Cuba gained independence from the United States in the late 19th century after a fight for freedom. In the 20th century, Cuba had its first elected president but later fell under the control of dictators Fulgencio Batista and then Fidel Castro. Catholicism is the dominant religion in Cuba but African and indigenous beliefs are also practiced. Typical Cuban cuisine features rice, beans, and tropical fruits that reflect the cultural influences of Spain and West Africa.

1. Cuba The birthplace of Dezi Arnaz Better known as Ricky Ricardo on “I Love Lucy” By Bonnie Hamlett

2. History Cuba was first taken over by the United States and slavery started there, when Cubans fought for their independence in 1886 they finally won Slavery was demolished and in the beginning of the 20 th century Cuba’s first president was elected When Bastista became dictator in 1942 he took control until being conquered by Castro When Bastista was out of office Castro took back all his promises of independence and became Cuba’s new dictator He has remained dictator until giving power over to his son in 2006

3. The Flag The blue strips represent the old divisions of Cuba and the white strips represent purity of independence The color red represents the bloodshed during the fight for independence and the triangle represents liberty and equality The star represents freedom and is called La Estrella Solitaria or The Lone Star

4. Religion Religions- Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah’s Witness, Jewish, Santeria, Afrocuban The Afrocuban religion came from the descendants of African slaves in Cuba who later combined the Catholic religion with African beliefs Some churches celebrate Christian holidays but most people do not celebrate holidays concerning religion and there are no holy sites in Cuba except a few churches in Santiago and Havana Most Cubans do not have an afterlife in their religions and funerals are a time to remember the deceased for what they accomplished in life and a time for happiness instead of sadness

5. Foods Spain and Africa are biggest influences in foods Plantains are eaten with almost every meal and is made with rice and black beans fried in oil Almost every meal consists of fried chicken or fried chicken and pork Beefs and seafood are rarely eaten although lobster has become endangered there because of its popularity Desserts include flan, helado (ice cream), chu, (pastries filed with meringue), churrizo, and galletas (sweet biscuits) Spices are barely used in dishes Breakfast is usually a pancake or pie with or without meat in it Because of food shortages there some foods are more scarce then others

6. Extra Facts Main Language- Spanish No official religion Popular sports are baseball, boxing, and track and field The US has put an embargo on Cuba which stops all trade with the country and the US and Cuba have been on rough terms with each other ever since

7. Credits http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Cuba/Cuban-Sports-Guide:-Popular-Sports-in-Cuba/263 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Cuba.html http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Cuba-history.htm http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/cuba-facts/ http://www.havanacubatravel.com/geographyagriculturelandscape.html http://www.qq33.org/category/travel/page/37/