Cuba, a vibrant island nation pulsing with rhythm and culture, offers a year-round fiesta of events. From the intoxicating beats of salsa at the Santiago de Cuba Carnival to the literary celebrations of the Havana International Book Fair, there’s an experience for every traveler. Immerse yourself in the soul of Cuba with our comprehensive guide to the most exciting festivals and events.
January: Kickstart the New Year with Music and Literature
Festival de la Trova Longina (January 8-12)
Journey to Santa Clara for the Festival de la Trova Longina, a celebration of Trova, a beloved Cuban musical genre. Named after the renowned musician Manuel Corona, the festival features performances, a commemorative walk honoring Corona’s birthplace, and a vibrant atmosphere infused with the spirit of traditional Cuban music.
Havana Jazz Festival (January Annually)
Jazz aficionados, prepare to be captivated by the Havana Jazz Festival. This internationally acclaimed event showcases a stellar lineup of local and international jazz musicians, highlighting Cuba’s unique and vibrant jazz scene. Experience the magic at venues like the Casa de la Cultura Plaza and the Teatro Nacional de Cuba.
February: Indulge in Literary Delights and Cigar Celebrations
Havana International Book Fair (February 9-16)
Bibliophiles, rejoice! The Havana International Book Fair is a must-visit. This literary extravaganza, attracting visitors from across the globe, transforms Havana’s Cabaña Fortress into a haven for book lovers. Engage with authors, discover new literary treasures, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Festival del Habano (February 26 – March 1)
Calling all cigar enthusiasts! The Festival del Habano is a celebration of Cuba’s legendary cigars. Immerse yourself in the world of Cuban tobacco with factory tours, plantation visits, expert seminars, and cigar-rolling demonstrations. It’s a must-attend for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.
March: Embrace Art, Culture, and Rhythmic Beats
Memorial Guillermo Barreto Festival (March)
Experience the power of percussion at the Memorial Guillermo Barreto Festival, honoring one of Cuba’s greatest percussionists. Witness electrifying performances, competitions, and workshops that showcase the rich tradition of percussion in Cuban music and culture.
Santiago Álvarez Memorial International Documentary Festival (March)
Delve into the world of documentary filmmaking at the Santiago Álvarez Memorial International Documentary Festival. This event champions independent voices, showcasing thought-provoking films that offer unique perspectives on contemporary issues.
International Electroacoustic Music Festival (Mid-March)
Prepare for an auditory adventure at the International Electroacoustic Music Festival. Formerly known as the Varadero Spring Festival, this event showcases innovative and experimental electroacoustic music, attracting renowned composers and musicians to Old Havana.
International Pepe Sanchez Trova Festival (March)
Return to Santiago de Cuba for the International Pepe Sanchez Trova Festival, another celebration of the soulful Trova music. Enjoy performances by talented musicians, explore different styles of Trova, and commemorate the legacy of Jose (‘Pepe’) Sanchez, considered the father of Cuban Trova.
Havana World Music Festival (March)
Get ready to groove at the Havana World Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of contemporary and traditional music. Organized by the Black Tears by Vigia rum label, this festival offers a unique blend of musical styles and a taste of Cuba’s evolving music scene.
Trinidad Cross Procession (Good Friday)
Witness a unique blend of culture and religion at the Trinidad Cross Procession. Held on Good Friday, this solemn procession winds through the captivating colonial streets of Trinidad, offering a glimpse into Cuba’s rich history and traditions.
April: Immerse Yourself in Dance, Art, and Performance
Old Havana: City in Movement (April)
Dance enthusiasts, mark your calendars for “El Callejero”, an annual dance extravaganza in Old Havana. National and international dancers transform the city’s squares, parks, and museums into vibrant stages, showcasing traditional and contemporary dance forms.
Havana Biennial (November 15, 2024 – February 28, 2025)
Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art at the Havana Biennial, one of Latin America’s most prestigious art events. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions showcasing works by artists from around the globe, transforming Havana into a dynamic art hub.
International Cuban Dance Festival (April 20-26)
Celebrate the diversity of dance at the International Cuban Dance Festival in Havana. This event brings together dancers, choreographers, and students from the Caribbean and beyond to promote dance, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
May: Celebrate Labor Day and Artistic Expression
May Day Celebrations (May 1st)
Experience the fervor of May Day in Cuba, a day of national pride and celebration of workers. Witness the vibrant parade culminating in the Plaza de la Revolution, with music, speeches, and a display of Cuban unity.
Romerias de Mayo (May 3-9)
Join the artistic pilgrimage of Romerias de Mayo in Holguín. This unique event celebrates art, culture, and Cuba’s diverse heritage. Expect a week-long festival filled with music, dance, theater, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Cubadisco (May)
Celebrate the richness of Cuban music at Cubadisco, an annual event showcasing the country’s musical talent. Enjoy performances, discover new artists, and experience the diversity of Cuban music genres.
Festival Internacional de Poesía (May)
Poetry lovers, unite! The International Poetry Festival in Havana is a gathering of poets from around the world. Attend seminars, readings, and exhibitions that celebrate the power of words and the art of poetry.
Festival Internacional de Rap (May to August)
Experience the energy of Cuban hip-hop at the International Rap Festival. This multi-month event culminates in the “Batalla de los Maestros” (Battle of the Masters), showcasing the talent and social commentary embedded in Cuban rap music.
June: Embrace Fishing Traditions and Musical Rhythms
International Ernest Hemingway Needlefish Tournament (June 7-13)
Calling all anglers! Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway at the International Ernest Hemingway Needlefish Tournament. Held off the coast of Havana, this tournament challenges anglers to reel in prized needlefish species like wahoo, marlin, and tuna.
