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What's in a name....? The name Tarará carries an inherent suggestion of musicality, yet in Latin America, it can refer to very different topics. For instance, in Venezuela, for the Kariña ethnic group, it is the name of the God of lighting which, by the way, makes the subject of a beautiful legend. In Bolivia, Tarará is an invasive bush that jeopardizes the natural growth of mahogany and cedars in the jungles, while in Argentina, it is the name of a precious wood used by local luthiers for making guitars. |
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I am sure that everyone remembers those two pot-bellied characters in Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass" – Tweedledum and Tweedledee, right?, Well in the original translation of the book into Spanish, they were renamed Tarará and Tararí!!
But in Cuba, Tarará has a completely different meaning; Tarará is the community which Cubanacán is developing for the Canadian snowbirds.
Tarará has traditionally been known for the quality of its air and the quietude which one can actually enjoy there. In 1990, it was chosen as a health centre for the treatment of certain non-infectious illnesses caused by the terrible accident in Chernobil and to date, more than 20,000 patients (mostly children) have been looked after in Tarará.
On May 1, 1999, Cubanacán Hoteles took over the management of the community and started a huge process of remodelling and upgrading the houses, roads and public services, as well as creating medical posts, entertainment, fitness centres, sports installations, shops, restaurants, markets and other facilities that improve the quality of living in Tarará, especially for a long stay.
This community, which is located in the province of Havana only 20 km from the capital city's downtown, has the atmosphere of a secluded resort on the beach. They hosted the first snowbirds from Canada, after a presentation of the product at the Lifestyle Shows organized by the Canadian Snowbird Association. We were privileged to receive 84 guests who stayed – on average – for 17 days.
Last winter, however, we saw a different scenario: 462 senior Canadians spent an average of 34 days in response to our many efforts to create a product that completely satisfies your expectations.
This coming winter, all the suggestions – and criticisms, of course – made by our guests have been considered and we feel that the product is now closer to your expressed requirements and preferences.
Tarará will be a perfect base from which to enjoy the many cultural and recreational activities that are to take place in Havana during the winter months, including the Latin-American Film Festival.
So for us, the name Tarará means quality of life, safety, culture, health care and a warm and sincere welcome to the 
Canadian snowbirds who are increasingly considering Cuba as a long-stay destination, especially at this unique residential resort with the catchy musical name.
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