Internal and Internalised Borders of Havana

Abstract

In this ethnographic snapshot, I reflect on the experience of the internal borders of Havana. I consider how these borders become internalised, impacting everyday lives and the movements of my research partners across the city. I focus on the marginalised citizens whose legal status and place of living make the borders especially apparent. My interest lies in how the internal borders are set up and embodied in the context of Cuba and reflected in everyday experiences. I use my encounter with Ramón to present the varied experiences of the border through two radically different positionalities: that of Cubans who migrated to Havana and myself as a foreigner being able to move freely through the city.