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STORY: Women in Cuba are defying taboos on tattoos

Location: HAVANA, CUBA

Body art has been stigmatized here for decades

‘Erias’ is the first group to openly promote the practice

Tattoo Artist, Lili Aguero, saying:

“Tattoos in Cuba are no longer taboo, it’s something all young people have. Everyone wants one, everyone wants tattoos.”

Erias was founded in 2021 and has nearly 200 members

Photographer and ‘Erias’ Cofounder, Ariam Arrieta, saying:

“Unlike just three years ago, today we can say that women are getting tattooed here on a daily basis. Three years ago, I think, tattoos didn't have such a strong influence in Cuba, even more so here in La Havana, which is the country's capital. There wasn't any. Someone doing it would say, ‘if I get a tattoo, it cannot show.’ Now we see it more and more.”

Tattoo Artist, Amanda Santana, saying:

“There is a legal vacuum regarding tattoos in Cuba. You don’t pay for a license, it is not legal, but it’s not illegal either. All tattoo artists use the internet to promote ourselves. I have my Instagram page, contact with my clients online I tattoo.”

‘Erias’ Member, Marian Leyva, saying:

“For me, ‘Erias’ was like being born. I use the word “birth” because I was so shy, couldn't express all my feelings, and couldn't tell the world how I felt about tattoos. My self-esteem increased, as did everything.