lahabana. com magazine 7
JULY lahabana magazine
INCLUDING GUIDE TO THE BEST PLACES TO EAT, DRINK, DANCE AND STAY IN HAVANAJULY 2017 1 lahabana. com magazine
LA HABANA.COM is an independent platform, which seeks to showcase the best in Cuba arts & culture, life-style, sport, travel and much more...
We seek to explore Cuba through the eyes of the best writers, photographers and filmmakers, both Cuban and international, who live work, travel and play in Cuba. Beautiful pictures, great videos, reviews, insightful articles and inside tips.
JULY 2017 2 lahabana. com magazine
JULY 2017 3 EDITORIAL
If you’re in Cuba in July, sure, it’s great to walk the streets of Old Havana, or visit frozen-in-time Trinidad, or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Island’s many beaches… But the real place to be this month is around 800 kilometers east of Havana: Santiago de Cuba. The Festival Internacional del Caribe Fiesta del Fuego (July 3 -9), a weeklong colorful celebration of Caribbean cultures, will be dedicated this year to the small island of Bonaire, which will bring their dances, Simidan and Bari. Join the Santiagueros in the Serpent Parade and the Burning of the Demon, which kicks off and marks the end of the festival, respectively.
Then take a break because you’re going to need to recharge your batteries to continue partying. From July 21-27, another vibrant and contagious event takes place: the Santiago de Cuba Carnival, which attracts crowds of locals and visitors alike as no other carnival in Cuba. The entire city takes part in this celebration, as people of all ages dance down the steep streets of Santiago de Cuba to the rhythm and sounds of congas and the Chinese horn.
FEB 2017 4 lahabana. com magazine
So, whether during the Fire Festival or the Carnival (or both), be sure to join the locals, don’t be a sideliner! If you can’t make it to Santiago de Cuba, though, you still have the Varadero Baila International Salsa Dancers Festival (July 7-11) which takes place at the famous resort town of Varadero. Dance, sun and beach all in one.
Back in Havana, there is no slowing of activities either: workshops on Cuban folkloric dances (July 3-15), the Art at La Rampa Crafts Fair (throughout the month), the Aquelarre Comedy Festival (July 3-9), CIRCUBA, the third oldest circus festival in the world (throughout the month), plus the usual suspects: art exhibitions, musical theater, ballet, performances by popular bands, and so much more. Be sure to check out our listings for more detailed information.
Have a great July!
Abrazos! The LaHabana.com Team
JULY 2017 5 CUBA TRAVEL NETWORK: WELCOME TO RHYTHM individual travel Come and experience Cuba with a company that's passionate about the magical island. Our on the ground team in Cuba is the first to know about the country's developments—from new hotels and tour possibilities to ever-changing travel regulations, and we TO CUBA love to show our beautiful home to the world. BOOK TODAY WITH With Cuba Travel Network, experience Cuba as a traveler, CUBA TRAVEL NETWORK! not a tourist.
WHY TRAVEL WITH CUBA TRAVEL NETWORK?
• Cuba Travel Network is the premier travel service provider for the individual traveler planning trips to Cuba, handling accommodation, all domestic flights and excursions.
• On-the-ground assistance from expert concierge representatives throughout the island.
• Choose from fully guided, flexible and special interest tours.
• Real-time availability and immediate booking confirmation for 220+ hotels and 50+ rental car locations.
• Secure online payment; Visa & MasterCard accepted.
US - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Europe - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090
CubaTravelNetwork.com lahabana. com magazine CONTENTS JULY 2017 NEVER A SATURDAY WITHOUT 50 SUNSHINE…OR DAIQUIRÍ WITHOUT ICE
ORIENTE: THE BEST PLACES 54 FOR EATING AND DRINKING
LOVE ENTERS THROUGH THE KITCHEN… ESPECIALLY IN 58 ORIENTE
MUSICIANS AND BANDS FROM 63 ORIENTE YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO ORIENTE: THE LISTEN TO 09 OTHER SIDE OF LIFE YOGA, CUBAN-STYLE CUBA BEGINS IN 69 14 SANTIAGO
10 SPOTS IN ORIENTE YOU JUST 23 CAN’T MISS
EVENTS IN CUBA’S 32 ORIENTE
THE BEST HOTELS 39 TO ENJOY IN CUBA’S ORIENTE
EXPLORE CUBA 45 WITH MELIÁ
JULY 2017 7 HAVANA
LISTINGS56
The ultimate guide to Havana with detailed reviews of where to eat, drink, dance, shop, visit and play. Unique insights to the place that a gregarious, passionate and proud HAVANA people call home.
73 GUIDE FEB 2017 lahabana. com magazine
ORIENTE: THE OTHER SIDE OF LIFE Andrea Clark Photos: Lorena y Mene
JULY 2017 9 lahabana. com magazine
Al carnaval de Oriente me voy, que es donde mejor se puede gozar…[I’m off to the Carnival in Oriente, because that’s where you have the best time…]. This is how an old popular song goes, singing about the great times, joy and the son Cubano, which pervade that most eastern part of Cuba.
It’s undisputedly true that almost always when you talk about Cuba, what you are really talking about is Havana. The eastern part of Cuba, el Oriente, has been able to remain almost virgin, far from prying eyes, away from fashions and trends, very comfortable with its own traditions, its rich culture and its unique essentially Caribbean identity.
For that reason, and from days gone by, a common dream among Havana residents is to spend their vacations in Oriente, lulled by the son of the hills, the pig roasting on a spit over burning coals, cooling off with a really cold beer, never as delicious as when you drink it under the blazing sun in Oriente.
Now that Cuba has become the most desired destination of millions of tourists, as if recently discovered, Oriente remains a mystery that can be unveiled day by day. The conventional tourist lands in Havana or Varadero, goes to the beach, strolls along the colonial streets of Old Havana, jaunts over to Trinidad and maybe to Las Terrazas or Viñales Valley in Pinar del Río, and that’s the end of the trip. With any luck, this tourist may have seen fifteen percent of the Island. But he or she hasn’t seen anything of its people or culture; they haven’t even come close.
JULY 2017 10 lahabana. com magazine
In comparison with Havana, which prides itself in being a cosmopolitan city, Oriente is all about country life without being exactly bucolic; it is a land where its folks say “Buenos Días” to you and smile at anyone they meet. That’s a custom which amazes Habaneros, almost scaring them. Oriente is populated by men and women who measure the passage of time by the length of a palm tree’s shadow; they are never in a hurry to get anywhere and are always calm enough to stop for a good coffee. In fact, the area grows some of the best coffee since the days when the French colonists arrived, after being expelled from Haiti after the first revolution in the Americas.
Recorded Cuban history actually started in Oriente, on Bariay Beach on the northern coast of today’s Holguín Province. That’s where the Grand Admiral of the Ocean Sea Christopher Columbus landed in 1492. As he knelt in the sand, overcome by the soft light of dawn, he confessed: This is the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen.
And to the south lies the city to which the poet would sing: It is Santiago de Cuba, be not amazed by anything! Santiago has been praised for being hospitable and at one time was the capital of Cuba, bathed by the white-capped waves and the sea breezes of the Caribbean. Except for a few rare examples, you won’t find any of those tall buildings casting their heavy shadows there and the sky reigns supreme over the city and its people who are proud of their history which they have raised with their hands. Listen to them speak: it sounds like they are singing because they carry music in their souls and in their gaze they dream songs.
JULY 2017 11 lahabana. com magazine The richness of mestizaje runs rampant Their words, like their fruits, are different, unique in their sweetness, impossible there; only in Oriente will you find whites to find elsewhere on the Island. This is where you find fruit like the cashew and blacks, as in the rest of the country, apple, sapote or canistel. And from the roots of certain secret ancestral trees, melding with vestiges of aboriginal peoples, a refreshing beverage named Pru is fermented, something you will only find in the Siboneys. They are special faces, Oriente. cinnamon-toasted skins, the blackest of hair, sensual gestures and movements, Land of poets! One of these poets, after the first victory in the independence modulations of the voice that preserve war against Spanish troops, was urged by the acclaiming crowd to improvise the the daily use of a hammock, a pilón and verses of the National Anthem, without even dismounting, one leg crossed over cutaras. The culture of cimarronaje, of his saddle. It’s no accident that this is where trova comes from and continues to resistance, of life. seduce the world. This is where the conga was born and when you hear it your feet start dancing all by themselves. And the changüí and the son, those true, melodic, incomparable rhythms that tempt you on every corner.
