Havana Essay

The Wonders of Havana

Amidst the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean lies the alluring capital of Cuba known as Havana. The city is surrounded by multiple harbors, inlets, and inhabits many fishing villages, colonial architecture, lush mangrove forests, limestone caves, beautiful beaches, emerald lagoons, sea cliffs, and coral reefs (Crooker, 9). The distinct culture that lives within the city thrives in the unmistakable music and dance styles that are immensely cherished throughout Havana. This is one of Cuba’s oldest cities discovered during the 1500’s by Spanish explorers (Crooker, 36). The lively city is the center of commerce, industry, culture and politics; without Havana, Cuba would not be the same.

Havana was not always

the capital of Cuba. Although, the Spanish explorer, Diego de Velázquez, discovered the unique city in 1514 it was not named the capital until 1607 (Crooker, 35). The switch between former capital, known as Santiago, and Havana created negative effects: the conditions in Eastern Cuba worsened, Havana isolated the former capital, and reduced commerce. The negative effects predominantly affected Santiago and little damage was done to Havana. Even though the transition was rough, Havana and it’s multiple harbours that bring commerce to the city makes it the ideal place for a capital. It’s location made the logical stopover point for voyages to Spain by Europeans. In result of this, Havana became the center of all maritime activity.
The city, known for their serviceable harbours and inlets, is the number one fishing port in Cuba.

Havana is divided into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guasabacoa, and Atarés (Goodsell). The fishing industry in Havana is an essential facet of the economy. However, the fishing industry is not the only industry that is important to Havana. The fertile limestone soil allows the farming industry in Havana to prevail as well. This allows Havana to export many agricultural products: fruits, tobacco, sugar, etc. These natural resources are distributed globally especially in places unable to grow agriculture products. Without these vital industries, Havana would not compare to what it is

today.
The distinctive culture that shapes the city of Havana captivates every visitor who sets foot there. The crown jewel of Havana’s culture is the music and dance. Cuban music and dance styles are claimed to be “the soul” of the culture in Havana, as well as Cuba itself (Crooker, 60). Besides music and dance, there are many other pastimes that Cubans in Havana engage their time into. The official pastime of Cuba is baseball. This is a very popular sport throughout all of Cuba, including Havana. There are many professional baseball players that originated from Cuba: Jose Abreu, José D. Fernández, Yasiel Puig, etc.
Another aspect of Havana’s culture is religion.

Seeing as the city was discovered by the Spaniards, many people make the assumption that the city is of the Catholic religion; this is not entirely true. When Fidel Castro, dictator of Cuba, came to power, he tried to discourage religion throughout the country. Castro exiled 90% of Catholics by 1965 (Crooker, 58). Today the main religions are Catholicism, Christianity, and small African religions (Crooker, 59). Although Castro wanted the country to become non-religious, the population continued to follow catholicism against Castro’s will because majority felt that this was an important aspect of their cultural

history.
Havana, much like many cities, has endured many changes throughout the years. Havana is still the largest city in Cuba. The population is also one of the largest in Cuba. Havana is beginning to become overcrowded creating poverty throughout the city. In result of the overcrowdedness, the once beautiful city now is in a grimy condition.
Under all of the trash, still lies the lively, unique, and unmistakable Havana. The streets of the city still scream with Cuban culture and historical architecture. The three main Harbours hold the key to the most important industry in Havana. The location and geographic features of Havana enables it to bring worldwide commerce to the city. Havana has withstood many changes, but the culture, commerce, industries, and politics that live within the city, will continue to grow.