By Lillian Martinez

RELIGION

The (Spanish Catholic) Church had many of the weaknesses of the political parties and suffered because it had not contributed at all in the fight against Spain.... During the beginning of the (Cuban) Republic, clergymen continued to be Spaniards. During Menocal's government (in Cuba) almost two thirds of clergymen in Cuba were foreigners, mostly Spaniards....
Hugh Thomas CUBA - The Fight for Freedom 1909-1958, p. 891.

SPANISH LEGACY

In general...frauds originated in the Spanish customs, since the public officials and judges were poorly paid, or had to pay so much for their appointments, that corruption was the only effective method of remuneration.
IBID. p. 961

To commit fraud did not carry a social stigma.
IBID. p. 963

(Dictator Batista) suspended the old Congress...
IBID. p. 1025

RURAL FOLKLORE

The Guajiro - The guajiro is the Cuban farmer. The guajiro is a pictouresque fellow because of his appearance and manners. He usually wears a palm tree straw hat, tanned ox leather shoes, and a machete large knife on his belt. He likes cock fights, decimas songs (ten syllable verses with guitar accompaniment), coffee and tobacco. He is shy and humble, almost always very poor, and generally is courteous and generous.

Un Catauro de Folklore Cubano
by Antonio Carbajo, p.12

English Translation of CUBA by Lillian Martinez