Havana, Cuba — Events
Havana Biennial
First held in 1984 as a political exercise to showcase Third World visual arts for First World art tourists, the Havana Biennial, which is held every two years, has proved itself a worthy event, attracting dozens of artists who exhibit their works over a two-month period in the Cuban capital. In recent years, the art festival has been dogged by withdrawal of sponsorship because of censorship and a government crackdown on cultural freedom.
Havana Carnival
Parades and street parties, colorful costumes, wild dancing and traditional music: Cubans really know how to throw a party, and for several weeks each year, they do. The fun and frolics reach high levels over weekends, when the locals put their toil and troubles away and bring out the rum. Carnival comes with some traditions, like effigies of well-known people being paraded along the coastal road, the Malecon, and the gaudy ‘faroleros’, decorated lamp posts carried aloft by dancers.
International Festival of New Latin American Cinema
The annual International Festival of New Latin American Cinema gives film lovers a chance to see new independent feature films, documentaries, shorts and animations exploring Latin American and Caribbean culture in cinemas across Havana. Be sure to catch films from the ‘Made in Cuba’ category for the best local flavor. The festival also hosts discussions and workshops in various venues, to promote the art of filmmaking in Latin America. Pick up a copy of the Film Diary for information and reviews of all participating films.
Havana Jazz Festival
Held every year, Havana’s feast of jazz is eagerly awaited by fans around the world, offering four days of concerts, jam sessions and workshops. Many artists travel to Cuba to perform without any remuneration, the event having gained a prestigious reputation for quality and good organization. Star of the show is Cuba’s own Chucho Valdes, who usually performs with other local artists and international guests in the grand finale concert on the final night.
