Eighteen men bearing striking resemblances to the legendary Ernest Hemingway have made their way to Havana, summoning echoes of the past where the famed author once tread. These bearded enthusiasts, all members of the Hemingway Look-alike Society, have embarked on a journey to experience the cherished haunts of Hemingway during his Cuban sojourn.
Their Havana adventure began with a visit to the bustling El Floridita bar, a favorite watering hole of Hemingway. Here, the air was filled with music as tourists mingled with locals, eager to snap photos with these Hemingway doppelgängers.
Among these enthusiasts was Charlie Boice, known for winning the “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in 2015. Positioned behind the bar, Boice skillfully concocted a Daiquiri, reminiscent of passages from Hemingway’s illustrious life and work.
Another striking figure, Bat Masterson, the 2024 contest winner, took part in a lively baseball match at Finca Vigia. This site, once a personal sanctuary for Hemingway and now a museum, provided a backdrop for reminiscing about the author’s legacy.
Throughout their trip, the group underscored their dedication to celebrating Hemingway’s influence, particularly his interactions with local communities. Joe Maxey, another member, mentioned the joy of engaging with children and their families, which formed a core reason for their visit.
Their arrival on a Friday coincided with a ceremony at the Hemingway Marina, commemorating Diana Nyad’s historic swim from Cuba to Florida. As the weekend progresses, these men will continue to trace Hemingway’s footsteps around Havana, eventually departing on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the backdrop of this vibrant homage is shaded by the complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations, with economic sanctions shaping interactions between the two nations. Although the U.S. has tightened travel restrictions, the look-alikes were permitted due to the cultural nature of their visit.
As these Hemingway admirers weave through the streets of Havana, they breathe life into a time when the illustrious writer himself roamed these paths. Their visit not only echoes the past but also highlights the enduring bond between Hemingway and the Cuban landscape, unraveling pieces of a shared history.
Source: Apnews
