Cultivating Liberation: Gardens as Agents of Connection and Empowerment in Havana, Cuba

This paper delves into the vibrant world of urban gardening in Havana, Cuba, uncovering how these green spaces are more than just places to grow food, but instead hubs of community resilience, cultural preservation, and economic survival, especially in the face of recent global challenges. Through stories of diverse gardens—private backyard plots, community-centered spaces, and entrepreneurial ventures—this research showcases how these gardens blur the lines between private and public life, bringing people together. They act as informal classrooms, barter markets, and sanctuaries of tradition and innovation. Despite facing hurdles like resource shortages and climate change, Cuban gardeners demonstrate remarkable ingenuity and solidarity. They use natural fertilizers, share seeds, and support each other, creating sustainable and resilient green havens.