Facts About Cuba Trivia Quiz

Answer: El Cocodrilo (The Crocodile)

Sometimes it is also called 'the laughing crocodile'. I suspect the mouth is on the western side, just south of Havana.

Answer: Asere

'Amigo' is just plain Spanish, 'Che' is what everybody calls everybody else in Argentina and 'Companero', while used in Cuba, means 'comrade' and is not widely used in the meaning of 'friend'.

Answer: La Habana

'Havana' is the English version, 'Havanna' the German one and Santiago de Cuba is not the capital, although it used to be. La Habana is always used with the article, much like 'Den Haag' in the Netherlands.

Answer: Camello (Camel)

They're called Camello because of the hump in the middle, making getting in easier. Cocodrilo is what Cubans call their island due to its shape. Tocororo is Cuba's national bird, since its feathers reflect the red, white and blue of the national flag. Elephant is just an invention of mine, although Camellos are pretty large and impressive.

Answer: Order of Lenin

The Order of Lenin is the highest award given by the former Soviet Union. Recipients received the award for meritorious service to the State, the Soviet Union's armed forces or society, or for fostering cooperation between countries and encouraging peace. Fidel Castro received this award in 1963, 1972 and 1986.

Answer: Palestinos (Palestinians)

Mulato is the word for brown-skinned Cubans, whom you'll find everywhere in Cuba. Sudaca is the name given to South American immigrants in Spain. It's mainly used as a derogatory term (SUD AmeriCAno). Ranas is simply my invention.

Answer: Tout

While 'jinetera' ('jockey') means a woman or girl who could with a narrow mind be called a prostitute, the male term is used for the kids who on the street try to sell you everything from cigars to their sister. A male prostitute is a 'pinguero' or 'chulo'.

Answer: Timba

Son, while Cuban and certainly en vogue again, is anything but modern. Bolero is a slow dance while it can feel hot to get that close to your partner, it's been around for a while. Merengue is hot, but from the Dominican Republic.

Answer: Havana Club

Havana Club (I recommend the Anejo Reserva) is the most widely drunk rum in Cuba. Bacardi was founded in Cuba in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba, but left the island for Bermuda after the Revolution confiscated its assets. Paticruzado ('crossed legs') is a rum found mainly in the Oriente, but it's not the most popular brand. Cristal IS the most popular, but beer.

Answer: Casa Granda

The correct name is 'Casa Granda', as can be seen on the sign at the corner and on the official web site. Interestingly, a Google search for 'casa grande santiago de cuba' yields about 20 times as many results as for the correct 'casa granda santiago de cuba'. Las Americas and Santiago are both hotels in Santiago de Cuba, but both off the city center.