Cuban Americans

Cuban Americans are U.S. citizens who trace their ancestry to Cuba. They are a significant part of the Hispanic and Latino American population in the United States. Cuban Americans have a rich cultural heritage and have made substantial contributions to American society in various fields, including politics, business, and the arts.

History

The history of Cuban Americans dates back to the late 19th century when political exiles fled to the United States during the Cuban War of Independence. One of the most notable figures from this period is José Martí, a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. Martí spent time in the United States, particularly in Ybor City, Tampa, where he organized support for Cuban independence.

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Statue of José Martí in Ybor City, Tampa

The largest wave of Cuban immigration occurred after the Cuban Revolution of 1959, which brought Fidel Castro to power. Many Cubans fled the island to escape the new communist regime, leading to a significant Cuban diaspora in the United States, particularly in Miami.

Demographics

Cuban Americans are primarily concentrated in Florida, with Miami being the epicenter of Cuban American culture. The neighborhood of Little Havana in Miami is a vibrant hub of Cuban culture, featuring Cuban cuisine, music, and festivals.

Bay of Pigs Monument in Little Havana, Miami

According to the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 2.3 million Cuban Americans in the United States. They are the third-largest Hispanic group in the country, after Mexican Americans and Puerto Rican Americans.

Culture

Cuban American culture is a blend of Cuban traditions and American influences. It is characterized by its music, such as salsa and son cubano, and its cuisine, which includes dishes like ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches.

Cuban Americans have also made significant contributions to American politics. Notable Cuban American politicians include Marco Rubio, a U.S. Senator from Florida, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Latina elected to Congress.

Also see

• Hispanic and Latino Americans
• Cuban exile
• Little Havana
• José Martí
• Cuban cuisine