The Origin of Cuban culture in the Americas dates back to Pre-Columbian times (5000 BC - AD 1492). 5000 BC - AD 1200 dated the arrival of the first Native-American inhabitants of Cuba. AD 1100-1492 also marked the first Indian settlements: the Guanahatabeyes, Siboneyes and Taino tribes - Although a common misconception, these tribes were not primitive, Taino being the most advanced. When the Spanish slave masters arrived, they crossed cultures with their African slaves, creating the "mulattos- - or a new ethnic race forged between the white Europeans and darker African slaves. It is for this reason that the more significant roots in the Cuban nationality are Spanish (Spain is in Europe and considered white) and African. During the first centuries, after conquest, most groups came from Castile, mainly from Southern Spain. Later, massive migration arrived from the Canary Islands, Galicia and Catalonia. More recently and during the last century, people of Russian, Chinese, and European decent have further diversified Cuba's racial mix that makes up Cuba today. These three roots - consisting of the native aborigines, mulattos, and massive migration of other countries shape the basis of traditions, culture, and popular beliefs. .
Since Cuban culture is essentially blended with Spanish and African characteristics, most landmarks mirror the cultural influence (The natives are somewhat acknowledged). In fact, many of the cities and villages in Cuba have Spanish names, as prominent landmarks, monuments, museums, and bridges, etc. "After the sun architecture- is probably the single most important attraction for tourism to Cuba. It is a Hispanic architectural style that was adopted from southern Spain, consisting of wide windows and balconies that make houses approachable and open. Military fortresses around the country awe many visitors. The fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, the biggest in America, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, first bulwark castle in the continent, are both in Havana.
