7 Cuban Personality Traits (3 Taboos in Cuba)

In this article, we will look at cuban personality traits. This article also explores the culture and traditions, and some famous people from Cuba.

Cuban Personality Traits

Here are a few cuban personality traits:

  • Friendly
  • Honest
  • Humor
  • Patriotic
  • Directness
  • Strong
  • Well Groomed
  • Community Spirit

Friendly

Cubans are among the world’s friendliest and most reliable people. They are willing to speak to anyone and give freely of their time and resources. Cubans are gregarious and welcoming people. They appear to spend a great deal of their time in the company of others and can speak to almost everyone. People just sitting outside their homes chatting with neighbours is a common sight that can be seen walking across a street in Cuba.

Honest

Cubans are also highly trustworthy; most locals will never rob, steal, or commit fraud with you. There seems to be a fair chance you’ll have your phone or wallet returned if you end up leaving it in a taxi or a restaurant. Cubans want tourists to have a good time in their country.

Humour

Cubans, like people from every other country, have their very own unique style of humour which might take some getting used to. In so many ways, the comedy represents the difficulties that so many Cubans have faced in the past, resulting in an often dark and dramatic sense of humour, i.e. a sense of humour founded on bleak circumstances.

Patriotic

Even with their financial and political challenges, Cubans truly love their country and have a deep sense of patriotism. If you ask a Cuban why they love their country they will tell you about the lovely people, stunning landscape, and welcoming environment. They are proud of their history while also looking towards the future.

Directness

If you are not used to honest and straightforward views, you can find that the directness and straightforwardness of Cuban people requires some getting used to. For instance, in the United Kingdom, political correctness has made people almost scared to speak their minds for fear of upsetting others or being told that they’re being politically incorrect.

Strong

Cubans aren’t as prone to self victimisation as Westerners are. If we ‘re talking about Cubans living in the United States or those who live in Cuba. There’s a straightforward reason for this. There’s no room for complaining when you have very little to hang on to and a lot to struggle for. Cubans are among the least whiney people on the planet.

Well Groomed

Once you spend some time in a city like Havana, one thing that will both confuse and impress you is how much time and consideration the Cuban people put into their beauty and presentation.

You may be forgiven for believing that poverty has affected people’s attitudes regarding hygiene, but this is simply not the case. Basic grooming and hygiene is highly valued, and great pleasure is taken in being best dressed, even though plain clothes are worn by people.

Community Spirit

Cubans have an unmatched community spirit. Once you begin mixing with the locals, one of the very first things you’ll note is that there’s a strong sense of community and that everybody is really connected. 

Everybody seems to know about everyone else’s life, and Cubans love to speak, chat, and gossip, whether it’s over a cup of coffee, on even a corner of the street, or while sitting on a wall admiring the scenery from El Malecón, the seafront area.

Cubans are a rather sociable people, and finding true privacy in the local community can really be difficult. However, the benefit of getting the love and assistance of those around you comes with this lack of privacy, and this is the power of Cuban society. 

People in Cuba support one another, and the community spirit that is lacking in countries like the United Kingdom is still very much alive in Cuba.

The Attitude Of Cuban People Toward Foreigners

Foreigners are welcomed with open arms in Cuba. Cubans aren’t reluctant to greet outsiders or enthusiastically shake your hand. People will approach you and inquire where you’re from as you walk around town; if you’re up for it (and speak Spanish), take the opportunity to chat with them. Most Cubans are actually curious about your origins and opinions about Cuba.

Feel free to start up a discussion with your host while you’re eating breakfast. They will always take a seat with you and inform you regarding life in Cuba. For tourists, this is a priceless first-hand experience.

Also, it is customary to ask Cubans for consent before photographing them. Most Cubans will gladly consent to a photograph and smile for the camera if you have been conversing with them. If you haven’t interacted with them in any way, please inquire before having their picture taken. Offering them a tiny propina or tip in return for taking their picture is also a great idea.

