Women of Cuba: how the beauties from the island of Freedom live (12 photos)

What do a Cuban woman and an alchemist have in common? Both are capable of creating something out of nothing! Only if alchemists tried to get gold, then Cuban women manage to create a luxurious image from a minimum of possibilities and a delicious dinner from rice and oil.





Jinetero

In Cuba, there is a term "jinetero", which literally translates as "riders". These are women who start relationships with foreigners in order to receive financial support, gifts or the opportunity to leave the island. Jinetero is not just a social phenomenon, it is a reflection of the difficult economic situation on the island. Moreover, a girl can work as a school teacher, a bank manager or a doctor during the day, and meet guys in bars in the evening. And for the locals, this is normal. Nothing shameful.



They love denim shorts

If you have ever walked the streets of Havana or Santiago de Cuba, you have probably noticed the love of Cuban women for denim shorts. Short, tight models are not just clothes, but a way to emphasize the figure and show confidence. Moreover, this style is equally popular among both young people and older women.





Photo by: ChrisGoldNY/Flickr.com

Resourcefulness on the verge of magic

Could you cook a festive dinner from rice and vegetable oil? Cubans can! They masterfully juggle a meager set of products, turning simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Real alchemists of the kitchen! And they also know how to get what is not there.



Queens in any weather

"Every woman is a queen" is not just words, but a Cuban reality. Here, compliments are handed out like candy, and women know how to present themselves even in the simplest outfit. And try to find a Cuban woman who walks slouched! And many people also note that Cubans have a special gait. Apparently, it is transmitted at the genetic level. But it is true: regardless of age, build, skin color, all Cubans walk as if the whole world belongs to them. Even if they went to buy rice to redeem coupons.



Cuban women, like no one else, know how to take care of themselves and look beautiful, even if the surrounding conditions are not the simplest. This quality has always amazed me. On the island, it is almost impossible to buy cosmetics, tights are an analogue of currency, and a pack of sanitary pads costs a quarter of the official salary, but they put in a lot of effort and energy to be beauties. And this cannot but motivate.

Everyone works

And this is not only a matter of necessity, but also part of the socialist ideology. Doctors, teachers, engineers - Cuban women actively participate in the economy, combining professional careers with household responsibilities. And what was unexpected for me was that even a civil servant, a bank employee or a customs officer can come to work in an extra mini and fishnet tights. And it will be completely normal.



Fighting for their rights

To protect women's rights in Cuba, there is the Federation of Cuban Women - a non-governmental organization that covers 85% of the country's female residents. It helps fight discrimination and promotes the social role of women.



Unspoken hierarchy

In Cuba, beauty has its own scale of values. It's like an unspoken code that everyone knows about, but is reluctant to discuss out loud. Light skin here is a real jackpot in the genetic lottery. And if you're also a blonde with curves like Marilyn Monroe, consider yourself a winner!



Half of the government is women

As of 2014, women held 48% of the seats in the Cuban government, which puts the country in third place in the world for gender equality in politics. This is clear proof that Cuban women are not afraid to take responsibility.



Serving in the army

In Cuba, women are required to serve in the army. Military service begins at the age of 18 and lasts for two years. This is not only an opportunity to strengthen discipline, but also a way to demonstrate gender equality in action.



Celebrating 15 years in style

When a Cuban girl turns 15, it turns into a grand event. The family spends their last savings on a dress, a photo shoot and a party. This day symbolizes the girl's transition to adulthood.

They change outfits often

Cuban women love to change outfits and pay special attention to personal hygiene. They shower several times a day, always use antiperspirants and perfume, which is especially surprising to tourists. By the way, Cuban men are also big fashionistas.



Afraid of rain and sun

Cubans, including women, do not like to leave the house if it is raining or too hot. Bad weather often causes people to skip work and school. And they try to avoid the sun so that their skin is as light as possible.



As you can see, Cuban women are a whole universe of contradictions and paradoxes. They can be as gentle as a Caribbean breeze and as strong as a hurricane. They know how to turn everyday problems into adventures, and a modest dinner into a real holiday.

Each of them has a special magic - that very Cuban charm that cannot be explained in words. You can only feel it when you meet the gaze of a proud beauty on the streets of Havana, who, despite all the difficulties of life, walks as if the whole world belongs to her.