JULY 2017 12 lahabana. com magazine
And then there is the scenery: the Sierra Maestra with its Turquino Peak rising 1,974 meters above sea level, the beaches of the nearby cays, the first town founded by the SUN, SAND AND NATURE ALL TOGETHER Spanish in Cuba: Baracoa, clear rivers and small villages that have practically remained unchanged over time.
The cultural life is intense with important theater, film festival, choral music and dance venues. Burgeoning nightlife, never at rest, with parks illuminated during the dawn as if it was daylight and full of guitars, the son and poets. Add to all that the unreal prices, unique on the Island, offering you everything at less than one-half of what it costs anywhere else, and then you are going to want to stay and you moan about why it never occurred to you to visit earlier.
That and much more is Oriente. It cannot be described in a couple of pages. It’s not enough to read about Oriente, you have to experience it. Only then can you affirm: Oriente exists and it is beautiful. scribed in a couple of pages. It’s not enough to read about Oriente, you have to experience it. Only then can you affirm: Oriente exists and it is beautiful.
JULY 2017 13 lahabana. com magazine CUBA BEGINS IN SANTIAGO
JULY 2017 14 lahabana. com magazine
When the first letter, a C, was placed on Paseo Alameda, the children were already climbing on it, touching it, taking pictures, running around it, while their parents didn’t really know whether to allow their antics or scold them.
JULY 2017 15 lahabana. com magazine
These four letters define us as country, culture, identity and spirit: CUBA, with capital letters.
JULY 2017 16 lahabana. com magazine
The installation is the work of Cuban industrial designer Luis Ramírez, and was made by Caguayo for Monumental and Appplied Arts with the participation of the artist Alberto Lescay, and the Dutch travel agency Cuba Travel Network (CTN).
JULY 2017 17 lahabana. com magazine
The itinerant and interactive sculptural piece consists of four metal pieces, summing up three by eight meters.
JULY 2017 18 lahabana. com magazine
Paseo de la Alameda, one of Santiago de Cuba’s most central arteries, houses the sculptural work that pays homage to the Island as a tourist destination.
JULY 2017 19 lahabana. com magazine
The essence of the Cuban people is crystallized in Santiago de Cuba: their generosity, their joy, their love for dancing and music, their desire for a developing society and, of course, the natural beauty that invites travelers to stay and discover the secrets of this land.
JULY 2017 20 lahabana. com magazine
Red and yellow, two colors that are significant and well-known for the Cuban people, were in the sculpture. Red refers to our flag and yellow, to the sun, to the shining light we have day after day, and, at the same time, to the color of Virgen de la Caridad de El Cobre, Patron Saint of Cuba.
JULY 2017 21 lahabana. com magazine
Be greeted by imposing colonial The Celestial Crystal offers a quality fortresses at the bayside entrances all-inclusive service plus suites, to the cities of Cienfuegos, Santiago, cabins, elegant rooms, restaurants, and Havana. Onboard, experience open spaces, and a whole variety of how vibrant and cool Cuba is at first services to enjoy during your trip. hand. You’ll love the dynamic, musical and joyful spirit of the Cubans which Set sail with Cuba Travel Network and infuses the island’s way of life. SAVE 10% on early bookings.
OFFER VALID UNTIL JULY 31 2017
US - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) CubaTravelNetwork.com Europe - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090 JULY 2017 22 lahabana. com magazine
spots in Oriente you just can’t miss
by LaHabana.com 10 JULY 2017 23 lahabana. com magazine
DOWNTOWN SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Every corner of the city of Santiago de Cuba, or the Heroic City as it is also known, is stamped with the history of the making of the Cuban Nation. As you tour the city, you have to see the Moncada Barracks, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, the Casa del Habano and Caney Rum, not to mention a visit to Cayo Granma. And best of all, it can be done in one day!
JULY 2017 24 lahabana. com magazine
TURQUINO NATIONAL PARK
The name comes from Cuba’s highest mountain, Turquino Peak, a natural elevation that will test your physical and mental fitness. At 1,974 meters above sea level, you will feel a rush of adrenalin and your breath will be taken away by the panorama of exotic vegetation around you. It’s the ideal spot to indulge in nature photography. Moreover, there are some excellent rivers and ponds for taking a swim.
JULY 2017 25 lahabana. com magazine
CASTILLO DE SAN PEDRO DE LA ROCA DEL MORRO
A living example of the Spanish imprint on Cuba, it is considered an architectural jewel for its esthetic and historical merits. As the sun dips into the sea every evening, you can witness the Cannon Firing Ceremony, the Cañonazo. An exciting way to enjoy the Caribbean sunset.
JULY 2017 26 lahabana. com magazine
GUERRILLA HQ OF FIDEL CASTRO
Tucked away in the heart of the Sierra Maestra— impressive massif of the largest island in the Antilles— La Plata is associated with many important revolutionary events in the country starting in the 1950s. As you tour the site, you will be able to appreciate the birth of a social movement which placed Cuba on the political and social map of the region.
THE SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY OF EL COBRE
The site of religious pilgrimage all year round, Cubans have been venerating the Patron Saint of Cuba, Caridad del Cobre, for ages. The sanctuary is 27 kilometers from the city of Santiago. The Virgin has been the object of worship by the faithful, including popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
JULY 2017 27 lahabana. com magazine
BARACOA
The home of cacao and coconuts, this area possesses incredibly fertile soil. Its typical cuisine alone is worth the trip to this remote seaside town. It is the last stop on the highway that goes by the name of La Farola, a jewel of modern Cuban engineering prowess and the ideal spot for photographs. Hiking aficionados can climb El Yunque or boat along the Toa, a magnificent river in Cuba.
JULY 2017 28 lahabana. com magazine
GIBARA
They say that it was filmmaker Humberto Solás who placed this remote seaside town on the map thanks to his never-ending search for new movie locations. Its beaches provide the indispensable tranquility needed to read that book you have been saving. But if you prefer partying and nightlife, then Gibara is the place to be during the film festival bearing its name. You will bump into some of the most important current Cuban film stars on the streets or at the concerts taking place there. Who knows? Maybe you will be lucky and get to appear in one of the movies being filmed there these days (it has been said that Gibara is one of the most filmed cities in Cuba). Accommodation can be found in any of the new hotels in the area or in a private home.
CAYO SAETÍA
One of the Island’s most exotic spots, the only place where you can find camels! When you get there, you can do some different nature tourism, one that brings you closer to the reality of untamed settings. The most popular activities here are diving and going on safaris. It will be such an exciting experience that it will give you lots to talk about when you get back home!
JULY 2017 29 lahabana. com magazine
PIEDRA ZOO
You will find this natural park in the eastern province of Guantánamo at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level. With an area of approximately two kilometers, it is the site of over 400 sculptures that were created on sitre out of the country’s typical limestone rock, using simple tools such as axes, chisels, hammers and rasps. An unusual spot surrounded by the lush vegetation of eastern Cuba.
JULY 2017 30 lahabana. com magazine
YOUR ULTIMATE SELFIE IN CUBA!
Santiago de Cuba has a sign spelling out the name of CUBA in gigantic letters, in tribute to the Island and its people. Make sure you take a selfie there to prove to your friends that you have really been to Oriente!
JULY 2017 31 lahabana. com magazine
EVENTS IN CARNAVAL DE SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Every summer, the streets of Santiago de Cuba are overflowing CUBA’S ORIENTE with guaracheros and comparsas carrying away to the beat of the drums up and down Trocha Street during the festive days. This carnival event is considered the most extensive one of its kind in the country. Not limited to any specific area, it takes in the entire city. The conga santiaguera becomes Santiago’s soundtrack for that week.
