Christmas in Cuba was banned by the late dictator Fidel Castro from 1969 - 1998. Fidel Castro was a Communist, a brutal dictator, and an Atheist who did not want any religious freedom or celebration.
This changed in 1998 when the Pope went to visit Cuba. In honor of the Pope coming to visit and in order to score political points, Castro lifted the ban on Christmas.
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Christianity still existed in Cuba during the time Christmas was banned, which meant Christmas was often celebrated in secret.
After Castro lifted the ban, it became a widespread celebration.
The Celebration
Cuba has its own unique celebration, but some of the traditions are similar to other Hispanic countries and some places in America.
Christmas Eve is called "Nochebuena," which means the good night. It is a time when families get together and recognize the night Joseph was searching for a place to stay. It is a fun night for all involved.
The families celebrate with a traditional Cuban Christmas dish, roasted pork. Many families do a pig roast where the entire pig is roasted.
Side dishes are fried plantains, rice, and vegetables.
Dessert is also a magnificent treat. Rice pudding and/or sweet potato pudding are served for those looking to indulge their sweet tooth.
After the meal, most folks go to midnight mass to celebrate the coming of Jesus
Remedios
Why Christmas speaks of a special Christmas tradition in the town of Remedios:
In the town of Remedios, there is a very big fiesta and parade on Christmas Eve called 'Las Parrandas'. One story says that in the 1820s, the priest in the town thought that people might go to sleep after their meal and not go to midnight mass, so he got some children to make a lot of noise to keep people awake!
Now Las Parrandas in Remedios is a very loud parade and party with different neighborhoods in the town trying to outdo each other with their costumes and music! The festivities start at 10 p.m. when the church bells ring. At midnight, there are lots of fireworks and more partying.
Epiphany
Fidel Castro allowed Christmas but banned Santa Claus. If Santa's sleigh was spotted over the Caribbean island, he threatened to shoot it down with a missile...not really, but he did ban recognition of Santa.
Since his death, there have been more Santa sightings.
Cubans that made it to America celebrate Santa Claus and participate in the tradition that has many kids in their bed at night waiting to see what is in store for them in the morning.
What became a tradition instead was Epiphany. This celebration takes place in early January and recognizes the Three Kings that came to visit Jesus.
Children go to bed excited at what the Three Kings may bring them for presents on Epiphany.