Culture & Art in Cuba

The Caribbean nation of Cuba is well-known for its vibrant and rich culture that is a complex mixture of different influences and factors. The unique and vibrant culture of Cuba is influenced heavily by Latin American, European, African, and indigenous American cultures. The country's culture has also been influenced by its storied history, from its days as a Spanish colony to the Fidel Castro-led Cuban revolution of the 1950s which opened the country up to be heavily influenced by the Soviet Union. Below is a brief outline of the many customs, traditions, and cultural practices that shape the way of Cuban life.

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Great Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso

Local Pick

The Great Theater of Havana Alicia Alonso, headquarters of the Ballet and the National Opera of Cuba, is located in Centro Habana, on the Paseo de Martí, right next to the National Capitol of Cuba. Currently this building forms a large cultural complex with several rooms and is one of the most important cultural institutions in Latin America.

The Malecon of Havana

Local Pick

The Malecon is a suggestive seafront about eight kilometers long located in Havana. This huge walk is also one of the most authentic and famous avenues in Cuba. This is one of the meeting points preferred by lovers, poets, troubadours, philosophers and fishermen. Enjoy an especially passionate atmosphere during the sunset, since this is where you can see one of the most beautiful occasions on the island.

Revolution Square

Local Pick

The Revolution Square is located in the municipality of Havana that bears the same name. In addition to being one of the largest public squares in the world, with 72,000 square meters, it is a place of great historical value, since it has been the scene of several of the main events and events of the Cuban Revolution. In it a million people (almost one tenth of the Cuban population) have congregated.

Castle of the Three Holy Kings of Morro

Local Pick

The Castle of the Three Holy Kings of Morro was erected between 1589 and 1630 with the purpose of protecting the entrance to the port of Havana from pirates and invaders. This fortress is perched on a rocky ledge, known as El Morro, over the Atlantic Ocean. The field master Juan de Texeda, and the military engineer Batista Antonelli were in charge of designing it by order of the king of Spain.

Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana

Local Pick

The Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña is located on a hill to the east side of the port of Havana, in the Morro-Cabaña Military Historical Park. This colossal fortification was erected in the 18th century, between 1763 and 1774, in order to cover a weak point in the city's defenses.

Cathedral Square in Old Havana

Local Pick

The Plaza de La Catedral is the most uniform of the four main colonial squares of Old Havana. This square is an authentic Cuban baroque museum, since all the buildings located in it, including the Cathedral, are from the 18th century. In this square the streets of Empedrado and San Ignacio converge.

The Aquatics

Local Pick

The Aquatics, located on the slopes of a mountain in Cuba, was founded in 1943 by Antonia Izquierdo, who believed in the medicinal and therapeutic properties of water, to which the town owes its name.

Jagua Castle

Local Pick

Jagua Castle, also known as Our Lady of the Angels of Jagua Castle, is located west of the mouth of Cienfuegos Bay.

Statue of the Christ of Havana

Local Pick

The Statue of the Christ of Havana is located in the town of Casablanca, on the other side of the bay of Old Havana. It is a white marble statue created in 1958 in Italy by the Cuban Jilma Madera.

Castle of San Salvador de La Punta

Local Pick

The Castle of San Salvador de La Punta stands on the Port of Havana, forming part of the defensive system formed by the four fortresses that defend the Bay of Havana. It was designed by Italian military engineer Giovanni Bautista Antonelli and was built between 1589 and 1600.

Museum of the Revolution

Local Pick

The Museum of the Revolution is housed in the former Presidential Palace, built between 1913 and 1920 and used by several presidents of Cuba, of which the last was Fulgencio Batista. The famous New York Tiffany’s decorated its interior.