The Sights and Sounds of Cuban People

Cuba Music pulses through Havana streets.. This once beautiful, now crumbling city still has a character that is arresting..... yet somehow ...sad.That such beauty has been so neglected,defies belief. Yet within this neglect..... the city vibrates with the sights and sounds of Cuban music.

Life is lived on the streets, in the bars, and parks and squares planted in lush green tropical growth. The population, a mix of mulatto, and descendants of Spanish, African and Chinese, happily work and play together with no signs of discord, which is refreshing in our divided world.

Sunday, and the city rocks to the sounds of Cuba music. That specially unique Cuban sound. The result of a mix of percussion instruments, marraca's, guerro, bongo drums, along with guitars, classical flute, trumpet, trombone and bass. Not to forget the vocalists.  The first thing you notice apart from the sound and rhythm of Cuba's music which has everyone's feet and fingers tapping, is the mix of ages in the bands. Everyone from "Grandad" to teenager happily plays along together.

The locals and tourists filling the restaurants, can't help but tap their toes, jiggle their shoulders and hum along. That special brand of Cuba music is working it’s magic, like a wonderful full body massage. Relaxing and bringing that all pervading sense of well being, as only beautiful music can.

Walking the crowded streets, the heat intense, melodic strains waft out of every bar and restaurant. Standing at the open windows, where the faded wooden shutters are pushed right back, we were able to watch the "show" as the band played.

A couple on the dance floor gave a flawless display. She......... in her little two tiered frilled white dress and matching white turban, tall slim and lithe, her cocoa skin glowing. He.......... in his white trousers and long sleeved shirt. They were a perfect match in looks and movement.

It is clear that in Cuba, music is a natural part of life from a very young age, as the skill and talent shines through.

There was a trend in the early 1990’s for playing music to unborn children in the womb, in the hopes the child would be born with musical talent. Perhaps this accounts for the musical Cuban people, who are surrounded by music from conception to death. It is an inescapable, totally natural part of everyday life.

Where ever we went we “saw” Cuba music. The children in the doorway beating their chopping board and old tin. And the little boy quietly playing the grand piano, in one of the beautiful historic homes. It was incongruously placed on the black and white tiled patio of an open courtyard!

The original article can be found at Fascinating-travel-destinations.com: Cuba Music