The Man of La Casa Prado

Cubans have long had the custom to gather together Sunday afternoons with children, grandmothers and parents and take advantage of the day off from work and studies. The assembled family usually savoured a special dish carefully prepared by the ladies of the house: rice with chicken or black beans, roast beef or pork fricassee, accompanied by fried plantains and salad.

The radio came to enliven those afternoons with a varied program of romances, adventure stories, humour and even violent crimes told in a chronicle to the rhythm of Guantanamera, and the radio also entertained – why not? – with ads.

Toilet soaps became known listeners as a product that would make the skin smooth and soft, and toothpaste was advertised to being able to whiten and protect teeth from cavities and bad breath. Distinctive qualities were expounded about different beers, soft drinks and rums. Often these announcements were accompanied by jingles popularizing the advertisement.