• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
My Big Fat Cuban Family

My Big Fat Cuban Family

Cuban recipes, family, heritage, and culture.

  • Meet Marta
    • Media Mentions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cuban-American Life
    • My Big, Fat, Cuban Family
  • Entertainment
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Television
    • Concerts
    • Books
    • Theatre
  • Celebrate
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Cuban Christmas
    • Mother’s Day
    • Movie Nights
    • Summer Nights
  • Recipes
    • Cuban Recipes With Pictures
    • Family Favorites
    • My Cook Book
  • Shop
    • Cuban Foods Poster
    • Cuban T-Shirts
    • Costa Rican Foods Poster
    • Honduran Foods Poster
    • Puerto Rican Foods Poster
    • Salvadoran Foods Poster
    • Scottish Foods Poster
    • Customize Your Own
    • Cuban Goodies In Your Mailbox
  • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Archives

“Funny, but you don’t look Cuban.”

March 8, 2009 By Marta Darby 17 Comments

I get this all the time.

It's the blue eyes and fair skin that seems to confuse people.  Or maybe it's that all the news lately from Cuba seems to show a sort of third-world-dark-skinned population. And yes, many Cubans are black. And Chinese. And even Jewish. We Cubans come in all sizes and flavors. =D

To clarify, both my parents are Cuban. My grandparents back for a dozen generations on my mother's side are Cuban. Maybe there's a little Spanish (as in, from Spain) mixed in somewhere from my great-grandparents on my father's side…

My siblings and I were all born in Cuba. My kids are Cuban-Americans. My nieces and nephews are Cuban-Americans. And they look like everyone else. (go figure!)

NOTE: Our dear friend and next door neighbor is an amazing portrait/wedding/all occasion photographer and I asked him if he would please do something a little different as a gift for my mom's 95th birthday.  Notice how we hauled out my favorite red leather chair out onto the sidewalk and driveway?   God bless, Rafael who got out of his comfort zone to shoot us. (I think there were moments when he probably wanted to literally shoot us, but that's not important right now. =D)

All that to say this: We are all Cuban. And this is what we look like.

(as captured  by our great friend and fabulous photographer-of-infinite-talent-and-patience, Rafael, on the occasion of my mom's 95th birthday. Sadly, we are missing quite a few family members who were not available at the time of the photo shoot.)
Nat Luza Alina

Luza

Garcias 2

Helen & Ben

Fam b&w

3 generations

P2285111

Garcias

Jon 

Everyone

Ofie & Luza

Dressels

Darbys

 
Luza & Amy

Luza Helen

Garcias 3

Helen del

Great grands

Helen & Lucy

Gerbera daisies

E & M

P2285054

And because it was a birthday party (as was declared by one of the 4 year olds ) everyone had to wear a hat!
The great hat photo

Thank you so much, Rafael, my friend, for capturing the LIFE of my big, fat, Cuban family.  =D

And for documenting such a precious milestone in our lives.
Eyes

You might also like:

Our Favorite Orange County Portrait Photographer and Friend Cuban-American Pride Must. Have. Cuban. Food. PP is my BFF

Filed Under: Cuban-American Life, My Big, Fat, Cuban Family

Previous Post: « Blogging for breakfast
Next Post: Cheaper than prozac »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adriana says

    March 8, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Marta! These pictures are AWESOME! and your mom looks wonderful! It is very clear everyone had a wonderful time and of course the weather helped.As for not looking Cuban, trust me, I know exactly what you mean. Funny thing happened to me though the other day when I went to the mechanic. I’d been speaking on the phone (Spanish of course), and one of the guys at the counter asked me if I was Brazilian (you know, because I look so exotic – NOT), and I told him no that I was from Puerto Rico (long story, it’s just easier). Next thing I heard, was a REALLY in disbelief, you don’t look Puerto Rican. My parents are from Cuba I said. Ah! No wonder, he said.
    Now that one, had never happened to me before!