WHERE: SANTIAGO DE CUBA JULY WHEN: JULY 21-27
FESTIVAL DEL CARIBE. FIESTA DEL FUEGO 2017 The yearly Caribbean Festival: Fire Fiesta held in Santiago de Cuba is dedicated to a country in the Caribbean region as a demonstration of cultural rapprochement. It is known as the Cuban festival which brings together the most diverse people to partake in experiencing the popular cultures and traditions of the peoples in the region. JULY www.casadelcaribe.cultstgo.cu WHERE: SANTIAGO DE CUBA WHEN: 3 TO 9 JULY
JULY 2017 32 lahabana. com magazine
FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL MATAMOROSON
Every two years Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of Son, plays host to the best of the Island’s popular music bands for the delight of the dancing public. The concerts in public squares will be the best gift for visitors to the “Tierra Caliente”—Hot Land—during these days. AUGUST [email protected] WHERE: SANTIAGO DE CUBA WHEN: SEPTEMBER 7-11
ENCUENTRO BAILAR CASINO EN VERANO
The plazas in Santiago de Cuba are filled with casino dancing couples demonstrating their skills. It is a special occasion to exhibit what you learned in dance school or to take your first dance steps in the Caribbean. SEPTEMBER
WHERE: SANTIAGO DE CUBA WHEN: AUGUST 19
JULY 2017 33 lahabana. com magazine
EVENTO INTERNACIONAL DE TURISMO DE NATURALEZA (TURNAT)
The International Nature Tourism Event proves an opportunity for travel agents, tourism agencies, scholarly tourists and nature fans to get together, interchange opinions and, opportunely, to soak up everything having to do with SEPTEMBER ecotourism and adventure tourism. Participants will have the chance to find out about Cuba’s merits as a tourist destination led by specialists in the field. www.turnatcuba.com
WHERE: HOLGUÍN, GUANTÁNAMO & SANTIAGO DE CUBA WHEN: SEPTEMBER 26-30
FIESTA DE LA CULTURA IBEROAMERICANA (IBERO- AMERICAN CULTURE FESTIVAL)
The Ibero-American Culture Festival salvages and promotes Hispanic roots and history in the Cuban nation. The streets and parks of Holguín will serve as the stage for the wide-ranging program of concerts, expositions, workshops and popular fiestas with the presence of renowned solo artists, creators, OCTOBER Cuban bands and groups invited to participate from all of Ibero- America. www.baibrama.cult.cu
WHERE: HOLGUÍN WHEN: OCTOBER 24-30
JULY 2017 34 lahabana. com magazine
FIESTA A LA GUANTANAMERA
“La Guantanamera” is mentioned by many Cuban music specialists as the Cuban song that is most widely recognized all over the world. From the moment its author Joseíto Fernández released it, artists such as Compay Segundo, Dámaso Pérez Prado and Luciano Pavarotti have recorded versions of their own. All the cultural heritage of Guantánamo comes together at this event. NOVEMBER WHERE: GUANTÁNAMO WHEN: DECEMBER 1-4
FESTIVAL CEIBA ROCK METAL
Rock ‘n’ Roll has had a long and controversial past on the Island. The scarcity of promotional means in the mass media and the lack of venues where they can interact with audiences, as well as the fact that few professional recordings have reached the market, have produced an underground music movement, which, in the last few years, has seen the emergence of bands in different Cuban provinces. Ceiba Rock DECEMBER Metal annually brings together the most radical groups of the genre in the squares of the city.
WHERE: SANTIAGO DE CUBA WHEN: NOVEMBER 22-24
JULY 2017 35 lahabana. com magazine
Take advantage of the holiday season to vacation in Oriente because the temperatures are at around 23 JANUARY degrees Celsius, practically a miracle for a region accustomed to sweltering heat. It provides the ideal time to tour the city or to go hiking at the many nature sites in 2018 the area.
Salsa classes! This is the best option for you to become more confident and learn the basics to fully enjoy one of the most popular Caribbean rhythms. In Cuba, popular music is the framework for the rhythm of culture. FEBRUARY
JULY 2017 36 lahabana. com magazine
FERIA INTERNACIONAL DEL LIBRO (INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR)
The International Book Fair is the largest event dedicated to books and reading in the country. Every year it launches a significant number of new Cuban and foreign books. Authors, editors, distributors, book store owners, publishers, literary agents, multimedia producers, journalists and other MARCH professionals interchange ideas with everyone interested in the world of literature. www.cubaliteraria.com
FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE LA TROVA PEPE SÁNCHEZ
From the first years of the 1960s, Santiago de Cuba, home to the most authentic expressions of traditional Cuban music, has hosted the Pepe Sánchez International Trova Festival. The event promotes encounters among the different generations of musicians who devote themselves to this style. Participating in the festival will let you learn about the home turf of such important musicians as Pepe Sánchez, Sindo Garay, Alberto APRIL Villalón, Rosendo Ruiz, the Trío Matamoros, Benito Antonio “Nico Saquito” Fernández Ortiz, Compay Segundo and Eliades Ochoa. [email protected]
JULY 2017 37 lahabana. com magazine
FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL ROMERÍAS DE MAYO
“Where tradition is ensconced in the future”. The Romerías provide an encounter among different generations of artists, intellectuals and cultural promoters from dozens of countries. The festivities turn Holguín, known as the City of Parks, into the capital of young art. Concerts and encounters are held in a variety of venues, providing important moments for social reflection and cultural enjoyment. This edition will be dealing with subjects about regional cultures, generational encounters, the vanguard MAY of young art and tradition and modernity. www.baibrama.cult.cu
FIESTAS DE SAN JUAN
This may very well be the most famous celebration for St. John the Baptist’s Day held in the center of Cuba, in the city of Camagüey. The eastern part of Cuba also celebrates this day, kicking off on June 24 with Saint John’s Day, and ending on the 29th with Saint Peter’s Day. Custom dictates that a mannequin is to be burned in the square and then the entire night is filled with music and dancing. JUNE WHERE: ORIENTE AND CENTRAL CUBA WHEN: JUNE 24-29
JULY 2017 38 lahabana. com magazine
THE BEST HOTELS TO ENJOY IN CUBA’S ORIENTE
The eastern part of Cuba has several provinces where there are long stretches of virgin beaches, mountains where there are several native species of flora and fauna, historical sites declared World Heritage of Humanity and charming film-loving fishing towns. All this is combined to create a tempting cultural experience for the most demanding tourists.
Depending on your interests and itinerary, our destination specialists have suggested a number of hotels to help you have an excellent holiday.
www.cubatravelnetwork.com
JULY 2017 39 lahabana. com magazine
ECO-HOTELS: Villa Pinares de Mayarí (Holguín).
Villa Pinares de Mayarí (Holguín). This hotel is for travelers who like getting off the beaten track and heading into nature to explore and relax. Villa Pinares de Mayarí is surrounded by waterfalls, forests, trekking trails and bird watching, awaits you. The building is some 700m above sea level in the National Park La Mensura, and was one of the first eco-tourism spots in the country. These rustic wooden cabins are perfectly integrated into the natural environment.
Hotel La Gran Piedra (Santiago de Cuba). If you’re a nature lover, the Hotel La Gran Piedra, perched on top of a mountain at 1,200 m above Hotel La Gran Piedra (Santiago de Cuba). sea level, offers a different experience — and it’s only 20 kilometers from the city of Santiago de Cuba. We recommend climbing the 452 steps to the peak where you’ll be rewarded with stunning and panoramic views of the Sierra Maestra Mountains, the sea, and the entire coastal stretch
Hotel Club Amigo Carisol Los Corales (Santiago de Cuba). The Hotel Club Amigo Carisol Los Corales is found on the beach in the Baconao Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in eastern Cuba. Its coastal setting invites guests to explore the abundant nature around the hotel.
Hotel Faro de Maisí (Guantánamo). Nature fans and adventurers will enjoy staying at the Hotel Faro de Maisí in La Asunción, a small town in the south of Maisí, Cuba’s easternmost town. This off-the-beaten-track hotel is an ideal spot to stay for those interested in cavern diving, nature exploration, and wildlife spotting.
