African slaves not only influenced traditional Cuban cuisine with their food but their influence on music was equally important, as many of the rhythms and dances enjoyed on the island today have deep African roots.
A bit of history
African folklore in food and music permeated Cuban tradition so deeply that many people even confuse them.
Additionally, the indigenous and African populations found a privileged relationship due to their shared condition of "subordinates," which fostered a very intense and continuous cultural exchange, leading both to adopt each other's traditional celebrations.
Later on, gradually, the Creole population and the upper classes, who were already forging a national identity, began to disdain strictly Spanish culinary and musical influences in favor of the food that Cuban cooks prepared for their own families, using more native ingredients.
Sugar Cane Juice
Sugar cane juice is a refreshing and natural drink, popular in Cuba. It is made by extracting the juice from sugar cane using special mills. A delicious option to enjoy on warm summer days.
Also, at their gatherings, the lively Afro-Cuban rhythms began to take hold, allowing us today to enjoy a marvelous heritage of national music and food that, hand in hand, make up the delights for the palate and the ear of the country, so intimately linked.
In January 1898, Cuba achieved political autonomy, celebrated publicly with a carefully Cuban menu, thus cuisine transcending social classes entirely and becoming a matter of absolute nationality. In Cuba, a variety of musical styles was developed, such as salsa, danzón, guaracha, the widely acclaimed Cuban son, the cha-cha-chá, and troubadour music.
Traditional food of Cuban celebrations
One of the most important celebrations for Cubans is Christmas Eve. The tradition involves the family gathering around a table overflowing with calorie-rich foods, preferably fried. The star dish at this Cuban feast, unlike the traditional baked turkey in the rest of America, is roast pork or suckling pig cooked on a spit over a slow fire to stay juicy.
On this date, dishes commonly found on other traditional Cuban tables are also served, such as the essential black beans or 'sleeping beans' – international representatives of the island's cuisine -, rice, roast pork with Creole mojo sauce, fresh salad, cassava, various desserts of Spanish heritage such as nougat and egg yolk candies, among many others.
In addition to Christmas, Cubans find any excuse to party. With such a rich heritage of tradition, music, and gastronomy, one must take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy Caribbean life.
Cuban Cheese Cream
Cuban cheese cream is a delicious recipe that combines the essence of Italian cuisine with a Caribbean touch. We invite you to try it and enjoy its unique flavor.
A Christian community
Today, the majority of the Cuban community is Christian, but, ever since the Spanish conquest brought the patron saint festivities along with evangelization, many sacred days of the Catholic calendar continue to be celebrated, as their particular taste and worship for Santeria have integrated well into the culture.
The well-known 'Guateque,' which is synonymous with a wild party in itself, is a rural celebration that has survived centuries of modernization intact.
The 'Changuí' is a similar celebration held in the province of Guantanamo. From the Spanish colonialists, the tradition of carnival also endures, with the most important ones being the Santiago de Cuba Carnival, the Camagüey Carnival, and the internationally renowned Havana Carnival.
From the African black slaves, 'drum dances' and hundreds of local celebrations related to Santeria and Yoruba tradition endure. As we have already mentioned, these are parties characterized by dance and, of course, food not only must be present to replenish energy and keep dancing, but also because, along with the music, it represents the history, joy, and magic of the Cuban people.
Fried pork chunks with tacamara
Fried pork chunks with tacamara, a delicious regional specialty that has transcended borders. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a true culinary gem, perfect for enjoying with family or friends. A real treasure of our gastronomy.
