"How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus?" New York Sun September 21, 1897

"Culture is of fundamental importance for the life of nations and for fostering the most authentic human values" Pope John Paul II, University of Habana, January 23, 1998

When Columbus landed in Baracoa in 1492, he brought with him European customs, rituals, myths and beliefs, including Saint Nicholas. Christmas was celebrated in Cuba for over 450 years prior to Christmas being banned by the Revolutionary Government in 1969. As with many nations, Santa Claus was featured on Cuban stamps, promotional materials, and media. Then, as today, dismissing Santa Claus as merely commercialism misses the historical story of Saint Nicholas dating from 270 A.D and the power of the Santa Claus myth "for fostering the most authentic human values" among the people of Cuba and the World. SANTA CUBA ® and santacuba.com promotes and markets Christmas related items to Cubans throughout the World both through print media and the Internet. Additionally, Christmas items can be purchased through SANTA CUBA® services and sent, through OFAC licensed Travel Services Providers, to Cuba for gifts and/or humanitarian purposes. Please contact us for more information.