Hotel Villa Santo Domingo (Granma). Hikers, nature lovers and travelers who want to experience authentic, unadulterated Cuba will love the new Villa Santo Domingo in the heart of the Sierra Maestra mountain range. The 20 wooden bungalows are in two-story blocks with breathtaking views. Hotel Villa Santo Domingo
JULY 2017 40 lahabana. com magazine
BEACH HOTELS: Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca (Guardalavaca, Holguín). Located right on the beach this resort is ideal for family vacations, weddings and honeymoons as much as for its facilities, range of all-inclusive services, and diversity of offers.
Hotel Gaviota Playa Pesquero (Playa Pesquero, Holguín). This five-star all-inclusive hotel is set in a wonderful natural wild area in the east of the country, in Holguín province. The protection of the environment is key in this area, and the hotel is an excellent choice for those who want a memorable honeymoon.
Hotel Memories Holguín (Playa Yuraguanal, Holguín). Memories Holguín is an all-inclusive resort located in front of a beautiful beach in the resort area of Holguín. The hotel offers excellent views of the turquoise sea. The hotel has a five-level pool, connected by cascading waterfalls. This pool complex is one of the main attractions of the Hotel Memories Holguín resort as it’s one of the few in Cuba of this type. Its secluded location allows guests to enjoy the beautiful beach surrounded by Cuban flowers and plants.
Hotel Paradisus Río de Oro (Playa Esmeralda, Holguín). The elegant and luxury all-inclusive resort Paradisus Río de Oro is located on the magnificent Esmeralda Beach. This sandy paradise and its surroundings form part of the exotic Natural Park Bahía de Naranjo, some five kilometers from Guardalavaca.
Villa Maguana (Guantánamo). Villa Maguana is a small, intimate hotel with all the ingredients for a phenomenal getaway: there are picturesque mountains in the background, a stunning private scoop of beach in the middle ground and the Atlantic Ocean. Playa Maguana has been described as one of the most – if not the most – beautiful beach in Cuba.
JULY 2017 41 lahabana. com magazine
CITIES HOTELS
Hotel Meliá Santiago de Cuba (Santiago de Cuba). The excellent location of this five-star Meliá hotel brings its guests into direct contact with the most crowded streets of the city of Santiago de Cuba, as well as the city’s culture, traditions, and history.
Hotel San Basilio (Santiago de Cuba). With a great position on San Basilio Street, this hotel, named after the street on which it sits, is only a few meters from the famous central Parque Céspedes in Santiago de Cuba. Santiago, known as the City of Heroes, is an attractive place known for her historic, cultural and heritage attractions. Hotel San Basilio is an exclusive with Cuba Travel Network.
Hotel Encanto Royalton (Bayamo). Bayamo is the spirited, tidy Cuban town you’ve probably never heard of. The capital of Granma province, this historic city is undergoing a revival including major public and renovation projects – the classic Encanto Royalton among them.
Hotel Encanto Ordoño (Gibara, Holguín). The Hotel Encanto Ordoño is the tallest building in the tranquil town of Gibara, and is found in the heart of the historic center. Today, it forms part of a cultural circuit for visitors, and is a good example of preserved architecture from the colonial period.
Hotel Arsenita (Gibara, Holguín). Arsenita is the second of its kind that is born in Gibara -also called La Villa Blanca– famous for its Festival de Cine Pobre, and for been a peaceful fishermen town that treasures amazing architectonical and historical values.
JULY 2017 42 lahabana. com magazine
HOTEL HIDDEN GEM IN CUBA
Hotel Villa Cayo Saetía (Holguín). If you want an off-the-beaten-track experience in Cuba, enjoying an outstanding beach, exotic wildlife, and practicing water sports, staying in Villa Cayo Saetía is an excellent choice. Cayo Saetía is unique in Cuba for its collection of exotic animals which roam freely. These include antelopes, zebra and water buffalo. You can also spot other animals in a one-hour jeep safari, across the island, organized from the hotel.
Hotel Caballeriza (Holguín). From their humble origin as a barn for horses, the stables in Holguín were transformed into homes and a boutique hotel where visitors, who prefer to experience something different, escape to. The Hotel E. Caballeriza in an excellent spot in the city of Holguín, emerged from these stables, and has been attractively designed and is known for the hospitality of its staff.
JULY 2017 43 lahabana. com magazine
Going to Cuba but short on time? These are the best two-day-and–one–night excursions, for you to discover the Island´s history, culture and nature.
• Private Tour of Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara, from Havana • Nature in the Valle de Viñales, from Havana • Topes de Collantes Overnight (Trinidad, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos), from Havana and Varadero
Make your online reservation CubaTravelNetwork.com
EEUU - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) For further information, please contact us Europa - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Resto del mundo - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090 JULY 2017 44 lahabana. com magazine EXPLORE CUBA WITH MELIÁ
JULY 2017 45 lahabana. com magazine
When you plan to vacation in Cuba with a high degree of comfort, you need to choose wisely. Meliá Hotels International is one of the better hotel chains in Cuba, found in all the main cities on the Island. The Spanish consortium is currently expanding to manage eight new hotels by next year in the cities of Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Camagüey in the middle of Cuba, for a total of 931 new rooms.
Visitors who love the tropics can choose from city facilities with such outstanding hotels as the Meliá Cohíba, Meliá Habana and the Tryp Habana Libre in the capital, or the Meliá Santiago de Cuba in the eastern end of the country. When you choose any of these hotels you will enjoy excellent locations within urban settings because they are all located in the heart of the city. It’s a great way to stay in touch with Cuban culture and nightlife, admire the architecture and partake of daily life. Meliá hotels are ideal for business trips, weddings and honeymoons. Their services are designed to provide their guests with customized attention.
JULY 2017 46 lahabana. com magazine
The Meliá Cohíba is located in lovely Vedado, one of the most urbane neighborhoods in Havana. Just a few steps away you have the Havana Malecón, an emblematic site in the nation, where the ocean view will enchant you. The live entertainment at the Habana Café Party Room is one of the most exciting nightlife options in the city. Their weekend lineup will always include some of the most internationally acclaimed Cuban bands, like Los Van Van. If you are a cigar aficionado, you will be able to indulge your passion with world-famous Cuban cigars which are sold at the Casa del Habano and at the Bar Humidor, the ideal hangouts for those who appreciate great smoking.
JULY 2017 47 lahabana. com magazine
One of the most beautiful views of the city of Havana can be seen from the Meliá Habana Hotel. Close to the Miramar Business Center and the Convention Center, this five-star hotel is perfect for business people visiting the Island. Custom service and the excellent facilities ensure a wonderful stay for its guests. The Tryp Habana Libre is the most cosmopolitan and centrally-located Meliá in the capital. Located in the heart of Vedado, you will have a spectacular view from any of its 25 floors. This four-star facility is a great choice for a vacation. The Turquino Cabaret is one of the night clubs providing live music every night, featuring popular Cuban bands. The incredible pool is decorated with a huge ceramic mural by Cuban artist Amelia Peláez. If you want Havana at your feet, this is the place to stay.
But if your destination is Oriente, or the eastern part of Cuba, the obvious choice is the Meliá Santiago de Cuba, the only five-star hotel in the Heroic City. Its strategic position close to the historical downtown core will let you walk to all the top cultural sites in a city that throbs to its own captivating rhythm. The warmth of the city and its inhabitants is reflected in the conga and the Santiago trova. No need to go to any specific address: just walk a few blocks in the city and you have arrived!
BY CHOOSING ANY OF THE MELIÁ HOTELS, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELVES IN GOOD HANDS. HISTORICAL TRADITIONS AND COSMOPOLITAN CHARM JOIN FORCES FOR A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN CUBA.
