Ready to discover the energy and excitement of Cuba? Whether you’re passionate about music, love exploring different cultures, or just want a one-of-a-kind experience, Cuba’s festivals offer an unforgettable adventure.
You’ve probably wondered where to find authentic Cuban celebrations. We’re here to show you the top festivals that will bring Cuba’s culture to life.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
- Carnival of Havana
- Havana International Jazz Festival
- Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano
- Festival del Habano
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy the vibrant music, dance, and traditions of Cuba’s most exciting events.
Keep reading to get started!
Festivals in Cuba: Havana Highlights
Festivals in Cuba, particularly in Havana, showcase a vibrant cultural scene, from jazz and film festivals to lively street carnivals and cultural celebrations.
1. Carnival of Havana (Carnaval de La Habana)
Time & Location: The Carnival of Havana happens every year in July and August. It lasts for several weekends. People from all over come to enjoy the fun.
Event Details: The Havana Carnival is the second biggest in Cuba. It takes place on the Malecón promenade. There are parades, colorful costumes, and music like salsa and conga. You can also enjoy concerts, dances, and the Kids Carnival. The streets are full of markets selling handmade goods and street food.
The carnival features traditional drums, like batá and iyesá, along with modern drums. It started in the 16th century and celebrates Cuban culture. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy the music and dances.
2. Havana International Jazz Festival
Time & Location: The Havana International Jazz Festival happens every year in December. It features local and international jazz musicians.
Event Details: The festival started in 1978. Bobby Carcasses and other famous Cuban musicians held the first jazz concert at the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza in Havana. This is where the festival got its original name, International Jazz Festival Plaza. The Casa de la Cultura is still a place for concerts and jam sessions.
The next year, another festival was held, with Chucho Valdes. Over time, the festival has had famous artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove, and Charlie Haden. Since 1996, Chucho Valdes has been the festival’s artistic director.
Now, the festival takes place in concert halls across Havana. There are also jam sessions along the Malecon. In 2020, the festival featured artists like Joe Lavano, Cimafunk, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. The 35th annual festival took place from January 17 to 19, 2020.
3. Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano
Time & Location: The Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (International Festival of New Latin American Cinema) began on December 3, 1979. It takes place every year in December.
Event Details: This festival highlights Latin American films, helping them gain recognition in a world dominated by Hollywood. It gives these films a chance to shine.
The main award is the Gran Premio Coral, named after the Caribbean coral reefs. The festival promotes films that reflect the culture and identity of Latin America and the Caribbean, along with films from other countries.
It was founded by Alfredo Guevara and has grown to be one of the most important events for Latin American cinema. It also includes workshops and discussions for filmmakers. The official song is “Desde la Aldea” by José María Vitier, which has been part of the festival since 1990.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was held in two parts: December 3-13, 2020, and March 11-21, 2021. The festival was essential for both filmmakers and audiences.
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4. International Ballet Festival of Havana
Time & Location: The International Ballet Festival of Havana takes place every two years in Havana, Cuba, usually in October or November. It is held at important venues like the Great Theatre of Havana and the Karl Marx Theatre.
Event Details: The festival started in 1960. It was created by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, the Cuban government, and the Cuban Institute of Tourism. It is one of the oldest ballet festivals in the world. The event includes both Cuban and international ballet.
In 2023, there were 20 performances, including some world premieres. The festival showcases classical and modern ballet. Famous dancers from all over the world perform, with Cuban ballet being a major part of the festival.
The festival has had different themes over the years. For example, the 5th festival celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Granma landing. The 15th festival focused on composers like Chopin and Tchaikovsky.
The festival also includes workshops and masterclasses for dancers. It is an important event for ballet fans in Havana and for people who travel from around the world.
5. Festival del Habano (Havana Cigar Festival)
Time & Location: The Festival del Habano (Havana Cigar Festival) takes place every year in Havana, Cuba, usually in February or March. The Festival del Habano XXV will happen from Feb. 24 to 28, 2025.
