Flowers in Cuba occupy a cultural position shaped by tropical climate, local traditions, and public spaces. In Havana and Santiago de Cuba, flowers are central to religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings, and decorative markets, while in rural areas, native species are cultivated for community celebrations and small markets. Participation is influenced by access to seeds, community knowledge, and small-scale agricultural networks. Compared to staple crops, flowers function primarily as ceremonial and decorative elements, with visibility reinforced by tourism and cultural events. Seasonal weather, island ecology, and historical traditions determine availability and use. Flowers in Cuba reflect the nation’s identity, blending cultural expression, tropical biodiversity, and social tradition.
