CUBA

The Archipelago of Cuba is formed by 4,195 islands, islets and cayos. It is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The particular long and narrow shape makes Fidel Castro's island resemble to a "crocodile".

Covering an area of 110,992 square km, Cuba is the largest island is the Antilles.

About 11,400,000 inhabitants, about a fifth living in the capital city.

The capital city is Havana. Beyond being a political and administrative centre, this city is extremely alive also from a cultural point of view. One of its main strengths is the patrimonial value represented by the well-preserved or under-restoration architectural buildings of different styles. Although a fifth of the Cuban population has decided to live here, this metropolis still conserves a human dimension.

Avana, Pinar del Rio, Varadero, Matanzas, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.

International Airport José Martí - Havana; International Airport Juan Gualberto Gomez - Varadero; International Airport Abel Santa María - Santa Clara and International Airport Frank País - Holguín.

According to the official history, the beauties of the Cuban archipelago were discovered by Christopher Columbus on the 27th of October 1942, when the Genoese navigator landed for the first time on the Caribbean island. From then on Cuba remained under the rule and the exploitation of Spain, until the military occupation carried out by the United States of America in 1898 that lasted up to 1902. But its history is full of independence struggles, the latest in time being the famous revolution leaded by the líder máximo and his men against the Government of Batista. Fidel Castro Ruz came on the scene on the 26th of July 1953 when assaulted with a bunch of men the barracks of Moncada in Santiago de Cuba aiming at putting an end to Batista's power. The attack was repelled and nearly all rebels were executed. In the first stage Fidel succeeded in escaping but then, once captured, he was exiled in the nearby Mexico. Three years later, in 1956, Castro came back to his homeland and heading a guerrilla campaign, in which the legendary Ernesto Che Guevara distinguished himself, he compelled the government troops to surrender. On the 1st of January 1959 Batista was obliged to resign and leave the country, while Fidel Castro's rebel forces entered the capital. The líder máximo is the President of the Republic of Cuba since then.

The 1st of January (Liberation Day); the 26th of July (National Rebellion Day).

As sanctioned by its Constitution, Cuba is an "independent and sovereign socialist state of workers, organized with all and for the good of all as a united and democratic republic" (Article 1) and its "power is exercised directly [by the people] or through the assemblies of People's Power" (Article 3). The Head of State is Fidel Castro Ruz.

The official language is Spanish, but you will often meet Italian-speaking people who will understand you perfectly.

Cuba is a laic country where freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed. The most widespread religions are: the Afro-Cuban religion known as Santería, Catholicism and Protestantism

Cuba is six hours behind Italy. From March to October the Daylight Saving Time is in use both in Italy and in Cuba, but not simultaneously: it may therefore happen that the time difference is five or seven hours, for just short periods though.

Italian citizens are not required to get a visa to visit Cuba for tourism purposes, for a stay of up to one month: they just need a valid passport with at least 6-month remaining validity and a tourist card (the so-called "Tarjeta de Turista").
For longer stay you may apply to the Cuban Consulate in Italy for the visa, or else extend its validity directly at the Cuban Immigration Office. It is highly recommended to keep carefully the copy of the tourist card, since it must be returned before your departure from Cuba, and to save up 25 CUC to pay the airport taxes of the return journey.

The official country's monetary unit is the Cuban peso (one Euro corresponds to approximately 28 Cuban pesos): it is used almost exclusively by the local population and its export is strictly forbidden. In recent years tourists may find and use the Cuban convertible peso (CUC), having the same value of the U.S. dollar, which has been withdrawn from circulation by the government. Indeed, a 10-% surcharge is imposed when converting U.S. dollars into pesos. Due to Euro volatile rate, it is advisable to exchange the currency if need be. This transaction may be carried out both in banks and in good-class hotels.ù

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

Credit cards are accepted in tourist shops and in almost all hotels, on condition that they have not been issued by U.S. banks or bank branches. Exchanging a 100-Euro note is a quite difficult operation almost everywhere: the best solution is to refer to a bank but be prepared for long queuing and do not forget to bring your passport with you. Cash withdrawal is possible via the main credit cards.

No vaccinations are required to visit Cuba. Due to the trade embargo imposed on the country it is rather hard finding medicines: it is therefore advisable to bring a small but well equipped travelling pharmacy. Do not forget mosquito repellents. Avoid drinking tap water.

