I have never been to Cuba but I respect and adore this country. Bravo Cubans, you have survived and thrived so magically, artistically, safely and amazingly, despite of or possibly because of US sanctions. You are an example, community based and even if tough to tie ends, you are truly an example.
Many Cubans in Cuba, and here, explicitly say, "Cuba no es el paraiso sino no es el infierno.". As one Cuban cartoonist put it, the U.S media presents only a thorny image of Cuba, while Cuban govt media presents a rosy picture. The reality of Cuba, nevertheless, is the ENTIRE ROSE - the thorn, the stem, and the flower.
Cuba is one of the few countries left on Short Wave Radio. Their English language broadcast can be heard in the evenings in the US. Tune in and listen to the news and music live from Havana. They also stream Radio Havana on the internet.
And now in 2022, much of that hope is gone. The people are getting poorer and poorer as everything rots around them and they can hardly afford food, if they can find it. Sad for a place and people who seem so warm.
Another great doc on the progression of the Cubans. I visited the country as a Canadian while Fidel was still in power. It was alot stricter. The cuban people are so warm and friendly, I loved them. Canadians were their biggest tourist population. Snowbirds would go and stay in Cuba for the winter. And the Musica was amazing. It's so unique, it's impossible to sit still when hearing it. The docs I've seen on Cuba available were so sad and downhearted to watch. So glad DW you get everywhere & so happy to see progress in Cuba. I have never forgotten the lovely, warm people I met there or the beautiful beaches. Thanks so much for this documentary. Canadians still visit Cuba and I will always have fond memories of my time with these happy, cheerful, wonderful people.❤😅
@Al Person in my family's case it was through generations of hard work owning a local town pharmacy for over 100 years in my mothers side and in my fathers side 4 generations of doctors. What are you trying to imply? Castro stole it all and we still made a good life in USA. How about this, all those "rich" families who had everything stolen from them by Castro did pretty good in USA and are over 90% successful what do you say about that? Who in USA did they oppress? We got "rich" through hard work that is why regardless of our status we persevered. This is why Cubans today continue to live in the houses we built because our hard work still shines to this day nothing they can make can replace it. Communists are lazy scumbags. The town my great grandfather was in was so poor that he was the only doctor in the town, sometimes people would pay him with apples and he would accept it. Again, what are you trying to imply? I conclude with this: Castro kicked the rich out of Cuba yet the poor in Cuba today are poorer today then before while Castro got rich and so did his family yet the bad guys are the capitalists who helped build the infrastructure that remains today.
I was born in Cuba, lived in Havana vieja for a couple of years. My family left back in July 1968, I was really young no older than four years old. I don't have any strong memories of my life in Cuba, only small scattered memories when I was an infant. I would really like to see the U.S. government lift the embargo, and Cuba opening up. Cuba needs to change through evolution, not revolution.
Thanks for pointing this out, we're sorry for the mistake. We hope it didn't cause too much inconvenience while watching. Here is the English translation (13:06-13:17): "You can only rent from private individuals. There are no more state apartments. Rents can cost up to a month's wages."
The most interesting place that i've ever been. so much culture and history.The most friendly and beautiful people. cost wise it's very cheap as well. I hope to visit very soon again..
I don't know because I've never been there bur maybe they don't show slums because there aren't any. The people are very poor but they are happy. Once America goes there all that will change.
The “slums” are shown I’ve been there Was in Havana for a month There are definitely some poor areas but it’s not as bad as the American propagandists try to make you believe. People are happy. People are poor and they want some amount of change, but America makes it out to be way different than it truly is. In addition, one of the reasons they have so much poverty and struggle is because America has embargos and blockades on their trade which devastates their economy. Just because American leaders have different views than Cuban leaders, they cause the Cuban people to struggle . It’s disgusting really.
