Cultural Connections in Cuba

Cuba, like many other Caribbean islands, is a prime example of how different ethnic groups sharing their cultures and everyday life with one another can form new, yet familiar traditions. Because of the colonization of Spaniards who in turn brought African slaves to work on local plantations on the islands, the continuous interactions between the indigenous Cubans, Spanish, and Africans for the next couple of centuries resulted in the blending of traditions between the three ethnicities. While this can be seen in some of Cuba’s music and religious beliefs, a great place to look at for these cultural connections is through Cuba’s food.

An obvious thing to note about most Cuban dishes is how they use indigenous ingredients in a majority of their meals. As Amigo Foods mentions, “the use of honey, chocolate, and annatto seeds are heavily borrowed from the neighboring Caribbean countries and the African eating habits”(Amigo Friends).  The incorporations of these items not only reflect the indigenous people’s use of those fruits but also the African people’s ways of eating said foods. Not does the food themselves have meanings that have intercultural connections but also their names can as well. Because the Spanish were some of the first people to colonize and eventually rule over the island, many Cuban cuisines have Spanish names such as “Arroz con frijoles” and “Arroz con pollo”. Even the food items named have roots to African dishes Amigo Foods also mentioned how “Many interesting food ingredients such as the Guinea chicken, malanga, and plantain came to Cuba when the African slaves were brought into the colony.” (Amigo Friends) This just shows how each ethnic group has had a profound impact on modern Cuban dishes, whether it be what is used in the dish, to how it is prepared, to even just the naming of different meals.

Sources:

Amigofoods, and AmigofoodsOur blog is all about sharing our love of Latin American foods & drinks. We will bring you articles and recipes of the very best Latin American & Spanish cuisine. Amigofoods was founded in 2003 and is the largest online grocery store offering a . “Cuban Food – What Is It, Its History & 4 Traditional Dishes .” Amigofoods, 4 Mar. 2021, blog.amigofoods.com/index.php/cuban-foods/cuban-food-history-dishes/.

Rodriguez, Hector. “History and Staples of Cuban Cuisine.” The Spruce Eats, www.thespruceeats.com/cuban-food-profile-2137859.