JULY 2017 48 lahabana. com magazine
CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS, A MEDIEVAL MANSION IN CUBA
A beautiful hotel with outstanding views of Soroa’s forests. A peaceful, romantic and luxury retreat — ideal for escaping stressful city life. Enjoy the heights of El Fuerte Hill, walk to the largest orchid garden in Cuba, and embrace Cuba’s lush nature. Exclusive access through Cuba Travel Network
US - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Europe - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090
CubaTravelNetwork.com
JULY 2017 49 lahabana. com magazine
Never a Saturday without sunshine ...or daiquiri Patricia Font without ice
JULY 2017 50 lahabana. com magazine
In April 1898, a couple of days prior to the official declaration of war against Spain, no army in tatters could win any war. Under the American naval squadron commenced its blockade of the island of Cuba. Rear his leadership, his troops were completely Admiral Sampson commanding 21 warships and his colleague, Major General Shafter, outfitted: each soldier had a good pair of in command of the Fifth Army Corps, had no idea what main weapon they had in boots, a sharp machete, a mug and a spoon. their arsenals. The weapon turned out to be tons of ice stored in the holds of the 42 logistical ships accompanying them. Those Cuban warriors who had years of fighting under their belts harbored no fear One of the geniuses of Cuban military art, Antonio Maceo, was a general involved in of the Spanish army, which was demoralized the two wars of Independence. Luckily for Sampson and Shafter, he had died in battle and clearly defeated. But they did fear the just months before the US landing—he had sworn to join the Spanish side if even sun. They feared dehydration, despair and one Yankee soldier was to disembark on Cuban beaches. Maceo was convinced that the suffocating heat of this Island. They
JULY 2017 51 lahabana. com magazine
feared General July and General August, the hottest months in the year. It was for this reason that as part of the campaign equipment of every Cuban soldier, tied firmly to his saddle, there was always a bottle containing a generous portion of run or spirits to which they would add lemon juice and often sweeten with honey. This mixture would be shaken by the constant pace of their horses and the concoction would pacify their thirst and the effects of the heat during the pauses between skirmishes.
After a number of attempts to land at Matanzas and Cienfuegos, repelled by the discretionary artillery fire of the Spanish troops on the coast, Sampson and Shafter decided to move the theater of operations towards the eastern end of the Island. Finally, in June, they succeeded in landing 11,000 troops, including General Lawton’s division, General Bates’ independent brigade and a cavalry brigade under Major General Wheeler. Just before, at the point of their machetes, Cuban troops had cleared out Spanish troops from that location in order to ensure the success of the landing.
On that occasion, instead of the accustomed bread and salt of Slavs, Cuban troops offered American soldiers drinks made from spirits flavored with lemon and honey, as a gesture of friendly welcome and perfect to provide some relief from the heat, which was beginning to affect them. Legend goes that it was Major General Shafter himself, present there on Daiquiri Beach, who stated after the first sip: “This needs some ice.”
There’s another legend—less romantic, and, therefore, less credible and less fable-like—giving a different version of the birth of the daiquiri. That badly told tale relates that around 1905, after the war and three years after the end of the American occupation of the Island, Italian engineer Pagliuchi, a
JULY 2017 52 lahabana. com magazine
And another interesting fact: The Daiquiri did not former captain of the Cuban liberation army, was visiting some mines in the become internationalized until yet another military area of Daiquiri and after finishing his work, suggested having a drink. man, US Navy medical officer Admiral Lucius W. Johnson tried the drink and brought it with him in Not having any Vermouth on hand, Pagliuchi mixed some rum, lemon and 1909 to an Army-Navy Club in Washington, D.C. cane sugar in a cocktail shaker. Inventing a name for the drink, his engineer friend, an American named Cox, recalled a Southern whiskey-based drink The birth of the cocktail is clear. It happened at made with the addition of sugar, lemon juice and ice called Whisky Sour. the moment when Shafter’s assistants, responding So he proposed the name of Rum Sour for the Cuban cocktail. Pagliuchi to the recently landed and heat-stricken general, thought the name was too long and preferred to call it daiquiri, the name of took off in one of the launches to get the ice stored the nearby mines. in those logistical ships. They came back with a handful of cold, shiny perfect ice cubes that Note that this happened more or less seven years after the event on Daiquiri Shafter added to his drink so that he could enjoy an Beach when Shafter had the inspired idea of adding ice to the drink the honest to goodness real drink. Cuba was still not Americans were offered by their Cuban hosts. And also note that Pagliuchi independent, it still was not a republic, but then and had been a captain in the independence army and so he must have imbibed, there, under the sun on that beach in the shade of thousands of times during that war, that concoction which he had just some palm trees, sipped by a pink-skinned Yankee, “invented.” chilled with ice, the famous daiquiri had come into the world.
JULY 2017 53 lahabana. com magazine
ORIENTE: THE BEST PLACES FOR EATING AND DRINKING
By LaHabana.com
In Cuba, eating is an adventure, a mixture of flavors and aromas of local ingredients. In every city you will find countless places to eat, but which to choose? LaHabana. com offers a mini guide to make your visit to Oriente a whole different experience.
JULY 2017 54 lahabana. com magazine
GIBARA
La Cueva Restaurant
A place with a rustic ambience, but with a very original style. The menu is not extensive, but seafood lovers will have no complaints. Tasty food and good-sized servings. One tip: book early (especially during the International Cine Pobre Festival).
La Perla Del Norte
A bar-restaurant for a date at this seaside city, boasting a wine list that can grab the attention of wine lovers. Enjoy the live performances by local musicians. The best spot in the restaurant to sample the restaurant’s seafood menu is the outdoor terrace for the view of the city that it offers.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
St. Pauli
St. Pauli is one of the most fashionable establishments in the city of Santiago today. You can start your evening by tasting refined dishes in the restaurant (do not be put off by the decorations, which does not do justice to the menu). We specially recommend the St. Pauli pork ribs and the chicken in chocolate, although all the entrees are a delicatessen. Interesting fact: The restaurant is not air-conditioned; however, it has a clever water recirculation system. According to the owner, Alfredo Rodríguez, thanks to this idea, the temperature indoors can go down up to three degrees (a real plus, since Santiago’s heat can be scorching). To close the evening, do not miss its bohemian bar, a place where both Santiagueros and visitors enjoy Cuban and international cocktails with a background of the music of the moment.
JULY 2017 55 lahabana. com magazine
El Cayo Restaurant BARACOA
The location of this place is one of its great attractions: the view of the city of Santiago El buen sabor from the cay is lovely. Cayo Granma can be reached by a boat that crosses the bay Bacán, seafood with coconut milk or Calalú from Punta Gorda for the price of CUC 3. It is an ideal place for the family to enjoy are the most popular dishes on the menu, seafoods—especially shrimp and lobster—priced from CUC 15 to 18. A plus for this but not the only ones. The peculiar thing restaurant is that you can take a walk around the cay and get to know the small town about Baracoa cuisine is that it mixes that is nestled there. unique ingredients like no other place on the Island. It will take a few days of tasting Iris Jazz Club the different foods to get a complete idea of Santiago de Cuba is not just rumba and French tumba. Jazz is making its way in this this. But all in all, it is a unique experience! populous city of more than one million people, and one of the places where you can enjoy live performances is the Iris Jazz Club. If you are a lover of this genre, do not miss the International Jazz Plaza Festival, a prestigious competition that in 2016 began traveling to Santiago de Cuba. The event’s 33rd edition will be held from December 14 to 17, 2017.
JULY 2017 56 lahabana. com magazine
EEUU - [email protected] 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Europa - [email protected] +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world - [email protected] +53 (0)7 214 0090
www.cubatravelnetwork.com
PALACIO AZUL A PRETTY BAYSIDE BLUE PALACE
A small boutique hotel, the duck-egg blue Palacio Azul faces the Bay of Cienfuegos, and is 10 minutes by foot to the UNESCO-crowned historic city center.
Built in 1920, the domed hotel features 7 rooms, a marble staircase, and beautiful original art nouveau tiled floors. Catch the breeze on the rooftop terrace, and enjoy the neighboring architectural stunners — the Club Cienfuegos and the Palacio del Valle.
