Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba

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One of the fun things to do in Cuba is to take part in Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba. Santiago de Cuba is known as the “hero city” and the birthplace of the Cuban revolution. The Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba takes place during the last week of July. The carnival culminates with the Dia de la Rebeldia National public holiday. 

Santiago is hot in July. The temperature rises from 25 degrees Celsius at sunrise to 35 within an hour. So, most people seek out whatever shade and air-conditioning in the middle of the day they can find.

The Hotel Casa Granda terrace overlooks the Parque Cespedes, which is a bustling plaza with the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion taking centre stage.

The Casa Granda also has a rooftop bar which overlooks the majority of the city and the bay.

It’s a brilliant place to watch sunset and prime yourself for the evening with mojitos and pina coladas.

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Santiago de Cuba

I’ve enjoyed walking around the streets of Santiago de Cuba in the early mornings and late afternoons when it has cooled.

The city is an example of when money leaves town.

Once opulent, it has a certain old-world charm in a gritty modern reality.

There are classic American cars and music everywhere in Santiago de Cuba, and it’s not unusual to see live five to 10-piece bands in the parks and plazas playing in the middle of the day.

carnaval de santiago de cuba

If possible, get some sleep in the afternoon before heading out for the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, you will need it!

The main carnival and parade take place on the Av Victoriano Garzon in the evening at 9 pm, just to the northeast of the Plaza de Marte.

It’s Cuban time, however, so things happen usually a bit behind schedule. Get used to it!

carnaval de santiago de cuba

Carnival Santiago de Cuba

carnaval de santiago de cuba

For every night from Monday through to Sunday, dancers, floats and musicals make their way down the avenue and towards the military barracks.

Tourists can find seating for $5 CUC towards the end of the seated area.

It’s a lot of fun watching the parade shimmy with muñecones (large paper mache figures).

Within no time, it’s 3 am in the morning and the parade is still going!

Around town, there are street parties everywhere, some small and some not so small like the one on Paseo de Marti which stretches for several blocks.

carnaval de santiago de cuba

Each of the parade floats is a comparsas (neighbourhood dance groups that choreograph generally related to Caribbean traditions and the daily life of the culture of Santiago de Cuba) in competition for their design theme, costumes and performance.

There is a judging panel and TV cameras along the parade that encourages the dancers and musicians to put on a show.

carnaval de santiago de cuba

carnaval de santiago de cuba

The amount of preparation and thought for some of the costumes starts as soon as the Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba finishes each year.

Whole families will contribute towards helping decorate costumes and build floats.

Music is a proud part of Cuban culture that is evident everywhere on the island.

The carnival music encourages the parade and audience to dance for hours until sunrise.

carnaval de santiago de cuba 04

Is Carnival de Santiago de Cuba suitable for families?

The Carnival of Santiago de Cuba is safe and family orientated. You just need to be prepared to carry them home once they fall asleep past their bedtime!

The costumes, dancing and even some fire-breathing keeps everyone entertained and it’s worth the effort to visit.

carnaval de santiago de cuba

Food options however in Cuba are minimal. Because of the scarcity of natural resources and embargoes, Cuban cuisine isn’t what it used to be.

At the parade, there is vegetarian pizza, a roast pig and popcorn.

If you have a delicate stomach, I’d suggest looking for other options beforehand.

carnaval de santiago de cuba

Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba

Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba

 

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Andy Yee
I’m a freelance travel, design and event photographer based in Sydney. My design photography has been featured in Habitus, Broadsheet and Design Quarterly. I’ve worked with some of Australia’s most talented industrial and interior designers as well as the Design Institute of Australia. My work has taken me on assignment to festivals, such as Clockenflap, which is Hong Kong’s music and arts festival.