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Before the island nation of Cuba became an object of political scorn by the United States, it was a glamorous destination for everyone from American movie stars to aristocrats to revolutionaries. While still isolated in many ways, Cuba is experiencing a resurgence in tourists and general travel interest. The island is a living, breathing testament to the mercurial nature of politics, and photos from Ramiro Fernandez’s fantastic Cuba Then remind us what Cuba once was — and what it could be again.
Teenagers dance at Mariano Beach in 1956.
A group of revelers cross dresses during a 1960 Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
Cuban singer and dance Lina Salomé zooms around Havana in 1956
Bus riders show their tickets in Havana, 1954.
A couple steps out for a coffee and a smoke in Havana, 1957.
In 1964, revolutionary Che Guevara takes a break from political thought and focuses instead on the chess board.
Actress Emilia Guiú lights up a cigarette in Havana, 1952.
Actor Alec Guinness and director Carol Reed chat on the set of "Our Man in Havana" at the José Martí airport in 1959.
Half-Cuban actor César Romero (whose grandfather was famed Cuban poet and revolutionary José Martí) chats with Mexican actress Elena de la Cruz in Havana, 1946.