Event Details: This festival is a major event for cigar fans. People from all over the world come to enjoy Cuban cigars. It’s the most important week of the year for the Cuban cigar industry.
At the festival, there are cigar tastings, workshops, and demonstrations of how cigars are made. Guests can visit cigar factories and see the handcrafting process. There are also gala dinners, where guests enjoy Cuban food and drinks.
In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary. It will feature the Habanos Awards, which honor the best cigars and people in the industry. The Festival del Habano is a big celebration of Cuba’s cigar tradition.
Festivals in Cuba: Santiago de Cuba Highlights
Festivals in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba, are famous for their passionate and historic celebrations, highlighting Afro-Cuban music, religious events, and deep regional traditions.
6. Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba
Time & Location: The Santiago de Cuba Carnival happens every July. It is one of the oldest and most important carnivals in Cuba.
Event Details: Carnivals in Cuba, known as carnavales, have been celebrated since the 1600s. The Santiago de Cuba Carnival is famous for its Afro-Cuban traditions. It brings together African, European, and other cultural influences.
The carnival started with the Mamarrachos, summer festivals filled with music, dancing, and masks. Over time, these festivals grew into the Santiago de Cuba Carnival.
A big part of the carnival is the Comparsa. These are groups of musicians and dancers who perform in the streets. There are two types: paseos (fancy dances with orchestras) and congas (dancing to drums). The carnival features parades, dancing, and colorful costumes, celebrating Cuba’s rich culture.
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7. Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of Fire)
Time & Location: The Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of Fire) happens every July in Santiago de Cuba. It lasts for three days and is considered one of the top 10 festivals in the world.
Event Details: The Fiesta del Fuego was first held in 1981. It was created by Joel James Figarola, a Cuban writer and historian. He also founded Casa del Caribe, an organization that helps preserve Caribbean traditions. Each year, the festival honors a different country that shares cultural ties with the Caribbean and African heritage.
The highlight of the festival is the Fire Parade. It starts with a ritual honoring Nzambi Congo, a spiritual figure in the Palo Monte religion. The event ends with the burning of a giant devil figure, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. After that, the street party begins, filling the city with energy and celebration.
Festivals in Cuba: Remedios Highlights
Festivals in Cuba, like those in Remedios, are known for traditional and lively events such as the famous Las Parrandas, featuring neighborhood competitions, parades, fireworks, and religious celebrations rooted in Catholic heritage.
8. Parrandas de Remedios
Time & Location: Las Parrandas de Remedios is a well-known festival in Cuba. It takes place each year from December 16th to 26th. The main events begin at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve when church bells ring. Two neighborhoods compete in a parade.
Event Details: This celebration is not like a normal Christmas party. The streets are full of music, dancing, and colorful floats. People gather in the main square to join the fun. The fireworks are big and exciting.
The festival began in the 1700s when a priest asked children to make noise to bring people to church. Over time, it grew into a huge street party. Two neighborhoods, San Salvador and El Carmen, compete each year. San Salvador uses red and blue with a rooster symbol, while El Carmen uses brown with a globe symbol.
The Parrandas Museum in Remedios shows the festival’s history with photos and other items. Las Parrandas de Remedios is still one of Cuba’s biggest and most exciting traditions.
Festivals in Cuba: A Recap
Festivals in Cuba are full of life and excitement. They celebrate the country’s culture and history. From the colorful Fiesta del Fuego in Santiago de Cuba to the lively Carnival in Havana, every festival is unique. The Parrandas de Remedios brings big fireworks and fun Christmas celebrations, while the Ballet Festival honors Cuba’s strong dance tradition.
These festivals showcase Cuba’s music, traditions, and people. Whether celebrating religion or music, there’s always something to enjoy. Each festival highlights how proud Cubans are of their culture.
Attending a festival in Cuba is a great way to experience the country’s energy. You get to enjoy the music, meet the people, and be part of something unforgettable.
