The language of Cuba is Spanish, though there may be differences between Spanish spoken by Cubans and the Spanish of Mexicans, for example. Many new refugees and immigrants speak only Spanish. Conversation tends to be antimated, fast, and may seem loud. We have noted in our refugee screening clinic that communications within families and among friends often seem warm and affectionate. Direct eye contact is the norm in almost all interactions.
Men greet one another with hand shakes and women are often physically affectionate with one another.
Both women and men tend to be passionate and express themselves in a way that seems demanding to others. This may result in negative perceptions by health care providers who sometimes expect docility in refugees. Religion Cubans traditionally are Catholic, but many younger recent refugees and immigrants have had little exposure to religion of any sort. We have noted fewer Cuban refugees wearing crucifixes, religious medals, or similar items than other Hispanic groups. There is evidence that Santeria is practiced by persons from middle and upper-class backgrounds as well as those with less education.