JULY 2017 57 lahabana. com magazine
Love enters through the kitchen... by Adela López ESPECIALLY IN ORIENTE photo: Yadira Montero
JULY 2017 58 lahabana. com magazine
Some of my earliest childhood Typical desserts to serve at Christmas and Easter memories involve being seated around my grandmother’s table; we would get White beans turned into a cream with coconut milk, cow’s milk, sugar, chunks of sweet together for any excuse (Mother’s Day, potatoes and cinnamon. This dessert is the one offered to guests during Easter. For Christmas, Father’s Day, New Year’s, birthdays…) to bitter oranges sweet eat. The act of enjoying her meals is a (dulce de naranja agria) is the favorite. Even though in Oriente the variation using grapefruit fundamental ingredient in our family is more usual, the way to prepare it is the same: after peeling the fruit, it is boiled for a few dynamic, through the good times and minutes. The water is changed until the brew has completely lost all its bitterness. Then sugar the bad. is added and boiling continues for a few minutes. Cinnamon or anise is optional.
From my grandmother, I have learned The “must” sweets in a home in Oriente that cooking deals with being inventive. The most resounding proof of this Boniatillo with coconut milk and malarrabia have the common ingredient of sweet potatoes, is that having had all the most chic one of the most used root vegetables in Cuban cooking both for regular dishes (usually boiled ingredients in the world at home, my or fried) and desserts. Coconut milk is a spectacular ingredient for exotic dishes and it’s easy dishes never turned out like hers. At the end of the day I am always calling her to find out about her “tricks,” that je ne sais quoi which would save the day for my poor dinner guests. The cultural heritage of these dishes and drinks (yes, cooking is culture!) comes directly from San Benito, “a town right after Songo- La Maya” in my granny’s words.
Which are the most popular bean dishes in Oriente?
Red beans, always with meat and root vegetables (potatoes, squash and taro). Black beans tend to be used most when making congrí, and they have to have pork fat and cracklings.
JULY 2017 59 lahabana. com magazine
to find in Oriente, a zone where coconuts grow in abundance. Malarrabia is one of those desserts that save those meals with friends because it is so ridiculously easy to make: chop up the sweet potatoes into small cubes and boil with a bit of water and sugar (make sure you don’t go overboard with the sugar because it’s easy to end up with something that’s far too sweet).
Aliñado: a drink that takes nine months to age
From the moment a woman finds out that she is pregnant, everything in the home revolves around the moment of the birth, even the cooking. People in Oriente have the same devotion in preparing the aliñado as they have for putting together cribs and sewing diapers. This beverage, which is a mix of fruit, syrup and sugar cane brandy, is buried during gestation, only to be savored nine months after the baby has been born.
Not a thing goes to waste with pork
Cerdo, macho or puerco: those are words used to describe pork, the most eaten meat in Oriente, in fact all over Cuba. Its meat and even the viscera, the entire animal, are used for a wide variety of dishes going from steaks to an assortment of cold cuts and sausages. A very common custom in Cuban rural areas is to make gandinga (a stew with the heart, liver and kidneys…), something to snack on while the other parts of the animal are being processed.
JULY 2017 60 lahabana. com magazine
Fruit, fruit…everywhere
Cuban fields produce a wealth of different fruits. Even though these days we don’t see such a variety as in days gone by, the tropical climate helps them to grow. Mango, guava, mamey, coconut, tamarind, caimito (green and purple), cashew apples (red and yellow), banana, sugar apple, chirimoya, mamoncillo…just a few of the most succulent.
The man who plants his corn…
The different dishes based on corn are among some of the most widely seen in Cuban cuisine. It is common to see street vendors selling hayaca (also known as tamales or tallullos). The essence of this dish is for the ground corn to be tender, thereby ensuring that the product is smooth. The other ingredients include garlic, salt and fried meat, but there are all kinds of variations to accommodate everybody’s tastes.
Majarete and pinole are two delicious desserts made with corn. They are highly nutritious and are typical dishes throughout almost all of Latin America.
JULY 2017 61 lahabana. com magazine RESERVE ONE FLIGHT AND TRAVEL TO THREE DESTINATIONS
It’s now possible to take one flight and unite three popular Cuban destinations. To save time, you can now take advantage of the daily Boeing 737 departure from Havana and travel to Holguín and Cayo Coco. This offer lasts until October 2017.
Two daily flights, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon, will transport you to explore these three destinations.
Havana. The cultural and nightlife epicenter of Cuba.
Holguín. Known as the city of parks, we suggest you visit the emblematic Hill of the Cross.
Cayo Coco. Known for its exotic nature and beautiful beaches, here you’ll find comfort and rest in its modern resorts.
ENJOY YOUR VACATIONS TO THE MAX WITH ONE FLIGHT AND THREE CubaTravelNetwork.com US - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) DESTINATIONS Europe - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090
JULY 2017 62 lahabana. com magazine MUSICIANS AND BANDS FROM ORIENTE YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO LISTEN TO
Cuban music comes in an incredibly broad spectrum of sounds, styles and influences; it covers the entire country. However, there are differences among the rhythms that were born in the eastern part of Cuba and those in the rest of the Island.
We have all heard about the fusion of Spanish and African music, but it was the influence of French culture in the east, especially in Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo and Granma, that was fundamental in contributing to the Cuban musical sounds that took shape in the 20th century.
JULY 2017 63 lahabana. com magazine
Fleeing the Haitian Revolution at the start We would like to suggest a list of musicians and bands from Oriente of the 19th century, French landowners and that have marked milestones and others which today are excellent their slaves entered Cuba and the manner of proponents of the contemporary music panorama on the Island. dancing, playing music and listening to rhythms in Cuba changed. These French newcomers taught their servants to play so that they would have music at their festivities and concerts.
The rhythms of the eastern part of Cuba were born, among other factors, out of the union between the European contredanse and waltz with African sounds. Nevertheless, the Spanish element always remained present. One example can be seen in Bayamo, today’s Granma province, where in 1871 “La Bayamesa” was written, considered to be the first trova-style song.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Son, Changüí or Nengón could be heard in the country’s bars and cantinas. These and others originated in Cuba’s eastern areas. According to some researchers, the traditional trova had its start in Santiago de Cuba when a group of guitar aficionados would get together every night to put their poetry to music. Nowadays, the influences of rock, jazz and electronic music have redefined the basic elements of Cuban music, but the essence of what makes it authentically Cuban has been preserved.
JULY 2017 64 lahabana. com magazine
Sindo Garay
Compay Segundo (Siboney). A musician with an extremely lengthy trajectory, he was the vocalist of the Trío Matamoros for some time until he founded the Los Compadres duo and gained recognition Sindo Garay (Santiago de Cuba). He was a trovador and is considered to be in the 1950s. International fame came with his the all-time greatest composer of Cuban popular music. Songs such as “La participation in the Buena Vista Social Club, winning tarde,” “Las amargas verdades” and “Germania” (dedicated to Ludwig van several Latin Grammy awards. His song called “Chan Beethoven) are three of his most well-known numbers. Chan” is one of the most applauded numbers by both critics and audiences. Miguel Matamoros (Santiago de Cuba). The founder of the popular Trío Matamoros, he was one of the musicians who spread Son all over the Celeste Mendoza (Santiago de Cuba). Emblematic world. Numbers such as “Pensamiento,” “Lágrimas Negras” and “Son de la interpreter of the guaguancó. She became famous Loma” provide us with highpoints in this genre. in the 1950s because of her continuous touring in Europe and Latin America.
JULY 2017 65 lahabana. com magazine
Eliades Ochoa (Santiago de Cuba). A great defender of the traditional rhythms from Oriente with his band named Patria. He took part in the Buena Vista Social Club together with Compay Segundo, Omara Portuondo and Ibrahim Ferrer. He has won several Latin Grammys. Among the many songs he has recorded, the most outstanding are surely “Píntate los labios María” and “Harina de maíz criolla”.
Original de Manzanillo. Oriente’s most famous band. Its current director is Wichy Naranjo. It plays a fusion of various genres created in Oriente such as the Son and the Changüí. Its initial format was the charanga francesa, but today they have integrated electronic musical instruments. Their hits “Mi sombrero de yarey” and “Soy cubano, soy de Oriente” can still be heard on the region’s radio stations.
