black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

El Periodo Especial A photography project by Bela Doka

Hungarian photographer Bela Doka captured the street life of Cuba during the so called “Periodo Especial”.

Bela Doka lived in Havana from 1994 and 1998. As a direct witness of the economic depression at it’s most severe, he extensively photographed Havana, Cuba and it’s people. Drawing the intimate portrait of a Cuban society in crisis. At a time when hopes, resourcefulness and dreams met reality.

The Special Period in Time of Peace (“Período especial”) in Cuba was a euphemism for an extended period of economic crisis that began in 1989 mostly due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Primarily defined by the severe shortages of energetic resources such as gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum, the economic crisis of the Special Period was at its most severe in the early to mid-1990s. The country lost approximately 80% of its imports/exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by 34%. Food and medecine imports stopped or severely slowed.

The period radically transformed the Cuban society and its economy, as it decreased use of cars, and overhauled industry, health, and diet countrywide. A time during which most people were forced to live without the many goods they had become used to.

– Discover more of Bela’s work here: Bela Doka

  • soy cubano written black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • woman portrait black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998
  • black and white street photography by Bela Doka in Cuba during the Periodo Especial, in Havana 1994 1998

Monthly Photo Contest

color photo of a boy in a train in India by Jose Carpintero
© Jose Carpintero

2022 Travel AWARD Deadline: 31 August 2022

Competition Judge: STEVE MCCURRY

When traveling, the only way to discover the rhythm of life of a place is to experience it. Each place we visit has its own particular look, ambiance, and atmosphere. Understanding its people, customs and traditions is vital and there’s always something unique to capture.

This summer we want to see images that communicate the life of a place in all its splendor and trigger our memories. Whatever the subject may be: Street, Portrait, Landscape, Documentary… We want to share your journey, visually and intellectually – Let’s travel together!


1st Prize: $1000 · 2nd Prize: $600 · 3rd Prize: $400

Submit Now

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