Cuba

Internet

Internet in Cuba has some of the lowest penetration rates in the Western hemisphere, and all content is subject to review by the . operates 118 cybercafes in the country. that operates in a "" format. The sale of computer equipment is strictly regulated. Internet access is controlled, and e-mail is closely monitored.[304]

Cuban culture is influenced by its melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa. After the 1959 revolution, the government started a national literacy campaign, offered free education to all and established rigorous sports, ballet and music programs.[305]

Music

Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known expression of Cuban culture. The central form of this music is , which has been the basis of many other musical styles like " de nuevo ritmo", , and . Rumba ("de cajón o de solar") music originated in the early Afro-Cuban culture, mixed with Hispanic elements of style. was invented in Cuba from Hispanic cordophone instruments models (the instrument is actually a fusion of elements from the Spanish guitar and lute). Other traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin, origin, or both, such as the , , and various wooden drums including the .

Popular Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed and praised widely across the world. Cuban classical music, which includes music with strong African and European influences, and features symphonic works as well as music for soloists, has received international acclaim thanks to composers like . Havana was the heart of the scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s.

During that time, grew in popularity. In 2011, the Cuban state denounced reggaeton as degenerate, directed reduced "low-profile" airplay of the genre (but did not ban it entirely) and banned the megahit Chupi Chupi by , characterizing its description of sex as "the sort which a prostitute would carry out."[309]
As well as pop, classical and rock are very popular in Cuba.

Cuisine

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of and . Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. Food rationing, which has been the norm in Cuba for the last four decades, restricts the common availability of these dishes.[310] The traditional Cuban meal is not served in courses; all food items are served at the same time.

The typical meal could consist of plantains, black beans and rice, (shredded beef), , pork with onions, and tropical fruits. Black beans and rice, referred to as (or moros for short), and plantains are staples of the Cuban diet. Many of the meat dishes are cooked slowly with light sauces. Garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves are the dominant spices.

Literature

Cuban literature began to find its voice in the early 19th century. Dominant themes of independence and freedom were exemplified by José Martí, who led the Modernist movement in Cuban literature. Writers such as and focused on literature as social protest. The poetry and novels of and have been influential. Romanticist , who wrote Everyone Dreamed of Cuba, reflects a more melancholy Cuba.[311]

was important in the movement. Writers such as , , and more recently , , , and have earned international recognition in the post-revolutionary era, though many of these writers have felt compelled to continue their work in exile due to ideological control of media by the Cuban authorities.