13 Myths and Misconceptions about Cuba – DEBUNKED

ByKay

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What is Cuba like?

If you’ve never been to Cuba, think of all the things you’ve ever heard about it. How many of those things do you think are true? How many do you think are rumors, theories, generalizations, straight up lies or misconceptions about Cuba?

Before I went to Cuba, I’ll be honest. I knew virtually nothing. I can count on one hand the number of ACTUAL facts I knew about Cuba. 1 – it was an island. 2 – it was in the Caribbean.

DATS IT.

I haven’t been everywhere in the world, but I doubt there is a country quite like Cuba. I never pay too much attention to Instagram when I’m picking a place to visit. Typically, I don’t go somewhere because it’s a popular destination or because it would be ‘good for the blog’, but I have noticed a trend. Cuba travelers take SO many stunning pictures of the architecture, the beaches, the women smoking cigars, and of course the classic cars. But all of those pictures are accompanied with pleasant captions like “I can’t wait to go back”. Or “Everyone is so happy and friendly #grateful.” Or “It’s a charming country trapped in the 1950s!” But none of that told me anything!

And none of it prepared me for what Cuba was actually like.

After my trip, I’ve gotten a number of questions about Cuba. Questions like “is the food good? Is everyone poor? Is Cuba safe?!” Some of those, I can answer from my experience. But they also asked questions that I am not exactly qualified to answer liiiiike – Why does Cuba isolate itself from the rest of the world (clearly an American asked this). WHAT RACE ARE CUBANS??!” First of all, I don’t know. Two, just because I visited (and learned a lot about Cuba) doesn’t mean that I really understand what it means to live in Cuba. Or even what it’s like to be Cuban.

So I found the only qualified person who can accurately answer these questions and misconceptions about Cuba. Someone who is Cuban.

Everyone, meet Marissa!

mimaincuba
The multi-talented and super fun Marissa – @mimaincuba on Instagram!

She is from Cuba and currently lives and works in Havana. On Instagram, her handle is @mimaincuba. She was super ecstatic to share her side of home and debunk some of those myths and misconceptions about Cuba. I’ve compiled some of the most common questions I’ve received about Cuba and Marissa is gonna give you guys the REAL scoop. I’m just here for personal anecdotes, irrelevant facts I learned, and silly commentary. Yanno, my usual self.

cuba art
i was so sweaty my butt was sticking to the bench – @theawkwardtraveller on Instagram

Let’s get to the bottom of these! You ready Marissa? First up!

1. Is Cuba safe?

 
Marissa: Cuba is by far one of the safest countries in the world. Children are playing on the streets for hours, neighbors are looking out for each other, and nighttime is either quiet or filled with music.  However, like anywhere you go, tourists must be cautious and not leave things behind. Petty theft does happen but violent crimes are pretty rare.
Kay: Ditto ditto ditto to everything Marissa said! One of the safest countries I’ve ever visited – including my own country. As long as you’re respectful and observant, you should be okay. But you won’t need your crazy spidey senses to survive here. However, as with anywhere, unfortunate things can happen so don’t sue me.
walking tour of havana
No sonic attacks in sight

2. Do all Cubans know how to dance salsa? 

Marissa: Cuban Salsa dancing was created in Cuba so it’s no wonder this question is on the list. In Cuba we call it “casino”. Most Cubans do know how to dance casino but that doesn’t mean they’re good at it. Generationally speaking, young Cubans often don’t know how to dance at all.  It’s a dying genre and the once very (very!) popular casino has now been replaced by cubaton, or Cuban-reggaeton.

palace cienfuegos
Marissa about to lay down some sick moves
salsa cuban
Meanwhile, the live band – not pictured but just out of shot – hit the drums every time I ran into one of those chairs

3. Is the food terrible in Cuba?

Marissa:  Havana is undergoing their next big revolution but instead of politics, it’s gastronomy.   Ever since Raul Castro has allowed small businesses to operate only just 6 years ago, it has completely changed the food scene. While I wouldn’t say there’s a Michelin 3-Star coming any time soon, the food can be pretty tasty!  I probably wouldn’t deviate too much outside Cuban food/ Cuban fusion but the food is very good if you know the right spots!

cuban food
Marissa has THE HOOKUP on the best cheap eats in Havana! Like this delicious fricase de pollo for only 1.15CUC!
misconceptions about cuba
whatever this was called, it was delicious

Kay: As a tourist….this is definitely one of the things I had heard. But, after MUCH trial and error, I found some really good spots throughout the country! Keep an eye out for those small businesses and Marissa is right. Avoid randomly placed exotic (to Cuba) cuisine. Also, if you are staying at a casa particular (which you should!!), you gotta opt in for the breakfast. IT WILL BE THE BEST BREAKFAST EVER. I still crave my host’s home squeezed guava juice and the fresh plantain chips. In fact, it’s always a safe bet to eat with your hosts.