    Reply
  2. Melek says

    March 9, 2009 at 7:14 am

    Wow!What a treasure, Marti! Thanks for sharing … God Bless y’all! Un abrazo para Dona Luz and the rest of “MBFCF”!
    I wish you well 🙂 Melek
    “Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty – they merely move it from their faces into their hearts.”~ Martin Buxbaum

    Reply
  3. Gladita says

    March 9, 2009 at 7:15 am

    Hi Marta,I loved the pictures of the Big Fat Cuban Family!
    I can relate to the You don’t look Cuban thing very much! I live in Dallas so the perception here is you that if you speak spanish you must be from Mexico. I do not look Mexican, because I am not, so I always get the “You don’t look Mexican comment.
    I respond, that is because I am not.
    Then….So how do you speak spanish?
    Then the Cuban really comes out and I start my culture awareness and diversity information session with them….LOL !
    I mean really, what does Cuban look like? I start to give examples of famous Cubans ( ex: Celia and Cristina, Bob Villa, El Duque and Cameron Diaz I mean really…dang people )
    Slowly some of these Texans get a clue and say I guess you are right! At that point I think they really just want the crazy Cuban to shut up!
    I am by far a bigot, being married to a black man, my sister is married to a man who is half Thai and half Italian so believe me our family is an arroz con mango for sure, but I wish people could just be more socially concious of the world….will some people ever realize that there are many other latin countries other than Mexico??????? LOL
    I think I look very Cubana…who cares what everyone else thinks! : )

    Reply
  4. Odyfab says

    March 9, 2009 at 7:51 am

    Mati,Beautiful pictures, beautiful family!!!!

    Reply
  5. Kikita says

    March 9, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Yeah, we’re gorgeous. It happens. ;-)Gracias a Dios que soy Cubanan!

    Reply
  6. jana says

    March 9, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Amazing pictures! And I love the favicon too 🙂

    Reply
  7. Dutchess Wobblebottom says

    March 9, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    You have such a beautiful collection of pictures of your family, and such a beautiful family to photograph!Side question.. where are those daisies that were photographed in the midst of the party photos? My favourite flower; were they planted at Abuela’s house?! I’ll have to pay them a visit!! 😀

    Reply
  8. Marta M. Darby says

    March 9, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Everyone,Thanks for the gracious compliments!
    Jana,
    Thanks for noticing the favicon. I am quite proud. =D
    Dutchess Wobblebottom,
    The gerbera daisies are now in my mom’s garden. Although I loved them so much I picked up a few for my own garden. They look amazing in the bed framed by the white picket fence. 😉

    Reply
  9. Mica says

    March 9, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    Marta,Thanks for sharing, it is obvious that party was full of love and fun.
    I get the ‘you don’t look cuban’ thing too. I feel sorry for them when they say that to us. They don’t get it…
    xoxo

    Reply
  10. Amanda says

    March 10, 2009 at 7:12 am

    I am the daughter of a Cuban man and a Colombian woman. I found your blog while I was in search of good novels or history books featuring Cuba, in an anti-Castro viewpoint. Call it trying to find out more about my culture. My fath’s family is in Florida and New Jersey but we are over here in PA with my Colombian side, thus cuban culture was missed, except for mojitos…. anyway, my question is, do you know of any books, telenovelas, movies, or anything that is both interesting, and about cuba or cuban culture? Spanish or English doesn’t matter, I speak both. I’m talking about something more than Gloria Estefan and Scarface….

    Reply
  11. Marta M. Darby says

    March 10, 2009 at 11:39 am

    Hi Amanda,Welcome to MBFCF!
    If you look right there in the right column, I have books by Cuban authors from an anti-Castro point of view.

    Reply
  12. Carrie_in_TN says

    March 11, 2009 at 6:58 am

    These pictures are so beautiful and fun they’ve actually made me cry like a boba! I love them. Que tesoro!

    Reply
  13. Alissa Cardenas says

    March 12, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    The pictures are gorgeous! You have a gorgeous family which is only natural of a Cuban family! By the way, yes I am Cuban too! 🙂 Now I don’t get “You don’t look Cuban” but I work in a diner in Pennsylvania (go figure) and I get this a lot:”My wife here thinks you are Cherokee Indian but I’m pretty sure you are Peruvian.”
    I usually reply with:
    “I get that a lot and I always thought it was pretty obvious that I am hispanic.”
    So…. I went online after I had this conversation a few times with a few people and I googled “cherokee indian woman”. The result is pretty funny and I don’t think I look like these people. Then I think, how the heck can someone be so specific and think that I am cherokee indian but can’t tell that I’m Cuban?! Anyway, that was my funny story. Again, very photgenic family!

