Catcalling in Cuba

by letygoeson17, May, 2021Non categorizzato

Catcalling in Cuba is a widespread habit, especially directed at tourists, often perceived locally as flattery or a compliment. However, this phenomenon raises cultural and respect-related questions about women’s experiences.

From the first evening in Havana, we quickly noticed how different local customs were from our own. The streets come alive with people gathering to chat, calling out to friends with loud shouts, and enjoying each other’s company. Bars, mostly empty, fill the air with music that blends with the sound of laughter and conversations, while most people prefer to buy drinks and enjoy them outdoors, sitting on sidewalks that are far from pristine. The atmosphere is lively, cheerful, and almost magical in its simplicity.

Despite the limited public lighting in some areas, there’s no sense of danger. Every 50 meters or so, a police officer stands ready to intervene, creating a sense of calm and safety for anyone walking the streets, even at night.

Let me share a particular aspect of Cuban culture, which I also mentioned in my article “Things to Know Before Traveling to Cuba” under the chapter “The Cuban People”—Catcalling.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

My Experience with Catcalling in Cuba

On our first night, we noticed the distinctiveness of local customs: people gather on the streets to chat, call out loudly to friends in the distance, and bars—though nearly empty—fill the air with their music. Most people buy drinks to share while sitting on uneven sidewalks. It’s all very characteristic and joyful. Despite areas with limited public lighting, the streets feel safe, thanks to police officers stationed every 50 meters.

However, the next day revealed a less pleasant side of life in Cuba: catcalling—a deeply ingrained practice that knows no limits of time or age. Unlike in other parts of the world, where this behavior is often associated with young men, here, men of all ages, from their 20s to their 70s, engage in comments, whistles, and remarks directed at women.

At first, we interpreted these comments as mere playful banter. Phrases like “Qué linda!” (translating to “How beautiful!”) seemed harmless enough, but their tone and accompanying stares suggested otherwise. Whistles, blown kisses, and even attempts to block our path to grab our attention followed. No strategy worked to avoid them—whether ignoring them, looking down, pretending to be deep in conversation, or even dressing more conservatively. It was impossible to go unnoticed.

Another confusing aspect was the unclear purpose of this “game.” Based on our varied responses, we noticed a pattern: if our reaction wasn’t a total shutdown, the catcaller would persist, sometimes following us to offer unsolicited “services,” hoping for a reward—be it a drink or, more blatantly, money.

For instance, one man gave us helpful directions and, before we realized it, was accompanying us to our destination. Upon arrival, he demanded we buy him a drink. Although a couple of CUC wouldn’t have made much difference, the experience was uncomfortable, and his approach felt imposed.

That said, there was never more than this. There was no physical contact, and, to be clear, we never felt in danger during our stay in Havana.

A Getaway to Varadero

Exhausted from the relentless attention, we decided to escape to Varadero, a tourist hub with all-inclusive resorts and predominantly European and Canadian visitors. The atmosphere was completely different. For two days, we enjoyed peace, far from Havana’s incessant catcalling.

Returning to Havana and the Final Experience

Back in the city, while strolling through the picturesque Cathedral Square, something unexpected happened. As we ignored yet another whistle and comment, a Cuban woman stopped us to scold us: “How rude. That young man just gave you a compliment. You could at least thank him!” We were stunned.

This moment made us realize how normalized catcalling is in Cuban culture, even seen as a positive gesture or a sign of politeness.

Reflections on Catcalling

When I experienced this in 2016, the term catcalling wasn’t as prominent in public discourse as it is today. Now, it’s more clearly recognized as oppressive: not just a “compliment,” but verbal harassment that can make someone feel uncomfortable, dictate their clothing choices, and limit their sense of freedom in public spaces.

In Cuba, however, catcalling is so ingrained in the culture that even local women, accustomed to it, often interpret it as a sign of appreciation. For us, it was exhausting and difficult to endure for ten consecutive days.

Advice for Women Visiting Cuba

If traveling alone, wear headphones and sunglasses to make ignoring catcallers easier. If with a friend, keep walking and talking together, completely ignoring them. Avoid making eye contact, as it might be interpreted as encouragement. Once they start talking to you, it can be hard to get them to leave you alone.