Cuban parties are always something to talk about. There’s never much planning that goes into it, but it always turns out great. You never know what to expect, but you know any time a Cuban family gets together, you have to make sure you have nice neighbors. There’s no question that this unique and crazy population of people sure know how to turn up.
Corn
Cubans feel the need to make every holiday feast like it’s their last. On New Year’s, corn is an essential part of the meal. In Cuba, the corn has to be collected early in the day and prepared all throughout the afternoon. It’s cleaned, shucked, and then grated to make a paste. Here in the U.S. it’s a little easier to just buy it from the farmer’s market and prepare it at home with a grinding machine. The corn is used to make tamales and frituras, or just throw it in yellow rice. The worst part of this is the mess of maize leaves and ground up corn all over the backyard.
The pig
There is no argument that it is not the holidays without roasting the pig. Some Cubans have it for Christmas, others for New Year’s, but it’s all done the same way. It’s almost like a ritual that every Cuban has to know. My earliest memory of roasting the pig was when I was 5 inCuba. We took one of my abuelo’spigs and put it on a giant stick to roast it over the pile of coal. Everyone took turns spinning the pig over the fire. Being Cuban in another country, this tradition particularly brings us closer to our mother country. The preparation starts the day before so you can marinate the whole pig and let the flavor set in. Then, somebody has to bring the caja so it can be cooked evenly throughout. The pig is always the first thing to be prepared and the last thing to be ready. As soon as the pig is done, everyone dives in the get their piece.
Alcohol
It’s not a Cuban party without alcohol. Like many countries, our alcohol is just another part of life. Kids are given their little bit of rum at every gathering, but never more. Whether it’s Havana Club or a Corona, you have to have something to loosen up and enjoy the party. Yet, there’s always that drunk uncle that becomes the life of the party, dancing with everyone and making a fool of himself. And you know it’s a good party when grandma gets drunk and starts telling her stories of her younger days before the Revolution. Not to mention the moment your mom and aunts start to reminisce on those old school ballads and have to sing them loudly and clearly. There’s no stopping them once the alcohol starts flowing.
Salsa
Cuba is the birthplace of Salsa (or Son if you’re Cuban). My favorite part of the party is the dancing. Just throw on a Celia Cruz track and watch as everyone is moved by the soulful, sexy music. Even the elders with back pain have to get up and enjoy the music. For some reason, there never seems to be enough men so you have all the girls leading each other in the salsa steps.
Dominoes
Dominoes is another staple of Cuban culture. It’s usually the older men that get around the table to play a few rounds. If you’re younger, you have to be brave to jump in and give it a shot. Be ready to face their smirks and subtle criticism. It’s not only about the game, though. This is when the men get around to discuss for the hundredth time the downfall of the Cuban economy and the politics of the country today. It goes without saying that 2015 was a historic year for these conversations.
Coffee
Everything in a Cuban household starts and ends with coffee. At a party, it’s made after everyone’s eaten and they're sitting around gossiping about everything. Just remember to keep it dark, strong, and sweet.