    Reply
  14. la cubanita-americanita says

    August 24, 2010 at 5:49 am

    Nice blog Marta. I get the “You don’t sound Cuban” a lot. I live in Colorado y aqui la gente son un po’ ignorante.

    Reply
  15. Brooke says

    December 31, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    Haha, I love this post. My Mom is 1/2 Cuban/Spanish and she has got brown hair, light skin and green eyes. I have blonde hair, blue eyes and light skin. Obviously I’m only 1/4th but people are often blown away when they find out my Grandfather was Cuban/Spanish. I like to throw it out there sometimes and watch people go “NO WAY!”

    Reply
  16. Ace Gomezo says

    January 13, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    i get the same thing. i am 100% cubano straight from la habano and still people say i am yuma

    Reply
  17. Lyn Sherwood says

    July 4, 2018 at 4:48 am

    I’m searching for my half-siblings – Joy Diane Gonzales, b. 191 and her full brother Robert(o) Gonzales b. 1953 – father’s name unknown, mother’s name could be: Virginia Enlowaine Nace, or Barbara Van Ness.

    Thanks!

    Lyn McIntosh-Sherwood
    Brou, France
    (ex-pat from USA)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

TRY SUPER SMOOTH CAFE LA LLAVE ESPRESSO

Cafe La Llave espresso coffee pods

My Cuban T-Shirt Designs

“Cuban T-Shirts

Subscribe to MBFCF Newsletter!

Never miss a post! Sign up with your email address to receive recipes, news and updates right in your inbox!

Cuban Foods Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Coffee Poster

“Cuba

Cuban Desserts Poster

“Cuba poster - Cuban desserts subway art print

Most Recent Posts

  • Hispanic Heritage Café La Llave Giveaway
    October 16, 2022
  • Sweet 16
    October 3, 2022
  • I’m Loving It
    September 9, 2022
  • Chicken With Peaches and Plums, Oh my!
    September 8, 2022
  • To Live Would Be An Awfully Big Adventure
    June 28, 2022

Cuban Recipes Cookbook

Cuban recipes with pictures cookbook from My Big Fat Cuban Family

Follow Me on Instagram

mybigfatcubanfamily

I love all things Cuban. I'm passionate about sharing stories, my family, food & recipes. I'm Marta. 💋🎉 @martadarby

