ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cuban American

Okay kiddo, so a lot of people come from different countries to live in the United States. Some people's families originally came from Cuba, which is an island in the Caribbean. They are called Cuban Americans because they have both Cuban and American culture in their lives.

For example, they might celebrate Cuban holidays like Carnaval, but also participate in American traditions like Thanksgiving. They might speak Spanish at home, but also know how to speak English fluently. Some Cuban Americans might even cook traditional Cuban food, like rice and beans, but also enjoy American foods like pizza and hamburgers.

Cuban Americans have a unique history because their families may have left Cuba for different reasons. Some might have come and stayed in the United States because they were seeking better opportunities and a safer place to live. Others might have left Cuba because they disagreed with the government in power at the time.

Despite how different their experiences may have been, all Cuban Americans share a special connection to both their Cuban heritage and their American identity.