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© 2011 Erika J. Schultz/ The Seattle Times

Friends dance at the Valmaceda family’s house for their daughter’s 23rd birthday party in Trinidad, Cuba. The girls danced for hours to the deep, pulsating, urban beat of reggaeton. Cuba celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Communist Revolution at the beginning of 2009. Yet, the small island nation faced large economic challenges throughout the year, and continues towards an uncertain future. At the Casa Templo de Santeria Yemaya, in the town of Trinidad, followers celebrate their saint’s anniversary. Drummers and dancers surrounded a large altar adorned with cakes, fruit, cigars and rum. The Santeria religion, a blend of traditions from Catholicism and West African beliefs, is widely practiced in the country. In central Havana, old American autos called “maquinas” pass through a popular corridor where Cubans pick up rides and avoid the crowded city bus system. Cuba celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Communist Revolution at the beginning of 2009. Yet, the small island nation faced large economic challenges throughout the year, and continues towards an uncertain future. Relations with the United States slightly shifted in April when President Obama lifted the limits on both how much money Cuban-Americans can send home and how often they can visit. Is more change on the horizon? Who knows? Fidel Castro has survived American sanctions, Soviet abandonment and more. But time is something he cannot escape. When he and his brother are gone, the next generation of Cubans will face the task of setting the course for the next 50 years. Yenisey Lopez, 32, left, and Arletis Oliva Juvier, 18, sway in rocking chairs at a Hogar Materno in the town of Trinidad. Earlier this year, 26 women with high-risk pregnancies or special needs were living at the maternity home. Their care is free of charge; they stay until their children are born. In the small town of Casilda, men line up to refill beer in their plastic bottles. On the streets, it’s often BYOB, as in bring your own bottle, to fill with beer or lemonade. Cuba celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Communist Revolution at the beginning of 2009. Yet, the small island nation faced large economic challenges throughout the year, and continues towards an uncertain future. Men walk through the historic town of Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. The city, founded by Spaniards in 1514, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A portrait of Fidel Castro hangs in a bus stop terminal in central Cuba. Two young members of a wedding party wait in the entrance of the Palacio de los Matrimonios near the Prado promenade March 15, 2009 in Havana, Cuba. Until recently, the Cuban government was able to offer newlyweds wedding subsidies. In central Havana, neighbors watch the Cuban national team play Japan during the World Baseball Classic this past March. In this baseball-crazed country, Cubans have tuned into their television sets to watch their beloved players compete with teams from around the world. With beer, cigars and rum in hand, these fans say they’ve watched every game Cuba has played. Adriana Gonzales, 8, swims near her small hometown of La Boca. Her uncle, a fisherman, works by boat early in the morning and then again in the evening. At sunset, fishermen prepare for an evening of fishing March 2009 in La Boca, Sancti Spiritus Province, Cuba. With lanterns, the men fish late into the night where the narrow Rio Guaurabo meets the sea. The men in the small fishing village provide fish for the nearby tourist hub, Trinidad. A mixture of fishing and tourism supports their community.