Throughout history Mubans (cubans from or that have resided in Miami or central area) have celebrated the bountiful harvest with their own version of thanksgiving ceremonies.
The ceremonial tradition is to invite any family member, friends and the like form all over. Hialeah, Miami Springs, Souwesera.. Etc..
It begins with the purchase of any Instant meal in a box they could find. (after all who wanted to spend all the time in the kitchen) Mashed potatoes, stuffing and yes even the pumpkin pie filling. All purchased at "El Puble" or "Winn Dixie" Of course there were certain tribal members from Coral Gables that actually made things from scratch but those were just Mubans (pretending to be"Americanos" ) and felt it was their duty as new foundland members to "fit in" These members when surrounded by their own kind slipped into a time warp and blended in with the rest.
Turkey was served, but the main course had to be accompanied by una "pierna" or a lechon cooked for endless hours in a hole in the ground in a "caja china" (in some unfortunates family members home) Landscaping what not an issue for this tradition. This tradition entailed many Male Mubans surrounding this site. Numerous beers consumed.. Usually Busch and Michelob or the infamous Cuba Libre . These males would sit around reminiscing the old days in the mother land where everyone was a Scientist, a political figure or political prisoner and a physicist. No one was a blue collar worker in Cuba.. EVERYONE was an aristocrat. Children were not allowed to take part in this event unless the elder of the family chose a child and enticed them try the pig tail .. And witness this creature cooking in the heat and blazing fire below. Usually it is the child that had this pig running around their own backyard and named him "Piggy".
As the children ran in and out of the home and played silly games the females gathered inside strutting their newly purchased outfits and discussed recent purchases and recent home improvement projects. A tour of the hostess home usually took place while she explicitly discloses how much every item cost her .
Oh the story topping each took part in. Who could forget the gossiping of the friend or family member that did not attend. This made for entertaining conversations. The joy of this gathering..
The final preparation took place in the hostess' kitchen. In this room is where all took place. Wine and spirits were consumed while waiting for the feast that would take place at around 10pm or so. By this time card games and dominoes were played by the males as the females watched. Thanksgiving although never celebrated in Cuba became an intrical part of the Mubans lives. For this is part of their new lives and culture. They are thankful that soon in about a month "Noche Buena" will arrive and the festivities will all resume again.
So if ever a Muban is invited to a traditional American Thanksgiving and you notice some uncomfortable behavior. Fear not.. it is merely the realization of the misconstrued and disfunction of their childhood thanksgiving celebration.
For those that took advantage of the distant degree of separation applaud and embrace these individuals because til this day there is an invitation extended to each and every young adult Muban to attend this mind altering experience.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
"Hurricane"
"Salt Island"
"Island Panoramic"
