Havanans

Havanans are residents of Havana, the capital and largest city of Cuba. The term can refer to people who live in the city or have strong ties to it. In Spanish, the demonym is habanero (masculine) or habanera (feminine; the English form Havanans is sometimes used).

Havana was founded in the early 16th century by Spanish colonists and grew into a major port and administrative center of colonial Cuba. The city played a key role in trade, culture, and politics, and its port connected Cuba to Atlantic networks. After independence and the 1959 Cuban Revolution, Havana remained Cuba’s political, cultural, and economic core.

Geographically, Havana sits on the north coast along the Straits of Florida. The urban area includes the historic district of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, as well as neighborhoods such as Vedado, Centro Habana, and Miramar.

Culture in Havana is marked by music, dance, and arts, including Afro‑Cuban rhythms like son and rumba. The city houses theaters, museums, universities, and a vibrant street life. Spanish is the predominant language, with Cuban dialects and some English in tourist areas.

As the capital, Havana hosts government ministries, embassies, media outlets, and major institutions. The economy is centered on tourism, services, and state enterprises. Transportation relies on air connections through José Martí International Airport and the city’s port infrastructure.