Captivating Cuba

¿Que bola, asere?

Hector here, your friend in la Habana. I have exciting news for you all... The 25th Havana International Jazz Festival is starting very, very soon!

Since 1984 the festival has happened in our capital and artists who have played here include: Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Charlie Haden and Chucho Valdes.

For real Jazz aficionados you will know that these are big names and that this is a festival not to be missed. Originally performed in the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza, the event now happens all over the city and involves many artists from all around Cuba and the world. For a list of all performers you can follow this link: http://www.jazzcuba.com/jazz_list.php

Like many festivals it is not only on the big stages that the music happens, many local artists also choose to perform on the streets. Cuba is a country with many musicians and many artists, so you can be sure that much will be happening from the 12th of February and all through the weekend. And it is not just music that happens at this festival. We also have workshops and lectures from musicians and other famous cultural figures.

It is a very good time to visit Habana, I think!

Hector Gonzales

posted at: 14:20 | path: /hector | permanent link to this entry | 0 comments

As Britain lies frozen solid underneath the heaviest snow fall for 18 years, my thoughts inevitably turn to the golden sands, blazing sun, and coastal breezes of Cuba's coastline. Don't get me wrong, the snow here in England is unusual, very pretty and a lot of fun (that is, so long as you aren't trying to get somewhere by public transport!) but after a few days of trudging through the snow and shivering in the chilly air, I really start to crave a little sun and sand...especially when Hector starts sending me smug emails about how glorious the weather in Cuba is at the moment!

Cuba is blessed with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean - you can have them big and bustling like Varadero...

Small and intimate at Santa Lucia...

Or a snorkelers paradise, like Cayo Coco...

Without meaning to sound too much like a salesman, there really is something for everyone along the Cuban coastline. Family friendly resorts, little romantic getaways, and opportunities for sailing, scuba diving and even deep sea fishing, if that takes your fancy.

I'm not going to see any of these places for a good long while, but a man can dream, can't he? Even a man like me, frozen solid under a clear foot of snow can dream a little, I hope!

Peter.

posted at: 14:43 | path: /peter | permanent link to this entry | 0 comments

You have seen many images of cigars in Cuba, haven't you?

It is strange, but cigars in Cuba are older than Cuba herself! I also think it hard to believe! Before the modern República of our Cuba was here, before even Columbus arrived from Spain, the Taíno American Indians grew tobacco from this land. Interesting, no?

So because of our history the cigars of Cuba are world famous and a symbol of our country. For more than 200 years we have grown tobacco and exported it to the world. This is why the five regions of Vuelta Abajo, Semivuelta Abajo, Partidos, Remedios and Oriente are known as very fine places to grow the crop. But why does it grow so well? I hear the soil of Cuba has rich minerals, and with the heat of the Caribbean sun, it is not a surprise that such a rich Cuban flavour can develop. It makes sense.

So how can you sample the modern Cuban cigar? There are special tiendas in many of the major towns of Cuba and if you wish to find the official product this is where you must go. I will tell you of Havana. If you are in the capital then ask for La Casa del Habano, this is particularly famous and a respected place. Here you will be able to find Cohibas, Monte Cristos, El Rey del Mundos and Partagás, marcas that were established maybe 150 years ago and are presented in fine wood boxes.

The only question to ask is where to enjoy your cigars? The answer of course is anywhere you please! You will see many Cubans, particularly the viejos, enjoying their cigars in cafes, on their balconies, while walking the waterfront, anywhere you find a place to relax and to watch the city. I do not smoke them often, but sometimes I like a cigar when the sun sets in central Havana, maybe even with a little Rum? I recommend this to anyone seeking the real sabor cubano, what else comes close?

Hector Gonzales

posted at: 12:22 | path: /hector | permanent link to this entry | 0 comments