Colors of the black Cuba

   Before getting to the Island Johann asked me about the places we were going to visit. He wanted to take advantage of his holidays in Havana and asked me especially about the black Cuba.

   As soon as he did that I thought about Callejón de Hammel. It is a very important place when talking about the influence of the black slaves that came from Africa, in the Cuban identity and culture.

Actually Johann enjoyed this visit a lot and he was lucky enough to meet Salvador, the artist who dreamt and built such a project.

  

 The truth is the black Cuba is full of colors. Black, white, yellow, red, blue, have a special meaning in this cultural event.

In Callejón de Hammel you can enjoy the rhythm and energy of what we cannot call “black Cuba” but  just Cuba.

No matter how hard life can be, Art always brings happiness.

Once I heard that slogan and I felt it was a strong idea. Sometimes people wonder how could cubans resist so many adversities. Then I always have an answer “we bet on art”

I had the chance to make a tour with a very peculiar couple. She was born in Peru and he is a British man. Both of them wanted to know a little about Cuba and I shared the last 3 hours of his holidays in this Island.

This was not a common tour. We visited the wonderful squares, we talked about the arquitecture and History of Havana, but we specially devoted some time to art. That´s  how we entered that singular workshop and met some artists.

Together we admired that amazing painting and finally bought some books from Carilda Oliver Labra, Carpentier, and Daniel Chavarría. I hope Susi and her daughter can enjoy them they I did.

 Art and love are an endless source of inspiration. We Cubans know that. So I hope Susi and her friendly husband Paco, took some inspiration from us.