Cuba is a street photographer’s dream. Scenes unfolding on every corner that could be taken from the 1960’s or earlier. Vintage cars & crumbling buildings are an integral part of Cuba’s charm. At the best of times Cuba can fascinate and amaze, at the worst of times it can confuse and frustrate.
Since the revolution in 1959 much of Cuba has been preserved in a time-warp. This is especially in apparent in Trinidad, a small town in the south of the island. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988 which has remained unchanged since the mid-18th century with picturesque cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture.
Much of Cuba’s unique environment has been shaped by the Revolution and subsequent embargo imposed on Cuba by America in 1962. Blocking all trade from the US has influenced Cuba’s independence and through necessity Cuban’s have become masters at resourcefulness and repair. This is apparent especially in Havana where in the backstreets you can get almost anything restored to its former glory. Although to a non-Cuban change is difficult to see, Cuba is on the brink of change. Relations are thawing between Cuba with embassies re-opening in Havana and Washington. Although the embargo has not been completely lifted, restrictions have been significantly loosened on American trade and investment. Alongside this Cuba is being taken in a new direction by Fidel Castro’s brother Raul after taking over from Fidel in 2008. Small businesses are now allowed to operate although advertising is still forbidden. Tourist numbers are rising rapidly but how will Cuba cope with the extra demand? With talks of large investments in tourism and the rail infrastructure only time will tell what effect this will have on the Cuban culture and spirit of independence.
Text and photography: Laura Bemrose