Cándido Fabré (Santiago de Cuba). Known as the Rey del Repentismo (King of Improvisation) of dance music. He has a raspy very unique voice. No doubt about it, he is a unique artist and his concerts can go on for hours and never fail to make his audiences dance.
Grupo Sierra Maestra. Founded in 1976 by Eduardo Himel and Juan de Marcos (leader of the Buena Vista Social Club), one of its aims was to spread traditional Cuban rhythms. They have gone on countless European, American and Latin American tours. One of the most influential groups from this part of the country. We suggest you listen to “Son para ti.”
Elio Revé (Guantánamo). When he founded his Orquesta Revé, Changüí took a new direction as dancers rediscovered this Cuban rhythm. He is known as the King of Changüí. “Mi salsa tiene sandunga” and “La boda en bicicleta” are two of his classic numbers. These days his son Elito has kept the group going. Cándido Fabre
JULY 2017 66 lahabana. com magazine
La Ritmo Oriental. A band founded by Elio Revé in the mid-1950s. Ibrahim Ferrer, Pedrito Calvo, Tony Calá and David Calzado have been among its members over the years. Some of their songs are “Yo bailo de todo,” “Mi socio Manolo” and “La chica mamey.”
Dúo Buena Fe. A group born in Guantánamo province, it is a fusion of trova and pop rock. Nowadays they are very popular with Cuban young people because their lyrics deal with current Cuban concerns. Songs such as “No juegues con mi soledad,” “La culpa” and “De ti depende” are some of their very popular numbers.
Isnay Rodríguez, DJ Jigüe (Santiago de Cuba). He is a DJ belonging to the Wampara Music recording company created by him along with other Cuban musicians. They are committed to experimental electronic music but they always incorporate Afro-Cuban elements. We suggest listening to “Sigue los pasos” and “Toma!!!”
JULY 2017 67 lahabana. com magazine
Driving around the island is a great way to discover places off the tourist trail helping you make the most of your trip to Cuba.
It’s always a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially during the months of July and August, when there’s less vehicle availability. By doing so you’ll save time and avoid wasting days of your vacation looking for a car available for rent.
This is the best time to review our offers and book the car that best suits your itinerary.
GUARANTEED FROM NOW FOR YOUR CUBA VACATION!
US - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) CubaTravelNetwork.com Europe - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090 JULY 2017 68 lahabana. com magazine
YOGA, CUBAN- STYLE
Ernesto Pérez Castillo
JULY 2017 69 lahabana. com magazine
Somewhere around 1899 or 1900, Mrs. McKinley, wife of the then president of the United States of America, had the idea of founding the Raja Yoga Academy in the city of Santiago de Cuba in the eastern end of the island of Cuba. The Spanish-American war had ended just two years earlier. Yankee troops were still occupying the country, bringing with them fashions, customs and lifestyles.
JULY 2017 70 lahabana. com magazine
In any case, despite its sonorous name, the First Lady’s institution functioned more as a fraternity, focusing on charity work and helping the victims of the recently concluded war. We have no evidence to prove that the Raja Yoga Academy ever really fostered the practice of yoga.
It wasn’t until 1906, and at the other end of the Island, in the western province of Pinar del Río, that a Raja-Yoga school made its appearance. A year later, and for the same purpose, another American woman, Katherine Tingley, purchased some land on San Juan Hill. Around 1908 the first stone was laid of what would become the Cuban Theosophical Headquarters and in the months that followed another two Raja Yoga schools were created in the cities of Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.
A few years earlier, around 1903, the Cuban Theosophical Review began to be published; it stayed around for 25 years divulging the theosophical works of writers such as Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater. At that time Cuba, was the nerve center for the Latin American theosophical movement and you could find Spanish translations of the works of Indian Hindu authors, such as Vivekananda and Yogananda on the Island.
JULY 2017 71 lahabana. com magazine
By the 1950s, a group of Havana residents became interested in The term “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit: “yug” means “join”, Kriya Yoga, a movement spread in the United States by the monk “bring together” or “unite”. Oddly enough, and perhaps Paramahansa Yogananda, and they founded the Self-Realization coming from the same root, the Spanish word “yugo” [yoke] Association, for devotional purposes, with its own techniques. It in its different variations indicates similar meanings. The survives today. Yoga Sutra, a classical text, defines yoga as the inhibition of modifications of the mind. The practice of yoga is of Those are the beginnings of yoga in Cuba. It is an ancient activity that considerable help when there is a lack of consistency between grew in India and can be practiced by people of all ages, no matter thought, words and actions. their sex or any physical limitations. Yoga is beneficial for increasing flexibility and correcting poor posture (the cause of many ills) and it also helps to eliminate stress and generally improve health and the quality of life.
JULY 2017 72 lahabana. com magazine
The Yoga Association of Cuba (ACY in its Spanish acronym) dates back to 1990 when Professor Eduardo Pimentel started teaching classes in Havana at a locale in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church belonging to the Jesuit Order; in a short time, he had over 200 students.
With the help of monitors and instructors trained by Pimentel, classes came to be set up at important institutions such as the National Theater, Mella Theater, several Casas de Cultura, museums, hospitals and community polyclinics. The ACY is a member of the Latin American Yoga Union, the International Yoga Foundation, The Cuban Society for Bioenergy and Naturalist Medicine and the Ministry of Public Health’s National Management Group for Asian Therapeutic Exercises. Furthermore, it acts as advisor to the therapy area of the Sports and Recreation Institute.
And so, after over one hundred years of continuous practice in Cuba and with a long future life to come, yoga has been present on the Island, appreciated for its capacity to assume the best of universal experience, nurturing its growth and enriching it in the daily lives of Cubans.
JULY 2017 73 lahabana. com magazine
FAMILY OR BUSINESS TRAVELERS, NO DISTINCTIONS IN MELIA CITY HOTELS
JULY 2017 74 lahabana. com magazine
July 2017
Telmary y Habanasana in concert July 8th Sala Avellaneda
JULY 2017 75 lahabana. com magazine HAVANA LISTINGS
VISUAL ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY DANCE MUSIC THEATRE FOR KIDS EVENTS
FEATURES RESTAURANTS HAVANA BARS & CLUBS GUIDE LIVE MUSIC HOTELS PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
JULY 2017 76 lahabana. com magazine
CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA OPENS La Estampa Contemporánea en la colección JULY 6 Arte de Nuestra América Haydée Santamaría de VISUAL Casa de las Américas, is a collection of works by Latin American artists that show the variety of techniques and contents, the rich manufacture and the continuity of the tradition of Latin ARTS American printmaking by young engravers.
CENTRO DE DESARROLLO DE LAS ARTES VISUALES THROUGH Herbaria, group show by Cuban and international JULY 9 artists, with a new reflection on landscape. MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES. EDIFICIO DE ARTE CUBANO THROUGHOUT JULY GALERÍA CASA 8 Juego de Ángeles commemorates the centenary of the birth of sculptor THROUGH Ritual, exhibition by Andy Llanes Bulto that JULY 9 Eugenio Rodríguez, one of the modernizers of this art form Cuba, with presents a group of large pieces in which the the exhibition of more than 50 pieces, including sculptures, prints and human body is the focus of the work while it is drawings, made between 1944 and 1968. One of Rodríguez most famous trapped by the moon in its different phases. works is the sculpture group located within the main lobby of the National Museum of Fine Arts. FACTORÍA HABANA
MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES. EDIFICIO DE ARTE UNIVERSAL THROUGH- Índice de imágenes, by José Manuel Mesía, who OUT JULY THROUGHOUT JULY using painting and installation and through a process marked by the study of episodes of the Gabinete, Piranesi...papel exhibits 60 prints by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Cuban wars of independence, examines the belonging to the Drawings and Prints Department of the museum. mechanisms of rewriting history, the apocryphal, the construction of imaginaries and the myths BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA RUBÉN MARTÍNEZ VILLENA that are created around facts. THROUGH JULY 21 Berenice, by designer Omar Batista, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s eponymous story, includes seven digitized pen and inlk drawings. The graphic intervention of the entire space of the gallery forms a large mural that recreates the atmosphere of the American writer’s stories and explores the Human nature and its conflicts.