Its subtropical position makes Cuba an excellent destination in any period of the year. The climate may be generally divided into two seasons: the so-called warm season, from May to October, and the dry season, from November to April. Average temperatures range from 27 to 35° C in the warmest months (July and August), and from 20 to 30° C in the coldest period (January and February). Rainfalls are rather abundant during the months of August, September and October, and sometimes their copiousness may be sign of terrible hurricanes. A sweater may be useful in case of cool evenings or to protect oneself in air conditioned places.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

If you cannot do without technology, provide yourselves with adaptors and transformer at home, since you hardly find them locally. The voltage in Cuba is 110/230 and flat blade plugs are required. In good-class hotels you may use the 220-volt current.

Calling from Cuba is rather simple: all cities do have a phone centre where to buy telephone cards. To call Italy from Cuba dial 119 followed by the country code for Italy 39, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Milan from Cuba just dial 119 39 02 35 .... ; to call a mobile phone number from Cuba just dial 119 39 335 21 ...).
Also mobile phones work perfectly in the whole country: it is advisable to get informed about costs and coverage before the departure, even though the signal is indeed present on the whole island, especially in tourist areas and in big cities. Hotel phone service is very expensive so try to avoid it. There are good news for virtual navigators, too: nearly all important hotels in Cuba are equipped with internet points - some of them even with fast connections - that will enable you to check or send e-mails. Recently several public internet access points have been set up as well.
To call Cuba from Italy, dial the country code for Cuba 0053, followed by the area code without 0 and then the number you wish to call.

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make on-the-road amateur videos. On the contrary, it is highly forbidden to do it in specific areas, usually the military ones such as barracks, police stations, etc. Cubans usually do love being photographed: as in any other country, it is anyway advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

Airports, shops, hotels and local markets give you the possibility to buy typical handicraft souvenirs, rum, cigars, coffee and excellent music. Rum quality is one of the best worldwide, while cigars are absolutely the most prestigious (Cohiba Lanceros, Montecristo, Julieta y Romeo). As to local market, do not miss the one taking place in the capital city, n Plaza de la Catedral, where you will be offered from wooden articles to Che Guevara posters, from musical instruments to ceramic handicraft.

Even being influenced by the Spanish and African tastes, the Cuban cuisine still maintains a distinctive character. Local gastronomy is simple and tasty at the same time, mainly based on pork (cerdo) or chicken meat, rice (arroz), beans (frijoles), fish (pescado), yuca and corn. The cocina criolla (criollo cooking, where the term criollo stands for Creole) is a fusion of native, Spanish and African cultures, and offers dainty and genuine dishes. The most common Cuban dishes are meat, fish, rice, beans and potatoes. As to pescado prawns and lobsters, just to make a few examples, are a real specialty here, usually served boiled, grilled or fried, with sauces and fried bananas (platanos): a real deliciousness. But other local dishes are remarkable too such as: ajiaco typically containing meat, vegetables, bananas, sweet potatoes and corn, cerdo asado i.e. roast pork, and picadillo de ternera i.e. meat sauce. Moreover, sipping a mojito underneath a palm tree will be a unique experience: beyond being perfect as an aperitif, this famous cocktail is just right also as matching drink to succulent courses. It is also advisable to try the desserts and the several tropical fruits: mangos, coconuts, papayas, bananas and guavas.

The economic poverty of the people is counterbalanced by an incomparable musical richness: just a few beats on a drum produce an unique energy, and rhythm can be breathed in the air. Nowadays Cuban performers are famous all over the world. Wim Wenders's documentary movie "Buena Vista Social Club" gave some big artists new life and fame: Ibrahim Ferrer, Ruben Gonzalez, Pio Leiva, Omara Portuondo, Orlando Lopez and Compay Segundo. After the success gained by the old players, it is now time for the new generation to bring the Cuban music at the top of the international music charts. The rich heritage of these big artists continues with the newly recorded "Buena Vista: the Next Generation", courtesy of their descendants and offspring. Another internationally known artist is the charismatic Augusto Enriquez, who took part with Luciano Pavarotti to an edition of the "Pavarotti & Friends" concert. The charming son cubano is well represented by the "Soneros de Verdad", a band formed by some celebrated Cuban stars aiming at handing down this music tradition through the new Cuban artists, thus resulting in a fusion of past and present (as for example combining the legendary voice of Pio Leiva with that of the young Luis Frank). After the big success obtained by the previous albums - A Buena Vista:Barrio de la Habana and Soneros de Verdad presents Pio Leiva - the twelve songs included in the new collection El run de los Soneros present a positive charge created by the mix of son, bolero, guajira and mambo. If you want to make a nice present to your future Cuban friends, bring some CDs of Jovanotti, Eros Ramazzotti, Laura Pausini, 883, Nek and Gianluca Grignani with you: they will be grateful for ever.

