03.+Customs+and+Traditions

Customs and Traditions 


 * Cuba**
 * Due to the racial mix which brings together religions, music, arts, cultures, foods, drinks and more from several places from the world Cuban traditions are very important.
 * Friends, food and family are very important to the Cubans
 * Cuban foods are foods that are not typically written down in recipes, instead the tradition is for families to pass down recipes orally from generation to generation.
 * Birthdays are very large celebrations in Cuba, It's not just the family and the friends of the child who are invited. Coworkers of the parents, neighbors and others are invited even if they do not have any children to invite. The Cuban birthday celebration includes a lot of dancing and singing traditionally, and also includes a competition to break a pinata.
 * Food is a big part of all the celebrations and holidays in Cuba.
 * In the 19th century, the symphonies, operas, and piano music of Cuba was first classical then became mainly Romantic.
 * Cuba Music is a perfect blend of music from all over the world although the roots lie in West African and Spanish musical forms brought to the island by the slaves from Africa and the Spanish immigrants.



**Haiti**
 * Music is a part of Haitian culture and is influenced by French, Spanish and American music. Drum is the most important musical instrument.
 * In the begining of Februrary the festivities of Haiti begin, it is known as Carnival.
 * Haiti, an independent republic since 1804, is the oldest black republic in the world.
 * Haitians believe that several types of illness are of supernatural origin and caused by angry spirits.
 * Haitians spend their free time within their family and friends.
 * Festive occasions such as baptismal parties, first communions, and marriages include the mandatory Haitian colas, cake, a spiced concoction of rum and a thick spiked drink made with condensed milk called kremass.