The history of Cuba is shrouded in myths and heroic legends. The past of this state is still alive and reminds oneself of the socialist realities of the present, a huge number of souvenirs with the image of Ernesto Che Guevara, monuments in honor of the defenders of the revolution and a special atmosphere prevailing in the cities and resorts of Liberty Island.

The roots of the struggle for independence go still deep into the centuries, when Columbus, who landed in the eastern part of the archipelago in the 15th century, opened new lands, and Pope Alexander VI handed them over to Spain . The local population, the Indians, automatically became the property of the colonialists, so as due to cultural differences between peoples, the Spaniards were perceived not even as people . And this despite the fact that the Cubans of that time were one of the most developed tribes of the Antilles, with highly developed art and their own rhythm of life . The spirit of the Indians failed to break: slaves they could not and either died in reservations or went to the mountains . As a result, by the middle of the 16th century, virtually nothing remained from the indigenous population .

For a long time Cuba existed as one of the numerous Spanish colonies . The most important port was Havana . However, the flame of suppressed Indian uprising soon flared up, but already among the strongly reshaped native inhabitants . At the end of the 19th century, the struggle against Spanish oppression flared up . Since the Cubans were too weak for open confrontation so strong ally, then another state was involved as an ally - the US . The payment for the release was too high . The Americans actually subdued the local territories, seizing power . But here again the steadfast Cuban people did not surrender . A new the period of struggle . It was at this time, in the 50-60s of the 20th century, for the first time the names of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara sounded . Revolutionary leaders led the country to victory . As often happens, after the end of hostilities peace time, time of compromises and politicians, and not from of the insurgents . Comrade Che, who at that time became a popular favorite, understood this and, abandoning all his posts, disappointed in ideals, went to fight in the jungle where he died tragically .

The further history of Cuba was connected with so called countries of the socialist camp. The USSR was the main ally. Perestroika and the 1990s changed the geopolitical situation, only the Island of Freedom seemed to have frozen in time and continues to live by the laws that for the new generations that have abandoned communism, the countries seem somewhat distant and not completely understandable.

Bar where Hemingway sipped daiquiri

Cuban lady embodies the history of this freedom-loving and sunny country

Old-fashioned old cars are pleasing to the eye