Having fun in Cuba is something really natural. Cubans love fun, and you will be simply overwhelmed by their energy. The endless nights in Havana offer you several possibilities. The nightclubs frequented by tourists particularly attract hordes of Cubans who hope to sponge an entry, always in a pleasant way. The nightlife of the charming capital city will conquer you straight away.

 
source www.cuba-si.it
 
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
"BENNY MORE"
Cienfuegos: 21ST - 24TH September 2007
Info
E-mail: alexisv@icm.cu
Web: www.paradiso.cu

XXII FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Havana: 1st - 10th October 2007
Info
E-mail: teregav@cubarte.cult.cu
Web: www.paradiso.cu

HAVANA INTERNATIONAL FAIR
Havana: 05th - 10th November 2007
Info
E-mail: solymed@yahoo.com

XIX° INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF NEW
LATIN AMERICAN CINEMA
Havana: 4th - 14th December 2007
Info
E-mail: presidencia@festival.icaic.cu

"PARRANDAS DE REMEDIOS" FEAST
Remedios: 24th - 25th December 2007
Info
E-mail: dmcre@cenit.cult.cu

.. Cuba has its own Christ, too ? This twenty-metre high statue with a weight of 320 tons blesses the city from the other part of port (with respect to the Old Havana). Carved from Carrara marble by the Cuban sculptress Jilma Madera, it was supposedly commissioned by Batista's wife due to a vow taken in her youth, and was unveiled on the 25th of December 1958. In Latin America the Cuban Christ is second only to the most famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. The view from here is breath-taking: the statue dominates the whole bay, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Morro Castle, from the Cabaña Fortress to the nice town of Casablanca, from Old Havana to the skyscrapers of Vedado. You may reach it both by car and by ferry-boat from then port.

1) Old Havana (Unesco World Heritage site since 1982) and its books and handicrafts markets
2) Morro Castle and the Fortress of San Carlo de la Cabana (Havana)
3) The Great Theatre of Havana, the oldest theatre in America still in use (Havana)
4) The Chinese cemetery (Havana)
5) The beach of Varadero
6) The Bay of Pigs, made famous by the invasion in 1961(Varadero)
7) Trinidad, Unesco World Heritage and museum city
8) The Monument in honour of Ernesto Che Guevara and his grave
9) Remedios, a city representing the first example of colonial architecture
10) Gibara, the small city named "River of the Oceans" by Christopher Columbus.

1) Havana - In the nautical centre of Marina Tarará, a few kilometres far from the capital, it is possible to dive and take part to fishing competitions
2) Santa Lucia - Off the coast of this tourist destination there is a big coral reef with 34 diving points. If you are lucky enough, beyond the natural beauties you will have the chance to admire one of the many submerged wreckages
3) Varadero - This resort town offers more than 25 diving points, the most famous and suggestive of which being the Undersea Park of Cayos Piedras del Norte
4) Maria La Gorda (Pinar del Rio) - The diving international centre offers up to 50 diving points and snorkelling opportunities.
5) Havana - Cayo Levisa (Playas del Este) - This is the ideal place for sport fishing, with excellent services for all those who love this sport, both experts and beginners.

- Tips - Tips are not compulsory and generally no service percentage is included in restaurant bills. Beyond being highly appreciated, tipping any person providing a service is quite a common habit. Sometimes just a few CUCs are enough.

- Safety - There are no real dangers in Cuba. As to crime, this Caribbean islands is regarded as the safest destination in Latin America. If you want to have a swim, it is nevertheless advisable not to leave your personal effects unattended. Pay attention to the several cheats you will meet in the streets, the so-called jineteros who will try to sell you cigars, rum, or just a guided tour: they are usually harmless though.

- Taxi - There are several types of taxis, but you have better take those equipped with taximeter, as they have an official tariff and may leave a receipt on demand. The taxi service by classic cars is performed just for Cubans: it is advisable not to use it, as drivers have no licence to carry tourist and may run the risk of being fined.

TOURIST OFFICE OF CUBA IN ITALY
Via Fara, 30 - Milan - Italy
Phone: 0039 02 6698 1463
www.cuba-si.it

5 Avenida n. 402 - esq. Calle 4, Miramar - Playa, Ciudad de La Habana - Cuba
Phone : 0053 7 2045 615
Fax: 0053 7 2045 659/2045 661 (Consular)
www.amblavana.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Lavana

EMBASSY OF CUBA IN ROME
via Licinia, 7 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 5717 241
Fax: 0039 06 6578 2032
www.ambasciatacuba.com