The Cuban constitution states that, "the Communist Party of Cuba...is the superior guiding force of society and the state". Members of the Communist Party of Cuba are selected by the party in a thorough process that includes interviews with co-workers and neighbors. Those selected are considered model citizens because they are viewed as strong supporters of the revolution. It makes recommendations concerning the future development of the revolution, and it criticises tendencies it considers counterrevolutionary. It has a relatively large influence in Cuba, but its authority is moral, not on any legal authority. The Communist Party of Cuba is the sole legal political party, and no other party is legally allowed to exist.
Elections are held by secret ballot and everyone age 16 or older can vote.
Cultural Notes:
Cuban music is the basis for may other Latin American musical styles, such as Salsa. The main musical form is Son.
The Caribbean island of Cuba has been influential in the development of multiple musical styles in the 19th and 20th centuries. The roots of most Cuban musical forms lie in the cabildos, a form of social club among African slaves brought to the island. Cabildos preserved African cultural tradition. At the same time, a religion called Santería was developing and had soon spread throughout Cuba, Haiti and other nearby islands. Santería influenced Cuba's music, as percussion is an important part of the religion. By the 20th century, elements of Santería music had appeared in popular and folk forms.
Fidel Castro's belief in the benefits of sports (he loves and has played baseball) has resulted in Cuba's relative international success (for a population of 11 million) in sporting events such as the Olympic games. Unlike in most of Latin America, football (soccer) is not a major game in Cuba but is gaining popularity. Baseball is the most commonly played game. Introduced by American dockworkers in Havana in the 19th century, the game has played a role in Cuban independence from Spain. Banned in 1895 by the Spanish, secret games funded José Martí's revolt. Cuban peloteros rank highly internationally and some have migrated to Major League Baseball in the United States. Boxing is also rather popular.
All Cuban food is rationed. A ration book called a libreta is supposed to guarantee sugar, rice, beans and cooking oil from shops, however, there are still massive shortages and even a libreta does not ensure that you will be able to purchase food.
The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 ended grain imports from that country, which were used to feed cattle and chickens. Since 1991 beef, chicken, milk and eggs became scarce. The egg shortage has led to the rise of a popular joke: Fidel Castro, at a speech: Comrades, God willing, we will have enough eggs for all the people of Cuba! - Raúl Castro, whispering: But comrade, we are communists, there is no God. - Fidel Castro: Don't worry, comrade, there are no eggs either.
Driving in Cuba is dangerous. Traffic accidents are the most frequent cause of the detention and trial of Canadians in Cuba, whether you are responsible for the accident or not. Accidents that result in death or injury are treated like crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Prison sentences can range from one to 10 years. Regardless of the nature of the crime or accident, it can take five months to a year for the case to go to trial. In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place.