Why do they say the blacks came there as Slaves! No they came there as AFRICANS, which they still are in Cuba, just like all the other ports AFRICANS got dropped off at. 😝
The friends who helped Vietnam most were the Soviet Union, Cuba and Iraq. Cuba is under embargo, so it is extremely difficult for them. Vietnam has also gone through a period of being embargoed by the US, so it is extremely miserable because of poverty. It's great when the friendship thinks that Vietnam - Cuba is still burning red. Admire the talent, great personality of F.Castro and CHE Guevara. Thank you Cuba for its great help to Vietnam during the war and the transfer of Covid vaccine technology to Vietnam. Hope Cuba quickly stands up strong and rich.
A friend has been to 150 countries; his favorite is Cuba. Happy people, always laughing and dancing in the street or restaurant from out of the blue. Poor but peaceful.
Hi @Lillie Holmes, We're really please that you're enjoying our content and always appreciate feedback from our users! Thanks for taking the time to comment under a number of our videos. Did you have a favorite documentary? Best, The DW Documentary Team
Too bad they don't tell why Cuba is poor but just that they are poor. Cuba is poor as a result if the cruel US sanctions and trade embargoes placed on them. All the poverty there is because of US.
Beautiful documentary....I just came back from cuba,and cant wait to explore the rest of the island...cheers...check my cuba vlogs, when u get a chance.......mi gusta...viva cuba
Wonderful adventure ladies. You all look like such a lot of great fun to be with. What models are your Trek bikes,would liketo know. Thank you all for this video.
Cuba will be messed up opening to USA. During my holiday to Cuba ,main think I noticed was ,how happy people were . I have travelled many places in the world, Cubans do enjoy themselves, they don't realise how lucky they are.
So the moment you mention the film Strawberry and Chocolate, I feel like you've lied to me. You say that homosexuality is a serious taboo in Cuba, but the film's protagonist is a Gay Communist. In 1993. What else can I trust in this documentary, given you're making a lot of statements about people's aspirations without actually airing people saying those things?
And then at the end you present the fact that you had the opportunity to interview people from that film, but instead you misrepresent them, and only show one statement from them which you clearly summarise rather than translate.
@@mortarriding3913 Hi! I've been traveling to Cuba all my life and can honestly confirm homosexuality is a very sensitive topic there. Many people are very against it. My mother's cousin got kicked out and received much prejudice and abuse due to it. Thankfully, times are changing. But public opinions are still not great. Though that may only be the case for my province, Guantanamo.
the new music in Cuba is not as good as the Cuba of before. now it sounds as if it had a lesser sound of before when the soul of Cuba could be heard uniquely and from the very heart. I think the Cuba of now has been so greatly affected by its poverty and intrinsic needs that it's become music which created for the tourists who go there. what a tragedy it has come to be, for OUR music in the past, independent and soulful, beautiful and earthy is forever gone! the Cuban of before was not created to be of show, it was an expression of the soul. RIP
Tourism is a two edged sword. It brings in money for people to survive but causes a lot of environmental damage all along the way and not just in the final destinations. However the damage to Society is a bigger worry and something that is difficult to combat.
Damn i feel so sad for the cubans. I don't get how you are able to put such happy background music to such a horrible situation of cuba. This is where socialism ends. In poverty and miserable.
NICE DOCUMENTRY ,, BEUTIFUL PEOPLE,, BUT YOU SHOULD'NT MAKE EXCUSES FOR A SYSTEM THAT HAS FAILED FOR THE MOST PART OF IT'S PEOPLE,, WE ARE BLESSED HERE IN THE USA ,, WE NEED TO START HAVING MORE GRATITUDE,, AND FIGHT TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY,, I'VE SEEN OTHER VIDEOS WHEIR THEY SHOW VERY BAD THIRD WORLD CONDITIONS,,
I never felt unsafe at any moment in this country. But, don't be fooled as an American you will pay big city US prices for everything in Cuba. The best place to eat is where the locals eat: Kad Max, a literal closet, had real Cuban food for which we filled our bellies with food and drink for under $5 for 2 people! And a ride in one of those classic cars starts at $50 for 30 minutes.