My Big Fat Cuban Family Blog
It’s time to get busy to welcome the New Year on It’s time to get busy to welcome the New Year once again! 🥳
Get your grapes 🍇 and cidra 🥂 ready, people!
This is not a drill!🚨
Próspero Año Nuevo! 🎉http://bit.ly/2iB783G(Link in profile☝🏼)#cubannewyear #prosperoañonuevo
#mybigfatcubanfamily
There’s Christmas Music, then there’s CUBAN Ch There’s Christmas Music, then there’s CUBAN Christmas music. 🇨🇺🎄🎶 You need this Playlist as you salsa around your Christmas tree. 💃🏻🎄🕺🏼 bit.ly/2gvvCdK(Link in profile☝🏼)
#Cuban #CubanChristmas #ChristmasPlaylist #CubanMusic #ChristmasSongs
#MyBigFatCubanFamily
This is why I keep getting invited to holiday part This is why I keep getting invited to holiday parties.
😉🎉🇨🇺
Homemade Pastelitos de Guayaba for the win! 🏆
Recipe link in profile☝🏼
.
bit.ly/2esihpI
#cubanfood #cuban #pastelitos #guayaba #thefoodofmypeople #mybigfatcubanfamily
Looking forward to Noche Buena like… 🎄💃🏻🥳
Who’s with me? 🇨🇺🎄#cuban #cubanchristmas #nochebuena #mybigfatcubanfamily #arbolitodenavidad
Pro tip: Always end a Cuban meal with espresso. Ya Pro tip: Always end a Cuban meal with espresso. Ya tu sabes! 🇨🇺😉You can find these digital downloads in my Etsy shop for only $12. 😱Buen Provecho! 🥘☕️http://etsy.me/1VAIQYo#martadarbydesigns #cubanfood
#comidacubana🇨🇺 #foodposters #thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
Going into Cyber Monday like, 🗣️“Mas espres Going into Cyber Monday like, 🗣️“Mas espresso, por favor!” 🇨🇺☕️
Cuban Coffee poster digital download available in my shop. 😉 Ya tu sabes.http://etsy.me/2gcn1PT#cybermonday
#CubanFood #CafeCubano #Coffee #CubanCoffee #Cuban #Cuba
It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all t It‘s time to start making Crema de Vie for all the people who are on The Nice List. 🇨🇺🎅🏻🎁🤩🎄❤️I’ve included printable tags because I’m a giver that way.😉
You’re welcome. ❤️https://bit.ly/3nKgVpG#cubanchristmas #cremadevie #nochebuena #ohthecubanity #mybigfatcubanfamily
Now that we’re stuffed with turkey and wondering Now that we’re stuffed with turkey and wondering what to do next…Let’s shop! 😂🤣But seriously, check out my Etsy shop, Marta Darby Designs right now. I’m offering digital downloads on all my food posters. ‼️My fam is still singing my praises over the NocheBuena poster.
🎶🏆🎄☺️But I also have Cuban, Cuban Desserts, Puerto Rican, Mexican, American and most Latin countries represented. 🇨🇺🎉🎁All the digital downloads in my shop are only $12. 😱
Link in profile☝🏼
Have fun shopping! 🛒#mybigfatcubanfamily
#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺
#NocheBuenahttp://etsy.me/1VAIQYo
And so it begins: the shopping, the delegating, th And so it begins: the shopping, the delegating, the decorating, the slicing, and dicing as we prepare for the Big Day. 🦃🍁🥧🍽️
Let me make your like easier.
Play this Cuban Cooking Playlist and échale your own salsita to the preparations.
What are you waiting for? A gozar se ha dicho! 🎶💃🏻http://bit.ly/2fjIBy9(Link in profile☝🏼)#mybigfatcubanfamily
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
#JapiSanGuibin
Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a tasty g Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month with a tasty giveaway sponsored by my friends at @cafelallave.
☕️💚🗝️To enter you must pop over to my blog and answer some questions about your coffee habits.  Not too personal, I promise. 😉
We have all week to get to know each other. Let’s make it so!🥳https://bit.ly/3T9RrCiClick on the link in my bio and find yourself at my blog and leave the comment there. Thank you for your infinite patience. 🙏🏼
I’m so excited to get this Giveaway going!
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month must be celebrated For me, Hispanic Heritage Month must be celebrated with The Food Of My People. 🇨🇺What an absolute delight to find  delicious Cuban food right here in Downtown Disney. 🎉
@kikiscubanfoodtruck was every thing my Cuban-food-craving-heart could ever desire.
🇨🇺🥳❤️We pretty much ordered everything on the menu: Cubanos, Yuca Frita, maduros, black beans, papas rellenas, and lechón asado; all cooked to perfection and washed down happily with Materva, Iron Beer, and Malta Hatuey. 🍺Kiki herself is a talented red-headed Cuban beauty who runs the truck with boyfriend, Mitchell and represents us so very well. 👩🏻‍🦰Full disclosure: I judge every Cuban restaurant by their black beans. (It’s true.) Theirs were pretty perfect. 🙌🏼So proud of this Cubanita! We will most certainly follow this delicious food truck around the Southland.
