In Cuban American heritage, death is considered very important (“People of Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). “Death is often seen as a part of life and some, especially men, may approach death stoically” (People of Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). As with American culture, when someone passes away, Cuban American families join together as well as friends (“People of Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). However, in Cuban American heritage they allow for a clergy to perform death rites (“People of Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). During the time of the death rites, the family crowds around the deceased (“People f Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). Candles are lit following the death rites ritual, as a metaphor to guide the spirits path to the afterlife (“People of Cuban Heritage,” n.d.). A velorio