I am cuban. It is an over simplification of the reality. Compare to other latin american countries it is safe, but it doesn't mean you can't get robbed and attacked, specially at night and if you are in the wrong place. And there is more violence, specially tape in the countryside. Again, lower than other places but it does exist.
Thank you DW ! Your documentaries are great and so insightful. It is impressive that being a German media you go through the trouble of translating your work in English, and I am so appreciative of that, keep up the good work! 😘
I’m from Africa and this guys way of living is similar to ours; their music instruments, their music, their way of worship etc... wow I can feel the African influence in the
A visit to Cuba is on my bucket list! 👊🏿♥️ Most definitely to Santiago, an Afro centric city I'm only getting to learn about, after watching this documentary. I'm not sure opening up to the US is such a idea. Pandora's box.
“You can travel anywhere at anytime without worrying that anything will happen to you” meanwhile in USA, kids can’t even play outside without adults supervision 🙈.
@@agfc6291 In September 2013, the incarceration rate of the United States of America was the highest in the world at 716 per 100,000 of the national population. While the United States represents about 4.4 percent of the world's population, it houses around 22 percent of the world's prisoners. In the previous decade, the United States also has a higher homicide rate per capita than Cuba, though Cuba wasn't far behind. You can probably expect less random violence in Cuba. They can probably attribute this to better healthcare than the U.S. Random or senseless violence from disturbed individuals is inherently a lot more frightening for the average person than other triggers or motivations.
you have a choice . You can go to cuba if you want to feel safer. I would be willing to bet the cubans would sell a kidney to move to the USA. Communism does NOT work. Eventually everyone starves. Ask Venezuela
@@jamesmorgan2064 Cuba is poor because of the trade embargo and economic terrorism of the US. Communism gives an advanced and more egalitarian society, but for it to work economically, it needs collaboration, and hence has to destroy the imperialist system of United States of America and it's lapdogs like the flagbearers of this documentary. The battle was lost, but the war is unfinished. That will happen, eventually.
@@mayito714 nobody told the Cubans not to rise up and revolutionize. They were too weak so this is why they still like the sheep that they are. Even Fidel was able to claim he was freeing Cuba which earned him support, the second he got a taste of money and power he tightened his grip
@@eb9172 then tell me why there are rich people but still are depressed and suicidal?! In my country poor people are happier than the upperclass ones. They are humble and contented. They can get food without paying any cent. Just farm in their backyard or forage food in the forest.. Money is almost non existent but they are happy. Your mindset is BS
This documentary bring back my memories.I lived in communist Romania like în Hell. Try to imagine Cuba with 5 months winter and temperature of -25 Celsius.
OK , I'm envious of the Cuban's life. They may be poor due to the US but it's safe for men and women on the streets and the people are cheerful. (I know they are not a free people but I frankly don't feel very free here.) It's been a long time since it was like that here. I"d give up all my worldly goods for a simple life with good people. Those days are gone for good here. We failed ourselves out of ignorance and greed. Now the debt has come due.
I've been there multiple times, they are as free as we are in the US. The policia are not indiscriminately killing black men there and people aren't sending pipe bombs or shooting up churches or schools or gays.
@@jeanettecuba I"m not. I'm an old and dying hippie. My days of adventure, music and dance are pretty much a thing of the past. But I had them. I danced and I stayed out of the career trap in this country. My spirit is much like the Cuban spirit which does not fit well with religious fanatics and uptight straights as we used to say in the 60s.
