The majority of the Cubans living in North America live in and around the city of Miami. Other exiles have relocated to form substantial Cuban American communities in Union City and West New York, New Jersey (known as Havana on the Hudson); Raleigh, North Carolina; Los Angeles, California; and Palm Desert, California.
Many Cubans in North America are both legally and self-described political refugees who came in numerous waves as a result of the Cuban revolution of 1959. The Cuban community has grown and thrived and has been significantly involved in cultural events and political activism.
The majority of Cuban people adhere to Roman Catholicism. However, some practice African traditional religions (such as Santería or Ifá), which evolved from mixing the Catholic religion with the traditional African religion. There is also a Protestant presence.