There are numerous Chinese associations, or self help organizations in Cuba, the most popular being the Casino Chung Wah. Often these associations would help new arrivals to Cuba get acquainted, help with language, letter writing and legal issues. They also served as social clubs. Some organizations are formed from patrimony classes, same last names, others by region they came from. Today there are still these associations in Cuba that help with making sure older Chinese get free meals, and they also teach language courses, martial arts, and keep the ties and traditions alive.
paraphrased from interview with Martin Tsang, 2015
One of the oldest photographs in the James and Ana Melikian Collection, the inscription reads:
The people that embarked from China, sit for a portrait after they were presented their ID cards by Mr. President, Don Thomas Estrada
20 May 1902
In the early 20th century there was still a predominance of men in the Chinese community. Coming to Cuba to start businesses and send money home to China, they often had families that they left behind. Many of these families never saw their male loved ones again. Many of the men, married or formed ties with Cuban and Afro-Cuban woman in Cuba. Life back in China was difficult and families often wrote letters to get information or help or money.
“The significance of the Chinese presence in Cuba is something that happens [and has happened] on a daily basis in everyday life. For example, Chinese restaurants were known as the best Cuban food restaurants, where a typical Cuban worker could go for his arroz con pollo or pork and vegetables, and have it served with a side of fried rice. And the Cubans identified with that good food a Chinese face.”
~ Kathleen López from interview in 2015
“When the government of Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma collapsed, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt ordered U.S. military forces into Cuba. Their mission was to prevent fighting between the Cubans, to protect U.S. economic interests there, and to hold free elections in order to establish a new and legitimate government. Following the election of José Miguel Gómez in November 1908, U.S. officials judged the situation in Cuba sufficiently stable for the U.S. to withdraw its troops, a process that was completed in February 1909.” Wikipedia
With the United States involvement in Cuba during Home Rule, the anti-Chinese sentiment grew. Chinese immigration to Cuba was banned, but not as strictly enforced as in the United States.
In the light of WWI, with Cuba being an ally, sugar production was needed and the ban was lifted for 5 years.
Chinese merchant
“When you ask ‘Why were the Chinese so well integrated in Cuba?’ and you see a photograph of an Afro-Cuban woman performing a ceremony, or laying down some sacrificial or commemorative objects in front of her deceased husband’s grave, [you see that] it’s a Chinese cemetery in Havana, but the people who go there are Cubans of all colors, ages, and walks of life.”
~ Kathleen López from interview in 2015
Yu Family Memorial Hall
Offering at Chinese cemetery
Offering at Chinese cemetery
Offering at Chinese cemetery
Repatriation of Bones
Offering at Chinese cemetery
Long Gang Gong Ting Yi Memorial