Thank you, @kikiscubanfoodtruck for your gracious hospitality. 😘If you’re in Southern California, go find this truck and tell them Marta sent you! 👋🏼Also, the black beans?
Five Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#thefoodofmypeople
#mybigfatcubanfamily
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
It is what it is. 🤷🏼‍♀️🇨🇺😉# It is what it is. 🤷🏼‍♀️🇨🇺😉#ohthecubanity
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎
I started blogging 16 years ago. 🤯 I’ve share I started blogging 16 years ago. 🤯 I’ve shared stories and memories and all the relajo that is my real life.😁I have had many highs and lows in all these 16 years.🎢And I’m grateful for all of you who have helped me keep going. 🥳Happy Sweet 16 to me! 🇨🇺💝Swing by the blog this week and say hello. 👋🏼
(click the link in profile☝🏼)Que siga la tradición y el relajo!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻#mybigfatcubanfamily
#quesigalatradicion
#belikemarta 🖖🏼😎https://bit.ly/3CuHFof
Our favorite Cuban bakery here in California is fe Our favorite Cuban bakery here in California is featured on “The American Story” podcast. Listen. And love.
🎙🇨🇺🧁🇺🇸❤️Link in profile☝🏼https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-cakes/id1474881598?i=1000580776224#portosbakery #cubanfood
Felicidades a todos que celebran este día de la c Felicidades a todos que celebran este día de la caridad. 🙏🏼❤️🥳My story about Cachita:http://bit.ly/15bs9I4(Check my Instagram profile for the link☝🏼)#virgendelacaridad #itsacubanthing🇨🇺
#patronsaintofcuba
🚨My son the actor: @therealjondarby is loving i 🚨My son the actor: @therealjondarby is loving it! ❤️ His @mcdonalds commercial just dropped.
🍟
Can you say “crazy-happy Cuban mom?? 🖖🏼😎Also, are you craving hash browns now? 🥳
🗣Ya tu sabes!#mcdonalds #hashbrowns #mysontheactor  #mynigfatcubanfamily #managementmontage
#eristalentagency
Authentic. Homemade. Cuban. Mantecado. Ice Cream. Authentic. Homemade. Cuban. Mantecado. Ice Cream. The recipe is up on my blog and there's much rejoicing in my world. 🎉
Just in time for #nationalicecreamday July19th. #weallscream #itsacubanthing #mantecado #mybigfatcubanfamily #CubanFoodhttp://bit.ly/1f8Gv42
How do you make a s’more Cuban? 🤔🇨🇺 Wit How do you make a s’more Cuban? 🤔🇨🇺
With Maria cookies, of course! 🤯
Happy Independence Day, my friends!💥🇺🇸
I’m proud to be a naturalized American citizen.
“Abre que voy! Cuida’o con los callos!” 💃🏻🇨🇺-🇺🇸❤️http://bit.ly/Cubansmores#thefoodofmypeople🇨🇺 #4thofjuly #cubanamerican
WINNER!! 🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations to @chHapp WINNER!! 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations to @chHappy First Day of Summer!☀️
Let’s get this party started with a @cafelallave espresso gift box giveaway! ☕️🎉
Take a look at my blog for all the details.https://bit.ly/3n7pxbuTo enter:
1. Like this post on Instagram❤️
2. Follow @cafelallave
3. Tag 2 other espresso loving friends. ☕️🥰
4. Repost on your stories for an extra entry.🥳*Valid in the U.S.A. Only. Winner will be announced on Monday, June 27th, 2022 at 11 am PST.#cafelallave #ohthecubanity
Celebrating my 67th trip around the sun ☀️ and Celebrating my 67th trip around the sun ☀️ and trying to up my selfie game. 🤳🏻
I’m alive and I’m 67. 🎉
Not gonna lie: I’m super proud of making it to “estas alturas.” 🤩
Happy Birthday to ME! 🥳
“Que siga la tradición!”💃🏻#BeLikeMarta 🖖🏼😎
#mybigfatcubanfamily
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Marta On Social

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED POSTS

  • Crema de Vie – A Cuban Family Tradition
    December 10, 2018
  • Sweet 16
    October 3, 2022
  • I’m Loving It
    September 9, 2022
  • My Big Fat Cuban Cooking Playlist
    November 21, 2016
  • Pastelitos de guayaba recipe with picturesPastelitos de Guayaba Recipe (Guava Pastry)
    July 27, 2016

Blog Archives

Footer

Meet Marta

Marta Verdes Darby is a Cuban-American food blogger in South Orange County.

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For My Newsletter

March 2009
MTWTFSS
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031 
« Feb   Apr »

Copyright © 2023 my big fat cuban family