Havana Jineteras :
Love, Marriage and Divorce

LOVE AND MARRIAGE
IN HAVANA CUBA

Havana Jineteras
Havana Girls and Cuban Ladies

Before the revolution Havana was the playground of the Rich and Famous, the Mafia was everywhere and corruption, gambling, crime, and prostitution were part of the daily life. The revolution cleaned up all these illegal and evil activities. The criminal organisations and prostitution were banned, and the poor people were promised a better life. Nowadays prostitution in Cuba is legaly forbidden and does in fact not exist.

Under the stress of the poor living conditions some young women (and men) are approaching the tourists. They are called jineteras, which can be translated as jockey: they make a ride on the back of the tourists (wallet). The Havana jineteras are in fact a kind of escort girls who offer company in exchange for a meal and a few drinks, a new jeans, a night out to a show etc. Needless to say, a lot of these encounters end with sex.

Most Cubans do not see the Havana jineteras as hard prostitution. Keep in mind that the life in Havana can be difficult, or as they say: “no es facil” (it’s not easy). The extra money is more than welcome. The Havana jineteras “work” in the tourist areas, Old Havana and Havana Centro, especially Saturday and Sunday nights around the Parque Central (Central Park), Obispo and San Rafaël Streets, on the hunt for tourists with open wallets. At the same time the police is watching the Havana jineteras, because this practice is not allowed. Any jinetera walking hand in hand with a tourist can expect an identity check. The police will ask her for her “carné de identidad,” a small plastic identity card, and check if she has a record of prostitution. If affirmative she can expect a severe fine (50 CUC) and up to 3 years in jail, or she can be sent to a re-education school and be obligated to learn a trade such as hairdressing.

Since 1999 the police controls have been extended, and the police has received authority to check cars and “casas particulares” (accommodations in private homes)in search for Havana jineteras.
During the police controls, the tourists are not questioned and can go free, only the jinetera will be punished.

While there is no racism in Cuba, Afro-Cuban Havana jineteras and (white) tourists are most common. I recall the story of two Cuban neighbours talking and walking on the street, she a white woman in her forties with a foreign look and he a 20-year-old Afro-Cuban. The police stopped them for an identity check, because they suspected the young Afro-Cuban of being a jinetero, the male equivalent of the Havana jineteras.

LOVE – part 1

Recommended reading:
Divorce in Cuba, avoid de pitfalls in the Cuban marriage
What are the signs of marriage fraud?

Our advice:
If you fall in love with a Cuban girl or you have a close friendship watch for these signs: honest Cuban men and women are proud and will only accept a few drinks, a meal or an evening out to a show. Pay attention when more money is requested, watch out if she constantly expects new and expensive things - new clothing, a cell phone, money for her “sick” mother or baby etc.they can be inventive. These are early warning signs
RED FLAGS that she’s a jinetera and does it only for the money.

Do You Have a Wonderful Havana Love Story?

Share your Havana love story, the good and the bad! Did you marry a Cuban girl? or just met a jinetera on the streets? Was it a holiday romance or did you stay in touch? Share it, other vistors can learn from your experience, good or bad. You don't have to share your name or country if this make you feel more comfortable.
Anonymous is OK.

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

LOVE – part 2 - Cuba Weddings

INVITATION

The letter of invitation is valid for one year starting from the issue date on the document. The cost of this document in Havana is 140 CUC, with special request form available at the Cuban embassies: costs about 200 US dollar – 200 euro. Additional documents

Depending of the regulations of the country of the inviting person additional documents may be needed such as:

A medical examination certificate
A document stating that the inviting person earns sufficient income to support the invited Cuban.

In order to receive permission to leave the country, the Cuban citizen has to go to the Cuban Migration Services to apply for a travel permit (vigencia de viaje) and a Passport. Before departure the Cuban has to apply for a visa, which will be stuck in the Passport and has a validity period of 30 days. An extension of up to 90 days is possible.

MARRIAGE IN HAVANA (Cuba)

For the NON Cuban citizen

An official (sworn) translator must translate all the documents into Spanish. Both, the original certificates as well as the translations should be certified and officially recognized by the authorities of your country.

All above-mentioned certificates must be certified and stamped by the Consular services of the Cuban embassy in your home country.

For the Cuban citizen

When the documents are delivered both partners go in company of two adult witnesses (who are not family members) to a notary who will conduct the ceremony.
Cost of the ceremony
525 CUC: marriage ceremony
140 CUC: invitation
300 CUC: legalisation and protocol

DIVORCE IN CUBA

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