FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS

1.Jan 1, Liberation Day

New Year’s Day in Cuba is celebrated as the day that dictator Fulgencio Batista was toppled. Officially known as the “Anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution,” the event is marked by nationwide musical concerts.

2.Jan 28, José Martí’s Birthday

Cubans celebrate the birth of their national hero (for further details see José Martí (1853–95)) with events including readings of Martí’s poetry and concerts. Children are integral to the celebrations.

Children on José Marti’s birthday

3.Apr 19, Victoria de Playa Girón

The plaza and museum behind the beach at Playa Girón is the setting for speeches, a wreath-laying ceremony, and festivities to celebrate the “first defeat of imperialism in the Americas.” The holiday honors the Cuban victory in the Bay of Pigs invasion.

4.May 1, Día de los Trabajadores

As many as half a million citizens march through Plaza de la Revolución, while Cuba’s leaders look on. Rallies that include the singing of patriotic songs are held throughout the island, as Cubans proclaim their dedication to socialism and the Revolution.

Revellers celebrating the Día de los Trabajadores

5.Jul 26, National Revolution Day

A celebration of the launch of the Revolution of 1953 (for further details see 1953: Castro Attacks Moncada) is held in a different city each year. Attendees dress in black and red T-shirts – the colors of Castro’s revolutionary movement – and listen to speeches by Communist leaders.

6.Jul, Carnaval

Many major cities organize a street carnival in July featuring live music and dancing. The biggest event is in Santiago de Cuba, where carnival season climaxes with a parade of bands along Avenida Jesús Menéndez.

7.Oct 8, Anniversary of Che Guevara’s death

Santa Clara’s Plaza de la Revolución and the Monumento del Che are the setting for a wreath-laying ceremony in the presence of key political leaders.

8.Oct 28, Memorial to Camilo Cienfuegos

Schoolchildren in Havana march to the Malecón to throw “a flower for Camilo” into the sea on the anniversary of the death of Cienfuegos. This revolutionary commander went missing in 1959, when his plane disappeared during a night flight. There is also a parade to the sea at the Museo de Camilo Cienfuegos in Jaguajay, Sancti Spíritus province.

9.Nov, Festival de Ballet

For 10 days biennially at the end of October, Havana’s Gran Teatro plays host to brilliant ballet performances featuring leading international dancers and ballet corps. Hosted by the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, the festival is one of the major events in the cultural calendar.

Ballet Nacional de Cuba

10.Dec, Festival de Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano

Cubans are avid moviegoers, and the highlight of their year is the Latin American Film Festival, which screens a variety of art-house films and documentaries from around the world, as well as works from some of Cuba’s own top directors.