Cuban Genealogy

See also Papal Bull, Pope John Paul XXIII

Spanish Cuban Flag

Current Day Cuban Flag

Cuba, a young country founded in 1902 ,is multifaceted in regard to its development. Since this is the case, it's fascinating to some in respect to its genealogical history. Firstly, it's varied inhabitants and governing bodies have, over the years, made it a colorful mix of cultures and those cultures respective traditions. Different cultural communities brought with them varied customs and ways of life; these range from the food customs, naming tradition and of course how records were kept. The maintenance and growth of genealogical records changed over the years depending on who was in power at a particular time.

Secondly, while Cuba is a relatively young country, current Cuban genealogical research is still very difficult since one needs to know the exact location of where their ancestors lived in order to obtain documentation. In the late 16th century the Catholic Church became known as the main source of a citizens education. It wasn't until later on, during the mid-20th century that there was an interruption in the Church's involvement in education.

In 1961 the Catholic church was persecuted and proclaimed to be anti-revolutionary. As much as seventy percent of clergy left Cuba. However, once the mid sixties came around this position was reversed due to Pope Paul XXIII and his efforts. One of his efforts was a 1962 letter to then Russian President Krucev. After this letter, almost all the missiles established in Cuba were dismantled.

Like many countries tracing ones lineage may be important for several reasons; one of these is the ability to immigrate. If one can properly trace their lineage they may significantly increase their chances of immigration. To complicate matters even further, Cuba has a history of multiple governmental powers that ruled over it this means that if certain documentation is not being held by powers within the church, they are with local civil registration offices. During the Cuban revolution there were major conflicts between the then Castro government and the Catholic Church; where the former is promoting communism and the latter religion. Oftentimes during the then Castro led government these two parties would butt heads.

Some key periods in it's history include but are not limited to:

Inhabitants (Pre-1492)Inhabitants (Pre-1492)

Hatuey

Prior to 1492 when Columbus arrived there were Native Americans that inhabited the country. One such infamous example of a Native American that lived in the country was Hatuey. He was a Native American that was bound to a tree and burnt alive by Spanish soldiers.

Spanish Government Rule (1492-1898)Spanish Government Rule (1492-1898)

While there were different rebellions, sieges and even wars that took place, Spain ruled Cuba after the arrival of Columbus in 1492 until 1898.

Spanish American War (1898)Spanish American War (1898)

Naval Battle- Spanish American War

The last three months of the Cuban War of Independence led to the Spanish American War. The Cuban War of Independence , also known as The Necessary War, was the culmination of three wars intended to liberate Cuba from Spain.

Cuban Independence (1902)Cuban Independence (1902)

In 1902, with the help of the United States, Cuba gained it's independence.

Government Under Fidel Castro (1959-2008)Government Under Fidel Castro (1959-2008)

Fidel Castro

It could be said that Cuba arguably underwent one of the most extended and widespread socio-political changes during the period in which Castro was in power. During his administration, Cuba became a communist state where industry and businesses were nationalized.

Record ObtainmentRecord Obtainment

While many names in current day Cuba have a historical background due to the Spanish colonies that were once present, the Church also has had a crucial influence on researching one's Cuban lineage. As mentioned earlier, a great deal of ancestral documentation in Cuba is held by the Roman Catholic Church. Specifically, during the first few years of Castro governance there was major headbutting between the respective ideologies of the church and the Cuban government's respective ideologies.

Civil RecordsCivil Records

Flag of Havana, Cuba

Securing the necessary civil records is complex for several reasons. However, one key reason is that the records are based on the province one came from. Different provinces established a civil register at different times; the earliest one being established in the 1880's. Any documents prior to the 1880's need to be obtained through church records. While doing research, one can use historical events to help pinpoint the location of relatives living at a particular time. Researching Havana records is a good start and can be helpful. Once the historical event and location are matched up, a determination of whether to get records through the church or through the civil register can be made.

Major ChangesMajor Changes

While there are many key changes in Cuba over the years, several legislative change and events s in Cuba's history had a great effect . Some that effected a child's relation with their family, where they may have spent most of their life. Other laws effected how they were treated.

• Cuban Family Code (March 18,1975) - This created an independence from the old Spanish Civil Code. Children were also set on more equal footing with one another; something which prevented poverty and/or homelessness.
• Decree Law 64 (December 30, 1982)- Similar to the Cuban Family Code, this too changed the category in which children with behavioral disorders were placed in.
• Operation Pedro Pan(1962)- This was an operation where close to fifteen thousand unaccompanied minors were sent to Miami from Cuba. It was a joint operation between the U.S. State Department and the Catholic Church operating in Miami.

Finally, while in earlier years there was a differentiation between legitimate and illegitimate children currently in Cuba there is no difference and all children are entitled to equal rights.

Cuban SurnamesCuban Surnames

In researching ones Cuban lineage there are several important things to take note of when considering the search for a Cuban surname.

1. Patriarchy first - The fathers surname comes before the Mothers surname in almost every case; illegitimate children being an exception; in this specific type of case.
2. Two Surnames - Cuban citizen carry with them two surnames; this applies equally to both men and women. Moreover, this is mandatory on official documents. For example a hypothetical woman with the last name Alonso Alvarez entails her fathers last name is Alonso and mothers last name is Alvarez. Similarly with men; a hypothetical man with the last name Perez Aguila means the fathers last name is Perez and mothers last name is Aguila.
3. Occupation or church - Very often ones last names would either follow the church; an example being after a saint or religious figure. Alternatively, the last name would follow the trade; an example being Herrero for blacksmith or Blanco for someone with fair skin.
4. Spanish Model - Both church and civilian records follow the Spanish model of keeping records .They also classify records into two categories ; civil registration records and church records (i.e. Parish books).

See alsoSee also

• Cuban surnames

Explore More About Cuban genealogyExplore More About Cuban genealogy

• How to Research Your Ethnicity with Genealogy on the MyHeritage Genealogy Hub
• Spanish American War record collection on MyHeritage
• Cuban Genealogy Research: Useful Tips and Tricks
• Digital Library of the Caribbean in FIU Libraries
• Ecclesiastical Records in Cuban Genealogy Club
• Cuban Genealogy Podcast in Digital Cuba
• Cuban Genealogy Research in University of Miami Libraries
• Enrique Hurtado de Mendoza Collection of Cuban Genealogy in FIU Libraries
• A Guide to Spanish Genealogy and Family History Resources in LegacyTree
• Sanctioning Faith: Religion, State, and U.S.- Cuban Relations in Harvard Scholars

References

Authors template (click twice to edit)

[{Category:Cuba]]