What’s up in Cuba: MARCH 2022
March 14th marked the start of the academic school year and the first day of school for five-year-olds across the country. Image by @barkergb
Want to know what’s been going on in Cuba this past month? Look no further – here’s our shortlist of noteworthy news, trends, and events from March 2022.
01 Cuba’s Official Declaration on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
The Cuban government condemned the gradual expansion of NATO as one issue that explains but does not justify the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. In 2014, Raúl Castro warned about what was happening in Ukraine and its possible implications globally.
The Cuban government advocates for a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the conflict; although, it recently abstained from the voting session called by the United Nations Security Council to reprimand the Russian invasion.
02 Non-Fungible Token (NTF) in the Cuban Art Market
Some Cuban platforms such as NFT on spreading the word about NFT in the Cuban art market. During the current 14th Havana Biennial of Fine Art, the first theoretical debate about NFT and its future impact on Cuban artistic production was discussed. Some leading Cuban NFT projects include "Cryptocubans Social Club," "Mixed up bodies," "Amelia Peláez," "The spaces we dream on," and “Qverse by Magdiellop.”
03 Music You Should be Listening to Now
From Rolling Stone's list of “The 35 Best Spanish-Language and Bilingual Albums of 2021,” we recommend you feed your soul and body with Cimafunk’s album El Alimento.
Be sure to check out this hot new album that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with classic American funk, wherever you get your music — Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Music
04 Cuban National Baseball Series Update
Matanzas was selected as the official venue for the All-Star Game of the 61st Cuban National Baseball Series. Several games were played in March and the teams from Artemisa, Ciego de Ávila, Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Granma are currently in the lead. To keep updated on every game follow @SerieCuba on Twitter.
05 A Late Start to the Academic Year
March 14th marked the start of the academic school year and the first day of school for five-year-olds across the country. The 2021-2022 academic year was interrupted by COVID-19. As of now, 95 percent of people between the ages of two and 18 are fully-vaccinated and finally able to continue their studies.
06 Private Businesses on the RISE
This month, the number of private small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cuba surpassed the number of state-run entities and cooperative enterprises. The Cuban Ministry of Economy and Planning keeps a public list of the new SMEs approved every month. To stay informed, join their Telegram Channel: Canal de Actores Económicos.
07 Instagram of the Month: Follow @cubasays_
From the contemporary expression: “Asere, qué bola?” to the traditional Cuban sayings, @cubasays_ is a repository of all the popular slang you need to know to pass as a Cuban. Follow them to reap the enjoyment of their witty sense of humor.
08 Meme of the Month: “Esto lo hago pa divertirme”
If you’re not up to date with Latin music, you probably haven’t heard of Residente’s “BZRP Music Sessions” against J Balvin, after J Balvin called on reggaeton artists to boycott the past Latin Grammy Awards. Residente’s song is a hit on YouTube with more than 69 million views. Even Rolling Stone had to talk about it!
Most Cubans identify with Residente’s speech and musical career. Also, rap and reggaeton battles are part of Cuban popular culture. Long story short, this is why one of the most popular memes in Cuba this month includes Residente’s phrase: “Esto lo hago pa divertirme,” meaning, “I do this for fun,” in a cynical way.
We hope you found this monthly summary interesting and informative. Do you think we left anything out? If so, please reach out. We’re always open to listening to what other Cubaphiles have to share.
