As Cuban expat, we understand the importance of staying connected to our roots and preserving our unique traditions, especially during special occasions like Easter. Living away from our beloved island, it’s crucial to keep our culture alive and share its beauty with our friends and family. In this article, we put together some tips on how to preserve Cuban Easter traditions, even when far from home.
Religious Observance
Being a Cuban means growing up in a predominantly Catholic environment, where Easter holds deep religious significance. Attending church services, participating in the Stations of the Cross, and taking part in other Catholic rituals are essential aspects of the Cuban Easter experience. Living abroad, you can easily join a local Catholic church or community center to stay connected to these religious customs.
Family Gatherings and Meals
Easter in Cuba is synonymous with family gatherings and traditional meals. To keep this custom alive, you can invite friends and family over for a traditional Cuban Easter feast. Preparing dishes like arroz con pollo, yuca con mojo, moros y cristianos, and a delicious flan may help you feel closer to home. During these meals, make sure to share stories about the Cuban heritage and encourage guests to learn about the Cuban rich culture.
Music and Dance
Our Cuban music and dance are deeply ingrained in our cultural identity. That’s why, during Easter celebrations, it might be a good idea to include traditional Cuban rhythms like son, cha-cha-cha, and mambo. Encourage everyone to dance and even organize dance workshops to teach your guests some authentic moves. This not only keeps Cuban traditions alive but also helps us share our vibrant culture with others.
Easter Egg Hunts and Cascarones
Although Easter egg hunts are not originally Cuban, they have become increasingly popular on the island. So we can easily incorporate this activity into the Easter celebrations, especially for the little ones. In addition, we can make cascarones – hollowed-out eggshells filled with confetti or small surprises. These colorful and festive eggs add a unique Cuban touch to the traditional egg hunt and bring joy to everyone involved.
As Cuban expats, we understand the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, especially during special occasions like Easter. By incorporating these unique Cuban customs into our celebrations, we can maintain our traditions and share the beauty of our culture with our old and new friends and family. We hope these tips inspire you to keep the spirit of a Cuban Easter alive, no matter where you are in the world.
