December-January

Havana in winter

We Cubans spend the whole year waiting for a few days of “cold,” but Nature gives us very few. So when the temperature goes down, the city changes. It might be because winter clothes are more elegant, and we pull out all types of attire and scarves and hats to wear; it might be because the streets and people smell nicer, and the streets even look cleaner.

When the temperature goes down a bit in Havana, I can’t allow myself to stay home: I have an uncontrollable desire to go out, walk, and take advantage of the interval provided to us by our radiant, implacable sun. It might also be the reason why the most important events are concentrated in this time of year: film, ballet, jazz, books, Habanos…they all have their festivals during these months, and Havana’s colors change, its movie theaters are packed, the nights fill up with music, and people seem happier.

We present you with an issue of OnCuba that carries the spirit of these days, and these fiestas. We’re dedicating our cover to Celia Cruz, and we invite you to discover how she became the “Queen of Salsa” and, with her music, spread energy and the essence of being Cuban all over the world.

We recommend an article by economist Omar Everleny, with notes about how the Cuban economy is closing the year 2015; we give you a look at the enterprising project of two young Cuban women designers who have developed their own business; we present you with spectacular photographs of a very special place in Cuba, where pink flamingos nest; and we bring you the exclusive work of artists who make humidors, the beautiful containers for Habanos.

“Is Cuba in fashion?”—we recommend this chronicle by Vladimir Pardo, who talks to us about how we think we are seen and how we Cubans see ourselves during these times of change. Likewise, the work of a special person, Juanito Delgado, an untiring promoter of the Cuban visual arts.