Denim + Denim = Fun For Everyone

Changes in weather bring out the effects of one's internal instincts, their biological core's messages. On rainy evenings one can find earthworms struggling in puddles as they have moved to the pavement from the soil. In anticipation of a snowstorm, birds frantically gather food to withstand the oncoming crisis. Humans are much the same way, revealing their own vulnerability through changes in weather. On a rainy morning as the earthworms squirm, sorostitutes (sorority prostitutes) are seen traipsing down Boston sidewalks sporting Burberry rainboots, ecstatic to sport their impractical purchase whenever appropriate to the weather.

In Cuba, as a cold front moves in, temperatures plummet to frigid depths, reaching an unbearable 60 degrees fahrenheit. The sea-breeze is overwhelming, driving Havana natives to search for shelter out of the wind, huddling desperately in order to avoid frostbite. Instinct drives them to curious rituals, most notably excessive complaining about the cold, and the Canadian Tuxedo.

The Canadian Tuxedo is not meant as an affront to any of the lovely individuals residing in Canada. It is merely the term for outfits which feature both denim pants and a denim jacket. Considered the epitome of tacky fashion choices, (second to fannypacks and spandex, also both common here) the Canadian Tuxedo is generally avoided in the United States, and as such, this American writing has not had the opportunity to observe many of them in action. In Cuba, however, I have seen so many that a CTC (Canadian Tuxedo Count) accompanies many mornings' walks to class. The most I had seen was eight, and this was on one of the more frigid days.

Today was rather chilly, the highest temperature reaching approximately 65 degrees. The walk to class proved fruitful, and the CTC had already reached 11 before Siglo class. Already it was the best day ever.

We ended up going to the 'burbs to see some examples of individual gardens for permacultura movement in Cuba - this is meant to encourage the people to find a balance with their environment, feeding themselves from their crops, and helping to improve the environment by cutting down on the transportation required to bring produce to their local co-ops. This trip proved thrilling as it gave me more opportunities to seek out Canadian Tuxedos. From the humble Casa van, I saw many variations on the look: the classic medium wash denim jacket and matching pants, the tailored jean jacket with a jean skirt on the ladies, a light denim jacket with dark denim pants, and many others. Of course there are rules regarding the CTC, as established by the conductors of this count themselves. Though quite impressive, those sporting white denim cannot be counted as a true Canadian tuxedo. Acid wash is acceptable. Varying levels of darkness between articles of clothing is not only acceptable, but is encouraged. Creativity is revered. Blue hats are considered the ultimate accessory for the CT; like a formal tuxedo when accompanied by a top-hat, the CT has reached its potential with a blue head adornment.

By the end of the trip, the van pulled up in front of our building and I felt triumphant. My modest estimate that afternoon had hovered around 80 CTs, as the sun became more prominent, and the temperature was rising to the upper 60's. This increase in warmth was distressing, as I pictured Cubans all over the country shedding their denim jackets, leaving their jean pants woefully unaccompanied. Fortunately, I was wrong. As I removed my cardigan, the Cubans continued to wear their jackets proudly. Surpassing all previous estimates, the final count reached the illustrious number of 122.

122 reasons to love today. 122 reasons to smile. 122 reasons to never take fashion advice from a Cuban.

I took a few photos, but have concealed their identities in order to protect the innocent. After all, this isn't their fault. They just haven't been educated. (I'm not sure if I blame the embargo or not...)