Cuban Independence Day {20 de Mayo}

I made this flag on my computer... :)

As a half Cuban I am expected to know about Jose Martí {Poet, Politician, Writer, Revolutionary}, Perez Prado {he developed the Mambo!}, Camilo Cienfuegos {Revolutionary}, Fulgencio Batista {former Cuban President}, Fidel Castro and of course Celia Cruz! {I hope I didn't forget anyone}

This weekend marks the 110th anniversary of Cuba's independence from Spain. The exact date was May 20th 1902 or 20 de Mayo as my grandmother used to say... It is a very important date in Cuban history and my grandmother "Mima" {as we called her so lovingly} would always remind us of it. 

My grandmother, she was the life of the party always!
even with Mexican Mariachis! <3

Here are some facts about Cuba that you might not know:

Christopher Columbus in his historic voyage arrived in Cuba in 1492. After Columbus' arrival Cuba became a Spanish Colony until 1902. The Cuban independence movement lasted 10 years! from 1868 - 1878 and José Martí was part of this.

My collection of pre-Indepence Cuban currency

More Cuban currency, current and past. 

In Cuba the official language is Spanish, usually the last letter of a word is not phonetically pronounced. For example: "Que es eso?" {What is that?} would be pronounced "Qu' e' eso?"

Almost every conversation starts with "Chico(a)",  "Oye!", "Mira!" or "E'cucha!" mostly depending on what part of Cuba you are from. 

Cuba is mostly known for it's Cigars {which are handmade and of excellent quality}, sugarcane and coffee. 

Cuban coffee is drank in little teacups, but it's enough caffeine to keep you wide awake for more than you'd like {if you are not used to it} This is what a Cuban coffee maker looks like:

Cuban cuisine is based on onions, garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano and bay leaves. 

There is always white steamed rice and beans served along with the protein. 

Cubans are friendly, happy and always ready for anything {I know because that is how my family is}

When they say the time, if it is past the hour then they say "y pico" for example if it's 12:20 they say: "12 y pico!" Here is a clock to show:

Given to my Mexican husband to understand
Cuban time easier. ;)

I have several Cuban food recipes in case you'd like to try them out {these recipes were always prepared by my grandmother and mother and now by me}:

Chicken Fricassee

Tostones

Picadillo

Cuban style fried rice

The closest I've been to Cuba: