What’s up in Cuba: FEBRUARY 2022
Raquel Janero, Lauren Fajardo, and Ilse Antón, the female designers behind Dador, our top IG account to follow for February 2022 || Image by Vistar Magazine
February is one of the busiest times of year in Cuba packed with plenty of cultural activities. Although the continuing effects of the pandemic have scaled back the usual monthly happenings, there’s still a lot going on! We’ve done our best to compile the top news and events of the month.
01 Cuba Leads the World in Child Vaccination Rates
At the start of the new year, 95% of kids aged 2-18 were fully vaccinated in Cuba. Thanks to the efforts of the fourth vaccination campaign, Omicron rates have remained low allowing the island to stay open to international tourism. With high vaccination rates, it’s clear that Cubans trust their country’s vaccines.
02 Havana International Book Fair
The International Bookfair is one of the most popular, premier events in Havana and throughout the island. In the coming months, the event will spread to all of the provinces ending in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba. (It often lasts through June!) This year’s attending guest country is Mexico. We will keep you posted as this ongoing event unfolds over the country.
03 International Habano Festival
It’s no surprise that Cuba hosts the International Habano Festival, the largest global event for lovers of the so-called “best tobacco in the world.” Unfortunately, it was announced this past January that the festival is canceled; however, there is talk of a virtual version of the event similar to last year.
04 San Remo Music Awards
The announcement of the San Remo Music Awards had many Cubans over the moon and the media buzzing about the coming festival in April. The festival would be the first event of such international acclaim on the island. However, the lineup consisting of international artists has changed as many have pulled out, stating that they did not realize that the Cuban government (and not private promoters) were behind the event. It’s still unclear how this will affect the festival which is only a couple of months out.
05 Valentine’s Day and the Cuban Family Code
Much like the United States, Valentine's Day is the official “day of love.” Cubans practice similar traditions such as giving gifts, going out to eat, or hitting up a bar with single friends. And while on the topic of love, the Cuban government began consultations about the Cuban Family Code which would open a new world of possibilities for the LGBTIQ+ community, same-sex families, single parents, and other forms of family bonding. We will certainly keep you up-to-date when it goes to the referendum in April.
06 National Baseball Series Update
Two weeks after the beginning of the 61st Cuban National Series, the top five teams include:
Santiago de Cuba
Mayabeque
Ciego de Ávila
Matanzas
Villa Clara
Two years ago, Matanzas won the 59th National Series and several years prior, Ciego de Ávila won the 55th. It is still early to predict the champion as there are several decisive games ahead.
07 Reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana
The Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian A. Nichols, shared plans that the United States will provide diplomatic staff to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Havana to process visas and work on allowing U.S. remittances to reach the hands of Cubans. This decision took many Cubans by surprise as they had lost hope that Biden would take steps to bring the two countries closer together following the Obama administration era. The reopening of the U.S. Embassy will speed up thousands of delayed visa applications and hopefully, gradually restore the diplomatic relations that were dismantled after the so-called “Havana syndrome.”
08 Instagram of the Month: Follow @dadorhavana
If you like homegrown fashion that embodies sophistication and casual, tropical flare, then you MUST follow @dadorhavana. This Cuban fashion and lifestyle brand, run by three wildly-talented, female designers, just launched its new handmade collection “Acentos” inspired by Japanese fabric and aesthetics. Check out some of the pieces from this new collection below ↓ (Images from @estudio_raro at Hotel NH Capri last month)
09 Memes of the Month: Nicaragua and Volcanoes
According to official government data, the United States deported more than 1,000 Cuban illegal immigrants in 2021. When the U.S government doesn’t adhere to its immigration agreement with Cuba, this can result in alternative migration routes. Last November, Nicaragua eliminated visa requirements for Cubans making it a landlocked route for Cubans to migrate to the United States. That’s why the most popular memes this month have been related to Cubans “loving” Nicaragua and volcanoes.
Did we forget something? It’s hard to cover a whole month in Cuba, so we are open to hearing what suggestions you may have. Please let us know if this information was useful/interesting to you!
