Melia Cuba website describes seven symbols of Cuban patrimony

Renowned for its beautiful tropical nature and eternally hot weather, when most tourists think of Cuba they imagine an idyllic beach destination where they can unwind and forget about all concerns. Although they are not far from the truth, dazzling coastlines and breath-taking flora and fauna are not all this Caribbean island has to offer; Cuba’s rich and diverse culture as well as its unique and interesting history, are the elements that make this country truly special.

With the intention of illustrating some of Cuba’s most interesting heritage, Melia Cuba’s website recently published an article describing what they consider to be seven unique symbols of the nation’s patrimony.

Some of these seven symbols that help build up the island’s fascinating jigsaw puzzle are palpable, like enchanting cobblestone streets, horse carriages and imposing military fortresses whilst the rhythmic dancing in colourful carnivals and festivals along with religious syncretism are the spiritual component to the island’s unique mixture. This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the delightful colonial architecture and the large sugar mills which along with the other five pieces form Cuba’s most treasured patrimony.

Traces of each symbol can be found in several of Cuba’s enchanting cities. Havana, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Sancti Spiritus and Camaguey pride on the colonial spirit of their houses and streets, as well as on the strong fortresses that still stand like the San Carlos de la Cabana in the capital, built to protect the former colony from enemy attacks.

Sugar cane factories, on the other hand, are what determined Cuba’s historic and cultural process: it was the possibility of cultivating sugar cane in the island’s fertile grounds that brought colonists to import slaves from Africa as work force. Africans brought their mystic religions, rhythmic music and passionate dancing with them. As a result, two cultures came together to create Cuba’s unique identity: Cubans syncretised Catholic saints with African Gods and Spanish guitar with African drums, creating new forms of worship as well as new genres of music and dance in colourful festivals and carnivals.

There is much more to Cuba than meets the eye, adventurous and knowledge-thirsty travellers are welcome to explore and discover much more. This list might be the bottom line to start your journey through Cuba.

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Melia Hotels International is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and the largest hotel chain in Spain in both resort and city hotels. The company currently operates more than 350 hotels in 35 countries and 4 continents under its brands: Melia, Gran Melia, ME by Melia, Paradisus, Innside by Melia, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol Hotels and Club Melia.

Cuba is one of their most important destinations in the Caribbean boasting over 20 properties nationwide, six of which were nominated in the 2015 World Travel Awards. The deep knowledge their Cuba team has gathered about what makes this island so singular has inspired them to share it with the world in a heartfelt article.