Cuban Food
Cuban dish, Ropa Vieja
Cuban food is largely influenced by Spanish, African and Carribean style cuisine. Most Cuban meals consist of beans and rice, two staple foods, and a type of meat. Many other common food elements are potatoes, unripe bananas, corn etc... A normal Cuban meal usually has a meat, such as pork or beef, some sort of viande (a variety of potatoes, yucas, corn, etc...), a salad, and a dessert. The meat is served in a light gravy, or sauce, the most popular being the mojito, made up of garlic, olive oil, onion and spices. All the food is brought to the table at once, with the exception of the dessert. Tamales are a typical food as well, but they differ from the Mexican styles. Usually, they incorporate corn flour, shortening, and a type of meat, then they are wrapped in corn leaves, and then boiled in salted water. Other popular meals include Picadillo, Vieja or a Medianoche (midnight) sandwich.
Cuban Clothing
Women's Rumba dresses
Traditional Cuban clothing for women is rooted from Spanish and African style. Most clothing will consist of bright colors and light fabric, for dancing and the humidity throughout the year. Beading is also a large factor, and dresses for parades and festivals are usually very elaborate and detailed. A traditional dancing dress is called the rumba dress, often layered with pleats and ruffles at the bottom. Men's clothing traditions aren't as varied, but the Guayabera, still sold, is a classic wedding shirt for men. Its takes on a Western style design, with alforza pleats, and is commonly a shade of white.