Cuban music and dance
The soul of Cuba is in its music and dance. Any visitor will find the vibrant rhythms of Cuban music providing a permanent background beat to their travels.
There are theatres for drama and ballet, concert halls for classical music and flamboyant nightclubs for salsa, rumba and jazz. Cubans take every opportunity to serenade visitors, even in the airport departure lounge. Most of the action takes place in Havana, but every town has a ‘Casa de la Trova’ for traditional music.
The city of Santiago de Cuba is in many ways Havana’s equal, with its own unique musical style influenced by its more Afro-Caribbean culture. ‘Son’ is perhaps the country’s most well known music and is a passionate and sultry mix of Spanish guitar and African drum, made famous by Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club.
Their rhythm, skill and innovation make Cuban musicians world leaders.