Christmas in Cuba is celebrated for the last 3 years. Cuba officially became an atheist nation in 1962. Christmas holiday was celebrated until 1969, when Fidel Castro decided it was interfering with the sugar harvest. Accordingly, it was dropped from the Cuban calendar of holidays in 1969 as the island strove for a record sugar harvest. When Columbus landed in Baracoa in 1492, he brought with him European customs, rituals and beliefs. The origination of Roman Catholicism into Cuba by the Spanish transformed Cuba into a Christian nation. Jose Marti exhorted the people of Key West for “Cuba Libre”at San Carlos, Christmas Day, 1891. With the consent of Pope John Paul II, Cuba allowed Christmas to be celebrated provisionally in 1997 and officially in 1998.
CHRISTMAS EVE IN CUBA
Prior to 1969, the people celebrated Christmas Eve (December 24th) in Cuba with an exquisite meal accompanied by danzon music, “La Noche Buena”. This meal includes a pit-roasted whole pig flavored with mojo, yucca, rice and black beans, plantains, Spanish apple cider and wine. Desserts included flan, turrones, nuts and dates. After the meal, family members attend a local Midnight Mass together to celebrate the birth of Jesus by the placement of baby Jesus into an empty manger as life size statues of Mary and Joseph awaited. Cuban Christmas is spent visiting relatives and friends. On January 6th, the "Three Kings" of the Magi presented gifts for the children in celebration of the Epiphany. "Feliz Navidad", a cheerful greeting is sung by the choir.
So, the next time you visit Cuba do not forget to be a part of the Christmas celebration in Cuba.
