“We’re pregnant” is an expression which, far from being a simplism, joke or pretentiousness, announces the silent revolution of fatherhood, in language too. Using this phrase implies a combination of pride, responsibility and commitment. It establishes a deeper and more equal feeling of being a partner, of being more human, more emancipatory. It also expresses […]
Chess for My Daughter
This weekend, we agreed to learn to play chess, seriously. My daughter and I sat in front of each other, the board between us, all of the black and white pieces in position, standing tall, with a pen and piece of paper nearby to take notes. She and I, alone; the world around us could […]
The Team Behind a Documentary that Doesn’t See Race
The idea that socialism helped to resolve Cuba’s race problem is just an illusion: “You can’t destroy a mindset so easily that has been baking for centuries in slavery and colonialism,” says filmmaker Gretel Marin, who graduated from Cuba’s University of the Arts (ISA). Born into a “mixed” family, Gretel discovered racism’s ugly head as […]
Skin Stories: Secrets of a Female Cuban Tattoo Artist
She’s 36 years old, but she seems to have lived a lot longer given the map of experiences traced on her own body in ink. Her name is Yenisley Castellanos. She was born in Banes, Holguin, and is one of the first female tattoo artists in Cuba. Rejection. This word comes up over and over […]
With a wide variety of options and questionable demand due to cash shortages on the island, we ask: what is the price of houses and apartments in Cuba today? How much do people end up paying by the end of the transaction? Who are the buyers?
This week the Matraca artists illustrated their desires and predictions for 2024.
Swept Away in 2023
The illustrations in this issue of “Matraca” were inspired by some of the most relevant moments and events of 2023.
Cuba’s Inflators
This week the Matraca illustrators center on government leaders latest review of the state of the Cuban economy and initial announcements for the coming year.
The Eggs Are Here
What can we expect on the table for Christmas and New Years? At the moment they offer us the fear of attacks by Florida gunmen and aliens.