@@shauncameron8390 What freedom are you referring to exactly? I'm not saying they are free. I'm saying they are in many ways better off then what we preach as freedom and how we live in my country. I've lived here 66 years. I've watched our freedoms erode until they are basically a myth now. Most people here almost never smile at someone they don't know and they are uptight and stressed out and angry or depressed. You believe whatever helps you sleep.
step 1. get that horrible, grotesque person named trump out of the white house and into prison. step 2. help our cuban brothers & sisters to have everything they want & need if they would like our assistance. the embargo is twisted and not ok with very many of us..we are doing what we can to eliminate the problems caused by division, racism & hatred..please don't give up on us.👍👍
Ivan Toledo, you are so narrow minded, you can look through a key hole with both eyes. After living in Canada for 43 years, I will be retiring in that horrible country of Cuba. There are no other people like Cubans (those who live in Cuba, not those who are living in Miami). They are friendly, open, generous, sincere and caring. Can you say the same about the Americans? Do Americans actually know their next door neighbours? You should ask yourself this question. Mass shootings? Innocent lives lost because of gun violence? I don't think I need to say anything more.
A country without violence. Pack your bag, folks, we`re going to Cuba! I wonder what will happen when the internet and the tv will flood Cuba as it did to the countries of the Eastern Europe after 1989. Will it stay the same? Or the crime rate will grow? This looks like a good country to live in, even with those salaries.
i doubt that it has something to do with Internet and TV. It's more about education and the values that kids get growing up from kindergarden, school and life in general, there is lot's of capitalistic countries which are pretty safe like Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Germany (where i live)
@@LegendNinja41 Those capitalist countries have a decent amount of social welfare and social safety nates which is worth a mention. But yeah Scandinavia, Germany and Switzerland seem like the best nations to live in right now.
Providing the wrong translation/interpretation and omitting phrases and parts of conversations shows how wicked is the imperialist propaganda against el socialismo!
eTalent Outlook She’s trying to say translation...”traduccion” in Spanish means translation ....she wrote with a French spelling as traduction...maybe she’s using a translator that translated wrongly into a French style...she is not taking about tradition, she’s trying to say the translation of the Spanish into English in the video is not completely word for word because they miss phrases/words.
it's like any telenovelas, all sorts of broadcasters, sports program and show hosts on Univision ... its entirely European monopoly ... and to think 80% of Mexico is mestizos and over 60% of Brazil is African mixture of certain degrees ... talk about separate, surreal, and entirely alternative reality!
I am so glad you mentioned this as I think many people think it’s utopia. I think it’s sad behind the scenes. I will watch this documentary later , I just discovered it
@@job9639 We are weak and dumb people, we have been downgraded to animals by a thief dynasty and haven't been able to just unite ourselves and FIGHT BACK with full strength, willing to die for the future. Our homeland 62 years humiliated... We need to stop this already. The entire world will change for good at the incoming fall of the dictatorship, these guys hide so many BIG LIES... There was never any utopia, just communist propaganda. Prohibido Olvidar.
End the embargo and watch them thrive On the US Government website of the 'Office of the Historian of the United States' is Secretary of State Memorandum 499 which states that the intention of the embargo of Cuba was to harm the Cuban economy in order to: "decrease monetary and real wages, to BRING ABOUT HUNGER, desperation and overthrow of government"
End the embargo and watch them thrive On the US Government website of the 'Office of the Historian of the United States' is Secretary of State Memorandum 499 which states that the intention of the embargo of Cuba was to harm the Cuban economy in order to: "decrease monetary and real wages, to BRING ABOUT HUNGER, desperation and overthrow of government"
The Cuban passion and drive and their uncanny abilities to adapt as in the toyota motor transplanted into the cadillac, never fails to amaze me!! I find cuban musicians to be the best from the caribbean especially tbeir horn & pucussion players!! To think of 3 generations of that percussionits' family deeply entrenched in music is astounding. I can't even get my own sons to take interests in it farless for 3 generations and more. So many facinating aspects about Cuba, besides a crippled economy, who in their right mind wouldn't wish to live there? This far from the hayday of markist revolutionary ideals, isn't it high time the US intercede lifting their foolish trade embargo? What has it actually gained America these last 50 years or more? I started following to DW channel last month and really appreciate the lengths you have gone to, to produce this fabulous Cuban insight documentary. Fantastic job!!