Festival Internacional Boleros de Oro (June)
Swoon to the romantic melodies of the bolero at the Festival Internacional Boleros de Oro. This festival celebrates the enduring popularity of this beloved music genre, with performances by renowned bolero artists.
Trinidad Carnival (Fiestas San Juaneras) (June 24-27)
Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of the Trinidad Carnival, also known as the Fiestas San Juaneras. This four-day celebration features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, live music, and a contagious party atmosphere.
Camaguey Carnival (San Juan Camagüeyano) (June 24-29)
Experience the traditional revelry of the Camaguey Carnival, a centuries-old celebration coinciding with San Juan day. Witness lively parades, traditional conga music, and the burning of a statue of St. Peter, marking the culmination of the festivities.
International Corhabana Choir Festival (June/July)
Be enchanted by the harmonious sounds of the International Corhabana Choir Festival. This event brings together choirs from Cuba and beyond, filling Havana’s churches, theaters, and cultural spaces with beautiful choral music.
July: Ignite Your Senses with Carnivals and Cultural Celebrations
Festival del Caribe (Festival of Fire) (July)
Experience the fiery passion of the Festival del Caribe, also known as the Festival of Fire, in Santiago de Cuba. This week-long celebration of Caribbean culture features vibrant parades, live music, dance performances, and a captivating display of Caribbean spirit.
Gibara Low Budget Film Festival (July)
Discover the world of independent cinema at the Gibara Low Budget Film Festival. This unique event showcases innovative and thought-provoking films from around the world, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers.
Santiago de Cuba Carnival (Late July)
Prepare for an explosion of color, music, and dance at the Santiago de Cuba Carnival, considered Cuba’s most exhilarating carnival celebration. Witness vibrant parades, energetic conga lines, and a captivating display of Cuban culture.
26 July Celebrations (July 26)
Experience a significant day in Cuban history with the 26 July Celebrations, commemorating the anniversary of Fidel Castro’s attack on the Moncada Barracks. Witness patriotic displays, speeches, and a reflection on Cuba’s revolutionary past.
August: Celebrate Cuban Identity and Rhythmic Beats
Havana Carnival (Late August)
Join the contagious energy of the Havana Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Cuban music, dance, and culture. Experience colorful parades, energetic conga lines, and a festive atmosphere that will have you dancing in the streets.
September: Commemorate Community and Solidarity
CDR Anniversary (September 28)
Witness a unique aspect of Cuban society with the CDR Anniversary. The Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) are local neighborhood organizations, and their anniversary is celebrated with street parties, music, and community bonding.
October: Experience Classical Music and Ballet
Matamoros Son Festival (Late October – Biennial)
Immerse yourself in the roots of Cuban music at the Matamoros Son Festival in Santiago de Cuba. This biennial event pays tribute to Miguel Matamoros, a legendary Cuban musician, with performances, dance competitions, and a celebration of traditional Cuban music.
Havana Theatre Festival (October 19-27)
Discover the world of Cuban theater at the Havana Theatre Festival. This event showcases a diverse range of theatrical performances, from traditional to contemporary, offering a glimpse into Cuba’s vibrant performing arts scene.
Havana Ballet Festival (October 27 – November 3)
Prepare to be mesmerized by the grace and artistry of the Havana Ballet Festival. This biennial event, founded by the iconic Alicia Alonso, features performances by renowned ballet companies from Cuba and around the world.
Festival Internacional de Coros (October 29 – November 3)
Return to Santiago de Cuba for the Festival Internacional de Coros, a celebration of choral music. Experience performances by choirs from around the globe, filling Santiago’s historic venues with harmonious melodies.
November: Run a Marathon and Embrace Jazz Rhythms
Marabana Marathon (November 17)
Join runners from around the world for the Marabana Marathon in Havana. Choose your distance, from a full marathon to a 5km run, and experience the city’s sights while participating in this internationally recognized event.
Havana Jo Jazz (November)
Experience the future of Cuban jazz at Havana Jo Jazz. This festival showcases the talents of young jazz musicians, offering a platform for the next generation of jazz innovators.
Habana Clasica Music Festival (November)
Immerse yourself in the world of classical music at the Habana Clasica Music Festival. Formerly known as the Esteban Salas Early Music Festival, this event celebrates the legacy of Cuban composer Esteban Salas with performances of Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance music.
December: Celebrate the Holidays with Festivities and Fireworks
Havana Film Festival (December 5-15)
Film buffs, rejoice! The Havana Film Festival, also known as the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, showcases a diverse range of films from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Parrandas de Remedios (December 19-24)
Experience the electrifying energy of the Parrandas de Remedios, Cuba’s oldest and wildest Christmas festival. Witness dazzling fireworks displays, vibrant parades, energetic music, and a unique celebration of Cuban tradition.
Charangas de Bejucal (December 24-26, January 1)
Celebrate the holidays with a unique Cuban twist at the Charangas de Bejucal. This lively festival features traditional conga music, friendly rivalry between neighborhood groups, and a vibrant atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve in Havana (December 31)
Ring in the New Year with a bang in Havana! Experience the city’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebrations, with street parties, fireworks, and a vibrant atmosphere that lasts until dawn.
Plan Your Cuban Adventure
Cuba’s calendar is brimming with events that will ignite your senses and create lasting memories. From the pulsating rhythms of salsa to the poignant beauty of ballet, there’s something for everyone in this captivating island nation. Start planning your Cuban adventure today and discover the magic that awaits.