4. What religion is Cuba?

 
Marissa: Cuba does not have a religion. Fidel Castro closed down many churches and religious acts years ago but they have since been allowed. Many Cubans are agnostic. The big religious groups are Catholics and those that practice Santeria.
 
myths about cuba
If you see people dressed in all white, head to toe, that is someone practicing Santeria

5. Are Cubans educated? Are there schools and universities on the island?

Marissa: Cubans are the most highly educated demographics in Latin America. Per capita, Cuba has more doctors and people with PhDs as well.  Education is provided by the state at no upfront cost and it is mandatory for every Cuban to complete high school.  So, yes. There’s definitely schools and universities on the island.

cuban universities
Marissa, being A BOSS and navigating around the Cuban internet hassle

Kay: Fun fact alert! Uniform colors are determined by the grade level of the student. It’s uniform (no pun intended) across the country!

6. Is Cuba losing its charm with all of the tourism? 

 
Marissa: No I don’t think so at all. “Charm” is a relative word that’s almost always defined by the most known things of that culture. What I mean is that Mexico is known for its mariachis, just like Cuba is known for its old cars.  As long as tourism keeps coming and keeps wanting those old car rides, trust me, they are staying.  It’s important to note that change and tourism on the island doesn’t mean identity is lost. Identity is constantly redefined and molded while generally having a foundation. This happens in all cultures and in all places.
 
plaza de la revolucion
Don’t let the silly notion of a place getting “too touristy” or the fear of it “losing its charm” deter you from visiting Cuba! Also, tourism has been big in Cuba for a WHIIILEE. This isn’t some sudden shift.
 

7. Are tourists allowed to use CUP?

Marissa: Yes, tourists can use CUP. And Cuban citizens can use CUC. Tourists can only take out CUC in the bank but that doesn’t mean you can’t use CUP. I have no idea who started that ridiculous rumor.
 

8. Is Cuba cheap?

Marissa: Cuba is not your typical “poor” Latin American travel destination.  It’s hard to really understand and explain to people that just because Cubans make on average $25 a month, that doesn’t mean the Cuban market reacts to those prices. Many things are extremely overpriced and comparable to USA prices. This makes it very difficult to acquire new things. Cubans constantly find new ways everyday to make more income to support themselves.

budget cuba

Kay: No. It’s not cheap. Well, at least not in the way you are thinking. If you’re American, NO, the USD will grant you millions in CUC. It’s practically the same value. If you REALLY WANT TO, you can budget and make your trip cheaper. But, in general, I also felt the prices were comparable to the United States. Sometimes it was even more. LIKE PAYING 25CUC FOR SOME SUNSCREEN. Lesson of the day. Bring your own sunscreen. Also, plan out in advance how much money you will need. Calculate the cost of your tours and food expenses. Set aside money for souvenirs and trinkets and tips. Be money smart – because your credit card can’t bail you out here. That is NOT one of the false misconceptions about Cuba. Cash is definitely king.

 

9. Are Cubans white? Are they black?? Or Hispanic? What are they?

cuban girl
 
Marissa: Being “Cuban” or even “Hispanic” is not a race.  There are many races in Latin America, and in Cuba.  We are a mix of white, black, mulattos, and Asian. The colonization, globalization, and immigration of Cuba came from Spain, Africa (slaves), and China (socialist integration). It makes us mixed in all different ways! My family is blond hair blue eyed and my neighbors are black.  That’s Cuba for you!
 

10. Do Cubans hate Americans? 

Marissa: Absolutely not!!!! Cubans LOVE Americans.  You’ll often hear Cubans responding to Americans by all the towns and states they know or where their cousin lives.  Unfortunately, because of politics, that stereotype was created, but it couldn’t be further from the truth! Cubans understand that politics are different than people. I encourage every American to take the 90 mile jump.

do cubans hate americans

Kay: As an American, I experienced absolutely zero hate or animosity during my trip.

11. Are Cubans allowed to travel?

 
Marissa: Yes, technically Cubans are allowed to travel as long as they have a passport and visa permission from their destination.  As a Cuban-citizen, travel to other countries is largely not accessible like they are to Americans and other Western countries. Cuban citizens have to pass visa requirements, applications, and interviews. For that, it makes travel extremely difficult for Cubans to just pack up our bags and leave. In fact, that’s how most of the world (minus first-world nations) work.
 
el nicho tour
Traveling as a Cuban citizen isnt easy, but you dont have to leave the country for beautiful waterfalls like these!
 

12. What are the most common Cuban traditions? 

 
Marissa: Some common Cuban traditions during the holidays are burning a homemade “man” made of newspapers during the countdown to the new year to rid the “trash” of the previous year.  We also throw a bucket of water out on the street as well. Why? Who knows!
 
colorful cuba
We all have our quirky traditions. Gotta love culture and tradition, eh?
 

13. What does being Cuban mean to you? 

Marissa: Being Cuban means having a deep sense of identity to a part of the world that breathes passion and energy. It means knowing how to struggle through efficiency and appreciate everything we have. It means knowing our past doesn’t define our future. Being Cuban means knowing that future is patiently coming…. even if we’re waiting in 1950s cars.