Cuba has a similar demographic to Brazil in the fact that there is an African population that has roots in slavery. Multiracial identity comes with the same set of conflict in Cuba that it does in Brazil. Carnaval is a annual celebration that has a lesser known history of being a prime example of racial power and oppression. Since the late 19th century there has been an increase in the presence of Afro-Cubans in Carnaval and their folklore which is found in their clothes and props (Bettelheim 1991: 69). Their presence in this celebration is a silent or vocal argument of their oppression by indigenous Cubans and the government who felt as though they participated in cult activity that would put the non-African community in danger (Bettelheim 1991:70). Capoeira was viewed in a similar context, only the movements of the dance further increased the belief that African descendants were barbarians who needed to be heavily restricted and watched at all times. Despite the hundreds of years that have passed between the introduction of slavery in South America, the African population is still trying to move forward and be viewed as equals in every part of life.