CUBA FOR GROUPS DMC

If you were amazed by the previous series of fascinating facts from Cuba, prepare to immerse yourself in this other unique journey through the most singular passages of Cuban history. Curiosities about Cuba (Part 2/3)

11. Did you know that the world’s smallest bird lives in Cuba? It’s the tongue hummingbird, which is only about 5 cm long. It’s also known as a fly bird. A tender Cuban miniature that lays pea-sized eggs! It’s easy to see them as soon as you arrive at the Alexander Humboldt National Park. Cuba also has the smallest amphibian: the ranite Monte Iberia, which does not reach 11 mm.

12. Daiquiri and Bacardi: Daiquirí is a beach located east of Santiago de Cuba and is the place of origin of the famous cocktail of the same name, originally composed of rum Bacardi, lemon juice, sugar and crushed ice. Bacardi rum is also native to Cuba, being created by Don Facundo Bacardí in 1862, in Santiago de Cuba but the factory moved to Puerto Rico after 1959 with the triumph of the Revolution.

13. Cuba is the largest island in the entire Caribbean: Among more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean, Cuba is the largest. The main island is 1,250 kilometres long and is the seventeenth largest in the world. In its territory you will find everything: from the most interesting cities like Havana, Trinidad or Cienfuegos, to paradisiacal beaches such as Varadero or those of the Cuban Isles.
14. It snowed only once in Cuba, at least since records have been kept. It happened in Cárdenas on 12 March 1857. The inhabitants were greatly surprised that day.

15. The best high jumper in history: Cuban Javier Sotomayor holds the record of being the best high jumper in history, with records that have not yet been surpassed in indoor and outdoor competitions.

16. First color television broadcasts: Cuba was the second country in the world, after the United States, to broadcast color television broadcasts. This innovation was made in 1958 and allowed Cuba to have the third color TV channel in world history.

17. Cubans love baseball: Cuba’s favorite sport is baseball. This sport was introduced in 1860 by Cubans studying in the United States and by American sailors stopping at Cuban ports. Nemisio Guilló is said to have been the first person to bring a baseball bat to the country in 1864.

18. Cuban doctor Carlos J. Finlay: In 1881, Finlay was the discoverer of the transmitting agent of yellow fever, a disease that ravaged populations at the time. This scientific contribution marked a milestone, allowing the development of treatments and prevention against the disease, and putting Cuba on the map of world medical research.

19. Radio broadcasting in Cuba: In 1922, Cuba became the second nation in the world to inaugurate a radio station (La PWX), and was the first nation in the world to broadcast a music concert and present a radio news. These milestones demonstrate Cuba’s pioneering role in the world of radio broadcasting.

20. Eight-hour working day law: In 1937, Cuba promulgated for the first time in Ibero-America the law of eight-hour working day, minimum wage and university autonomy. These measures marked significant advances in workers' rights and higher education autonomy.

If you have the desire to learn more about these facts let us know in the comments.

You’ve probably heard stories about Cuba, but how much do you really know about this enigmatic island?

Few countries exist in the world with the personality and singularities of Cuba. Beyond Havana and its mojitos, there are countless stories, facts and secrets waiting to be discovered. Before visiting this colorful island, we encourage you to learn about some of the most interesting and important curiosities of Cuba that will serve you during your stay. (Part 1/3)

1. Living museum of classic cars: Most of these cars came from the United States between 1900 and 1950. The streets of this Caribbean island are a rolling time capsule, filled with classic cars predominantly from brands like Chevrolet, Plymouth, Cadillac and Ford. These almendrones, as the locals call them, not only add a nostalgic charm but are a crucial part of the public transport system. Nowhere else in the world will you witness such a congregation of classic cars operating in one place, and that is a fact.

2. Cigar lovers paradise: The island has a reputation for producing some of the best to***co on the planet. His most famous cigar is the Habano and its quality is unmatched in the world. This is due to a specific climate in Vuelta Abajo, in the province of Pinar del Río, west of the island. There are many brands of Habanos, but the most famous is COHIBA, the one that smoked Fidel Castro and other emblematic characters such as Michael Jordan. In addition, it is said that John F. Kennedy himself, before signing the trade embargo with Cuba, took the opportunity to buy some 1,200 Cuban ci**rs.

3. A Diamond at the Capitol of Havana: Located in the heart of the grandiose building of the Capitol in Havana, which was inaugurated in 1929, lies the official Zero Kilometer of the country, marked by a stunning 25-carat diamond. This is not just any gem; it is said to have been part of the crown of Tsar Nicholas II, brought to the island by a Turkish jeweler. This shimmering relic has been a symbol of prosperity and pride for the locals ever since. Although today, visitors are greeted by a replica of the historic diamond, while the original is stored at the country’s central bank.

4. First railway lines in Latin America: Cuba was a pioneer in rail transport at the time. The island nation led the introduction of railways in Latin America on 19 November 1837, with a route from Havana to Bejucal. This significant advance placed Cuba as the first country in the region and the third worldwide to have operational trains.

5. Cubans are obsessed with dominoes: The rattle of the domino chips is the soundtrack of many Cuban weekends, as the beloved game of dominoes occupies a special place in the heart of the island. Tradition often spills over into the streets, with neighbors forming makeshift outdoor domino lounges. The stakes can get hilariously high in these friendly matches.

6. First world chess champion: José Raúl Capablanca born in a developing country. From the age of four he demonstrated his skill in this sport, becoming champion of Cuba at 12 and beating world champion Lasker at 18. He was considered one of the best chess players of all time.

7. First Latin American to travel to space: A Cuban, Arnaldo Tamayo, was the one who did it with the ship Soyus 38 that took off from Kazakhstan which, at that time, was part of the USSR.

8. Images of Che Guevara everywhere: Despite being Argentine, Che Guevara was the ideary and commander of the Cuban Revolution. He was an ally of Fidel Castro until he defeated Batista, former president of Cuba. But did you know that in addition to being a hero of the Cuban Revolution, he was also minister of economy? It is impossible to visit Cuba and not see it everywhere. In Santa Clara, there is also a museum-memorial dedicated to this figure.

9. How about this curious fact about Cuba? The Mojito has its origin here! That’s right, this world-famous cocktail was invented right here in Cuba by none other than the dreaded pirate, Sir Francis Drake. This refreshing mixture dates back to the 16th century, when Drake and his crew landed on Cuban shores. Faced with a series of ailments, several remedies were prepared. The most popular and effective was a local blend of cane brandy (a precursor to rum), mint, and sugar. Eventually, the recipe was refined, replacing it with modern rum, and that’s it! The Mojito we know.

10. What does Cuba mean? It couldn’t miss...
This island was baptized as Cuba during the Spanish colonization in the 15th century. Two meanings are attributed to the name of this island. The first one is related to the word "cubao" which means fertile land. It certainly makes sense, given the country’s great diversity. The second, it is associated with the word "Coabana" which translates as great place. Also nicknamed The Crocodile, if you notice, this island has the shape of the animal from above the map.

If so far you have been surprised, wait for our second part with more interesting facts about the island of Cuba.

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