Captivating Cuba

Hi Everyone,

Preparations are hotting-up for the Havana Carnival.

It's a time when the rhythm of the dance echoes through the crowds and along Havana's streets. It makes the weekends in Havana an exciting time!

The processions begin as if it were a race, waiting for a gunshot that comes from the San Pedro de Cabana fortress. Then the dancers set off in formation, dancing to both modern and traditional music, and showing off their amazing, colourful costumes.

Image by sfmission

But more than colour, there are flashing lights at the festival, too. The dancers are called faroleros, and they have lamps that they spin as they move through the streets, lighting up Havana as they dance.

A good place to see the Carnival is El Malecon. The Malecon is the name given in Latin America to a street that runs along the shore of a big city. In Havana this paved street runs for four miles along the seawall from Old Havana to the Almendares district, and the procession runs along this street before spreading through the city.

Image by sfmission

Every neighbourhood will want to put on the best routine and have the brightest outfits, and will practise for weeks to be the best. As well as dancers, there are giant puppets that join the procession. They are called Munecones, and they are often grotesques with funny features that make a strange sight dancing down the street with the parade.

There are fireworks at the end of the procession, and the street parties may go on all night. Of course, there is plenty of food and drink for the throngs of spectators in the streets - lots of beer and rum to share!

The Havana Carnival takes place every weekend in August, so it's a great time to take a Cuba Holiday, especially if you like to dance the conga.

Happy dancing!

Peter

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