A Cuban Martial Arts School that Arose from the Rubble

In 1997, Juan Antonio Soca, karate-Do and ju-jitsu instructor, had the idea of installing a tatami mat in an abandoned space and converting it to a dojo, a hall for immersive learning in the martial arts.

Definitions for Cuba in 2024

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.

A Cuban Spy Discovered in the USA

The illustrations in Matraca this week are inspired, mainly, by the accusations against a former US ambassador, Manuel Rocha. According to prosecutors in that country, for four decades he secretly collected intelligence information for Cuba.

Rights in Cuba

Matraca’s illustrations this week are inspired by the political trial against Dr. Alina Barbara Lopez Hernandez, which took place on November 28

Cuban Teachers Get a Plantain Bonus

The illustrations in Matraca are inspired this week by the delivery of plantains as a bonus to high school teachers in Guantanamo.

Review: Cuba and Human Rights

This week the Matraca artists address the role of the Cuban government during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council.

Cubans Worn Out by the Scarcity of Psychiatric Resources

Maria Caridad Castillo Palau, “Cari” as she’s affectionately known, arises very early each morning to seek “some option” for her 39-year-old son Allen, who refuses to take his pills without something to accompany them with.

Norah Jones Is Coming to Cuba

The Matraca illustrations in this issue were inspired by the concerts that Norah Jones will perform in Havana and statements by Mariela Castro and Aleida Guevara about their support for Palestine.

Costumes in Cuba

This week the Matraca artists drew about Halloween, a celebration whose origin dates back to an ancient Celtic pagan celebration.

Three Ways of Looking at Diaz-Canel’s TV Performance

The Matraca illustrations in this issue were inspired by the presentation of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on the Mesa Redonda television program on October 16, 2023.

Cuba’s Prisoners of Hunger

The artists of Matraca draw this week about the food crisis in Cuba, about hunger, begging and building collapses in Havana.

Cuba in a Tailspin: Building Collapses and Blackouts

The artists of Matraca draw this week about the recent building collapse in Havana, an increasingly frequent reality, and about the announcement of the energy situation that points to more blackouts on the island and the widespread consequences.