Are you suggesting its America's fault that Cuba is in this predicament? Bc it's not. They had it all. America was fully invested. They didn't want it. I'm so confused by your belief. It is not America's job to support anyone. America isn't obligated to any country (except Japan, and that's military). If america doesn't way to do business with cuba, or any other country, that is ok. Bc that is their right. America doesn't have to trade with cuba. America doesn't have to trade with anyone. I'm not sure why this isn't taught in school, but it's common sense. What has America gained? Nothing. What has America lost with the trade embargo? Nothing. But no matter what its not on America to intercede, especially when cuba had the support and said they didn't want it.
This was a really great documentry, thank you for some unique content. Got a real kick out of the 50's era censorship at the end during the gallery sequence.
I would love to visit Cuba before all the tourists from the US discover it’s beauty. With Southwest now booking flights to Havana it won’t be too long.
I would love to visit Cuba. Particularly during the lockdown (day 41) my body stuck at home and my mind running wild. Thank you for this beautiful documentary. #stayhome #staysafe
Translation is not 100 % accurate and Cuba economy (if we can call it) it does not rely only in Tourism. Please if you going to make a documental be as accurate as possible. You do need to agreed with a country politics or view but you need to be accurate about what you say about what is happening in a country.
Woaowow.lord have mercy on me. I cried I laughed and I love as if Cuba is my country. Cuba got.the city and.the country. Music dance Ram coffee beautiful peaceful people. what a country. Its magic. No words describe Cuba. Great documentary I have never seen in my life. Thanks. Some.day i want to see Cuba. In 1936 the Cuban man came to help Ethiopia fighting the Fasist Italian army. He became lieutenant. His name.was black lion There's a book in Spanish also translated in Ethiopia language. Thanks black lion for your sacrifices.
People in America live in tents on the street. And nobody is blockading or sanctioning the Americans. Cuba is made artificially poor by the US embargo.
"the formation of social classes in a society where everyone was supposed to be equal" Yep! Tends to happen when you introduce Capital Markets to a former planned economy. Once that happens, economic inequality tends to follow right behind. This is why Cuba has been trying to grow it's tourism market. It's future plans are to generate revenues by building a mixed economy that it can use to strengthen it's social safety nets to compensate for the adjustment brought about by the introduction of external markets. I have visited it few times, beautiful country and amazing people. Also, helps if you are a native Spanish speaker. You will get some of the best tours by the locals around! :)
I pray that "opening up" doesn't screw them up. Western "civilization" chews up melanated cultures and then spits them out. Fidel was a wise man in how he dealt with America. I was stationed at GTMO in the 80's. I pray I can one day visit the real Cuba. I remember it's beautiful water and stunning night skies!
There economy thrived with Obama loosened the blockade, then during Trump the intelligence agencies created "Havana syndrome" as an excuse to not only increase the embargo but intensify it A LOT, and Trump started blocking Venezuela oil shipments to Cuba further harming the economy. It is the embargo and economic war the US is waging that is harming the people the most
There economy thrived with Obama loosened the blockade, then during Trump the intelligence agencies created "Havana syndrome" as an excuse to not only increase the embargo but intensify it A LOT, and Trump started blocking Venezuela oil shipments to Cuba further harming the economy. It is the embargo and economic war the US is waging that is harming the people the most
This is a good documentary. I just watched Bald and Bankrupt 's video (RU-vid) of his trip to Cuba. Not quite the same picture, and I've read that a good deal of Cubans are hungry on a daily basis. US former president and grifter Donald Trump ended normal relations with Cuba and the US. I think it would be helpful to both nations if they could trade and visit each other like happens between normal nations.
