Havana, Cuba
Che joins the cast of a home altar.
This photo was submitted by traveler, Michael M., who snapped it in Havana, Cuba.
Michael traveled to Cuba in the late 1980s and early 1990s on a “special license,” which was available to journalists, educators or other recognized professions.
He was there doing a photo essay on Santeria, a religion brought into the country by West African slaves.
“They preserved their religion by disguising their gods as Catholic saints,” Michael said. “Many homes have altars to the practice and often Che was part of the scene.”
The way Che is revered in Cuba contrasted with how his image is often used in fashion without regard for the man and his values is something that fascinates me. I am always tempted to ask the person with the Che t-shirt if he knows who the image is of and what he did to deserve to become an icon. Che achieved this without a brand manager!