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Chinese immigration to Cuba started in 1847 when Chinese (Cantonese and Hakka) contract workers were brought to work in the sugar fields, bringing the religion of Buddhism with them. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers were brought in from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan during the following decades to replace and / or work alongside African slaves. After completing eight-year contracts or otherwise obtaining their freedom, some Chinese immigrants settled permanently in Cuba, although most longed for repatriation to their homeland. Havana's Chinatown (known as Barrio Chino de La Habana) was one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in Latin America. Some 5,000 immigrants from the U.S. came to Cuba during the late 19th century to escape the discrimination present at the time. A small wave of Chinese immigrants also arrived during the early 20th century to escape the political chaos in China.
When the new revolutionary government led by Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, the economic and political situation changed. Many Chinese grocery store owners, having had their properties expropriated by the new government, left Cuba. (Thank-you Wikipedia!)
Today there are said to be fewer than 300 true Chinese living in Havana.
"Chinatown" seems to consist of one very short pedestrian street a little distance from the Chinese looking arch.
When the new revolutionary government led by Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, the economic and political situation changed. Many Chinese grocery store owners, having had their properties expropriated by the new government, left Cuba. (Thank-you Wikipedia!)
Today there are said to be fewer than 300 true Chinese living in Havana.
"Chinatown" seems to consist of one very short pedestrian street a little distance from the Chinese looking arch.
The 'Barri Hino'.
Cuchillo street.
Lamps.
I'm hoping this was a Chinese pet stall not a Korean restaurant.
The only other evidence, Foo Dogs.
Cuchillo street.
Lamps.
I'm hoping this was a Chinese pet stall not a Korean restaurant.
The only other evidence, Foo Dogs.
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