If you think you know everything about Cuba, get ready to be surprised! In this article, I’ll reveal 5 curious facts about Cuba that you probably never imagined, allowing you to discover an unknown side of this fascinating island.

Cuba is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, traditions, and incredible music scene.
With 109,884 square kilometers, it is the largest island in the Caribbean. Thanks to its size, its coastline stretches over 5,600 miles, with more than 200 bays and 250 beaches!

…Okay, okay, after these geography textbook facts, let’s get back to the fun and quirky things I promised in the title!

Whether you’re planning to visit or simply brushing up on your knowledge, there’s much more to this sunny paradise of cigars, salsa, and Fidel Castro. Here are seven curious facts about Cuba.

1. Christmas Banned by the State

At the height of Castro’s communist regime, the state operated as an atheist government. In 1969, Castro officially abolished Christmas, and for 30 years it was not recognized as an official holiday. During this period, Christmas was referred to as “Las Navidades Silenciadas” (The “Silenced” Christmas). Definitely one of the quirky facts about Cuba!

After Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Havana, Christmas celebrations resumed, as mentioned in this 1998 article.

3. Domino: The Popular Game

While in Italy it’s common to find people playing card games (like Scopa, Tressette, Briscola), in Cuba, there are countless stone tables lining the streets, where groups of four challenge each other to a game of Domino.

I found myself playing this game, which I hadn’t seen in at least twenty years, right in the streets of Havana Centro! And guess what? I even won!

4. Santería: The Popular Religion

Cuban culture and African culture remain deeply intertwined to this day. During the colonial era, thousands of African slaves were brought to the Caribbean to work on plantations. Upon arrival in the colonies, these newcomers brought their rituals and beliefs with them. Over time, these beliefs mixed with Christianity, giving birth to Cuban Santería, Haitian Voodoo, and, in Brazil, Candomblé and Macumba.

So, what exactly is Santería? It’s more than just a religion—it’s a system of magical practices, a philosophy, and a way of life. A fundamental aspect of Cuban culture, it blends Yoruba faith and Catholicism.
For more detailed information, I recommend this article about Santería, but personally, I suggest you ask a Cuban “abuelita” (grandmother) to explain it to you when you visit!

5. Cuba and Literacy

Among the curious facts about Cuba is the country’s literacy rate. With an impressive 99.8%, Cuba boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the world. After the revolution, Castro launched the Cuban Literacy Campaign to eliminate illiteracy and make education accessible to all, especially marginalized groups. To this day, it’s considered a significant success.

6. UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on

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