Why is it said that Cuba looks like a sleeping crocodile?

Cuba is known as the "Caiman of the Caribbean" because the shape of the largest island in the archipelago resembles that of a crocodile.

However, the story of why Cuba is compared to a sleeping alligator is full of symbolism.

The metaphor obviously relates to the aerial perspective of the island, its physical geography, the way this territory is represented on the map, but there is much more.

Cuba extends from west to east with an elongated and narrow shape, curving slightly southward from the Pinar del Río region to the east of the country. This shape resembles that of a resting alligator, with its tail in the west, the body in the center, and the head tilted to the east.

Cubans have adopted this nickname without hesitation because the crocodile is also a native animal. The image of the alligator has become a symbol of resistance and adaptability, traits that reflect the spirit of the Cuban nation.

Why is Cuba said to be a sleeping crocodile?

Several poets have dedicated verses to Cuba, drawing inspiration from its physical geography, natural landscapes, and the beauty of its colors. Nicolás Guillén, in "A long green lizard", expressed:

This comparison highlights Cuba's connection with its natural environment, full of biodiversity and impressive landscapes, from beaches to mountains, where the contrast of the green color with the blue of the sea predominates.

From a metaphorical standpoint, it also speaks of a country that struggles, that "shows its claws on the map" and that is awake, ready to attack. The work was published in the poetry book "The Popular Flight Dove" in 1958.

However, it was the poet, professor, and journalist Adolfo Martí Fuentes (Galicia, 1922-Havana, 2002) who implanted the idea of the sleeping caiman in the Cuban popular imagination. Some verses attributed to this author say:

The verses were studied in Cuban schools during the early decades of the regime, and over time, the image of the "sleeping caiman" became consecrated.

It is a metaphor for calm waiting. The animal lies peacefully during sleep, therefore it is a warning that such tranquility can end at any moment.

In July 2021, the people of Cuba took to the streets to protest against the regime due to the ongoing power outages, the increase in poverty, and the lack of freedoms. These were unprecedented popular protests, and the government brutally repressed them.

Since then, many Cubans claim that Cuba is no longer a sleeping alligator and will soon emerge from its long slumber to start moving forward with all the strength and cunning that this animal represents.