Communication Style Of Cubans

As compared to other nationalities, Cubans appear to be louder, more vocal, and perhaps most direct when speaking. Don’t be afraid! It’s easy to figure out what to expect in Cuba. Here are some noteworthy points:

  • Clear eye contact is favoured over subtle or fleeting eye contact while communicating with others. 
  • It is customary to look others in the eyes for the most of your conversation with them, since this is seen as a sign of respect and value.
  • When you see or hear noisy exchanges, particularly with hand gestures, don’t be startled. This is very normal, and it almost never indicates threat or rage 
  • Cubans truly prefer being evocative and expressive!

Concept Of Personal Space In Cuba

Do you get anxious when strangers get super close to you? If that’s the case, you should be aware of it before visiting Cuba. It is common in Cuban culture to be in tight proximity (not only at home, but even in public). In Cuba, privacy and personal space are not respected as strongly as they are in the United States.

In reality, even visitors are expected to make physical contact. When meeting a total stranger for the very first time, you could get a handshake. Upon walking into a room, however, it is more normal to welcome all, shaking all present people’s hands (and sometimes embracing them), and kissing the ladies on the cheek.

Etiquettes In Cuban Culture

In general, in Cuba, “good manners” are close to what you are used to. Some  minor distinctions to bear in mind: 

  • Cubans are welcoming to both locals and tourists. In reality, they place a high value on hospitality, compassion, and a willingness to be congenial.
  • Touching people is a common occurrence. It’s more of a show of affection or a way to emphasise something while speaking in this context.
  • “Cubans despise open confrontation and would usually mitigate interpersonal disputes by voicing them by sarcasm rather than overt allegation,” according to popular belief.
  • That being said, when you hear someone talk loud, complaining, or maybe protesting publicly, it’s typically more of an expressive conversation than a war or a serious dispute.

Taboos In Cuban Culture

Cuban culture is characterised by cohesion, integration, direct contact, and joy. They enjoy sharing their culture and experiences with tourists! Although they are cheerful and welcoming, they are not resistant to being offended from time to time. While in Cuba, try to avoid the following taboos:

  • In public, spitting on the ground or blowing your nose
  • Photographing someone without taking their consent.
  • Littering (which is not only impolite, but also illegal).

Punctuality In Cuba

Plan to be on time, but also to be patient if others fail to do so! Cubans are often more relaxed about schedules and time, preferring to focus on interpersonal interactions than sticking to strict timelines.

Likewise, travel schedules (bus, flight, train, etc.) are not always adhered to (in fact, they are rarely adhered to). People are used to being late to parties, functions and events in general. It is not deemed impolite in this country; rather, it is anticipated.

Major Ethnic Groups In Cuba

Here is a breakdown of the major ethnicities in Cuba:

RankEthnic GroupPercentage of Cuban Population
1White (European Ancestry)64.1%
2Mestizo or Mulatto (Mixed Ancestry)26.6%
3Black (African Ancestry)9.3%

Conclusion

In this article, we will look at cuban personality traits. This article also explores the culture and traditions, and some famous people from Cuba.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cuban Personality Traits

What is considered rude in Cuba?

Cuban Culture Taboos (For Tourists)

In public, spitting on the ground or blowing your nose
Photographing someone without taking their consent.
Littering (which is not only impolite, but also illegal).

What are 5 interesting facts about Cuba?

Here are 5 interesting facts about Cuba:

The biggest island in the Caribbean is Cuba’s main island.
The coastline of Cuba spans over 3500 miles.
Baseball is the most common sport in Cuba.
Tobacco, sugar and nickel are Cuba’s top 3 exports.
There are 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.

What is unique about Cuban culture?

Cuba has a diverse culture that is influenced by African and Spanish backgrounds. Perhaps the most influential features are its music and art. Cuban art reflects a strong fusion of African and European styles, progressing through many stages from avant-garde to more modernist and contemporary palettes.

Are there sharks in Cuban waters?

Since Cuba’s beaches are located in the Caribbean, sharks can sometimes be present. This is one of the reasons why swimming in the early evening or at night, while sharks are most active, is not recommended. In the water, also there are jellyfish, so keep an eye out.

References

The People of Cuba

Major Ethnic Groups In Cuba

Real Cubans and the Cuban Personality

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