FÁBRICA DE ARTE CUBANO THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30
Maurice Renoma, an exhibition showing an unknown stage design by the photos by Alex Mene artist in the course of his photographic experience and installations created Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano in situ with the help of salvaged materials.
JULY 2017 77 lahabana. com magazine
GALERÍA COLLAGE HABANA CENTRO DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO WIFREDO LAM THROUGH JULY 29 THROUGH AUGUST 26 4ta Dimensión (4D), group show by artists Elias Henoc, Jeosviel Abstengo, Valor de uso has proposed to the participating artists that they work their Liesther Amador, Miguel Chamorro and Michel Moro. pieces with instruments that at the end of the exhibition can recover their original function, which implies the collaboration of the workers of the Center ACADEMIA DE ARTE SAN ALEJANDRO in the conformation of the exhibition. THROUGH MID-JULY THROUGH AUGUST 25 Homo abstractus, is a collection of 40 works by one of the indisputable Memorias. Grabado cubano ‘80 ‘90 presents 50 prints belonging to the masters of contemporary Cuban abstraction: Rigoberto Mena. Wifredo Lam Center Collection, of Cuban artists José Julián Aguilera, Ángel Alfaro Echevarría, Abel Barroso, Pablo Borges, Yamilis Brito, Luis Cabrera, CASA DE ARTES Y TRADICIONES CHINAS Tamara Campo, José M. Contino, Salvador Corratgé, Antonio Espinosa, THROUGHOUT JULY Moisés Finalé, Gilberto Frómeta, Isabel Gimeno, Julio Girona, Nicolás Lara, Uver Solís, un paseo imaginario is an exhibition of by this artist who worked Israel León, Isolina Limonta, Aldo Menéndez, Ibrahim Miranda, Isary Paulet, the primitive style, and who was very much respected by the first Cuban Enrique Pérez Triana, Pablo Quert, Ángel M. Ramírez, Alexander Richardm, avant-garde. The paintings belong to the Fine Arts Museum Collection. Juan Carlos Rivero, Ángel Rivero Sierra, Elio Rodríguez, Carlos A. Rodríguez Cárdenas, Agustín Rolando Rojas, Leandro Soto, Israel Tamayo, Rubén Torres Llorca, Zenén Vizcaíno and Rafael Zarza. CASA DEL FESTIVAL DEL NUEVO CINE LATINOAMERICANO THROUGHOUT JULY GALERÍA HABANA Poster sketches designed for films in the past 50 years. Film poster THROUGH JULY 28 constitute probably the best exponents of this art in Cuba. Muestra de óleos y temperas by the important Cuban painter Servando Cabrera Moreno, and the launching of a beautiful Spanish/English volume CASA DE LA OBRA PÍA that includes part of his series called “Habaneras” and “Guajiros”, which are THROUGHOUT JULY the most popular among his extensive and diverse artistic production. El patio de mi casa, show by Cuban ceramist Ioán Carratalá.
PABELLÓN CUBA CENTRO DE CULTURA Y FE SAN IGNACIO DE LOYOLA THROUGH JULY 23 THROUGH JULY 28 La mística del cuerpo. Habeas Corpus Ad Subicendum, group show by Acuérdate de mí. Dedicated to Environment Day, artist Yoilén Hernández Cuban and international artists, the exhibition focuses on the depiction Moreno offers a very personal and suggestive interpretation of Nature: the of the human figure in different media and from its multiple semantic and identification of the landscape with the state of mind. expressive possibilities.
GALERÍA SERVANDO TALLER EXPERIMENTAL DE GRÁFICA THROUGH JULY 15 THROUGH JULY 7 Pulsiones, an exhibition by Octavio Irving, which “takes advantage of the Que hable ahora o calle para siempre, solo show by Yeny Ferro, Prizewinner of possibilities of drawing to pick up technical and discursive elements present the Colography Competition. in his work, such as plural compositions and the gesture of the strokes…”
JULY 2017 78 lahabana. com magazine
CASA OSWALDO GUAYASAMÍN THROUGH JULY 18 Lente en descarga is a photographic dialogue between Young photographers and protagonists of the Fotojazz event, which was discontinued 20 years ago.
GALERÍA TALLER GORRÍA
THROUGH Retratos, pictures taken by Danay Suárez. JULY 24
MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES. EDIFICIO DE ARTE CUBANO
THROUGH Varda/Cuba brings together 100 pictures by the great JULY 10 French filmmaker Agnès Varda taken in Cuba in 1962. These photos would later be used by Varda in her film Saludos, Cubanos.
GALERÍA JULIO LARRAMENDI. HOSTAL CONDE DE VILLANUEVA
THROUGHOUT Mardi Gras. Mobile, 2017 by photographers Chip Cooper JULY (US) and Julio Larramendi (Cuba) is a collection of pictures taken during the traditional Fat Tuesday Parade in Mobile, Alabama.
SALA DE LA DIVERSIDAD
THROUGH Quinta de los Molinos, Restaurar, Conservar y Educar. JULY 9 Photographic exhibition Restore, Preserve and Educate.
PHOTO GRAPHY JULY 2017 79 lahabana. com magazine DANCE
CHOQUE DE HURACANES JULY 15, 3PM CASA DE CULTURA DE DIEZ DE OCTUBRE Third edition of this break dance meeting in Freestyle 1vs1 and Bboy 2vs2. If you want to participate and compete, registrations are open until July 10.
LA DANZA Y SUS ESTILOS JULY 22, 5PM CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA Performance by dance companies Habana Queen, Así Somos and Raíces Profundas.
SUMMER COURSE JULY 3-8 TEATRO MARTÍ Dance lessons by the Irene Rodríguez Spanish Dance Company. CONCERT PROGRAM JULY 15, 8:30PM; JULY 16, 5PM TEATRO MARTÍ Performances by the Choreography Workshop of the Fernando Alonso National Ballet School.
CONCERT PROGRAM JULY 16, 11AM; JULY 29, 7PM TEATRO MARTÍ Performances by the students of the Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba Summer Course.
JULY 2017 80 lahabana. com magazine
The contemporary fusion and electronic music scene has expanded recently as new bars and clubs have opened party promoters have organized events in parks and public spaces. Good live music venues include Bertolt Brecht (Wednesdays: Interactivo, El Sauce (check out the Sunday afternoon Máquina de la Melancolía) and Fábrica de Arte Cubano which has concerts most nights Thursday through Sunday as well as impromptu smaller performances inside. In Havana’s burgeoning entertainment district along First Avenue from the Karl MUSIC Marx theatre to the aquarium you are spoilt for choice with the always popular Don Cangrejo featuring good live music with artists of the likes of Kelvis Ochoa, CONTEMPORARY David Torrens, Interactivo, Diana Fuentes, Descemer Bueno, David Blanco, just to FUSION name a few, Las Piedras (insanely busy from 3am) and El Palio and Melem bar— both featuring different singers and acts in smaller more intimate venues.
BALNEARIO UNIVERSITARIO EL CORAL EN GUAYABERA HAVANA HARD ROCK FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS / 1PM-1AM SUNDAYS / 6PM EVERY OTHER FRIDAY / 6PM Electronic music with rapping, DJing, Discotemba Soul Train, a show of Vjing, Dj-producers, breakdancing and soul music graffiti writing, among other urban art CAFÉ CORNER SATURDAYS & expressions. THURSDAYS / 9:30PM SUNDAYS / 6PM Rock cover bands CAFÉ CONCERT EL SAUCE Vieja Escuela SUNDAYS / 5PM FÁBRICA DE ARTE CUBANO La Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García THURSDAYS / 10PM THURSDAYS / 11PM
CASA DE LA AMISTAD Dj Productores Session. Concerts by fusion and alternative SUNDAYS / 5PM music soloists and Rock ’n’ Roll with Vieja Escuela. bands. FRIDAYS / 11PM DIABLO TUN TUN FRIDAYS / 9PM FRIDAYS / 5PM Dj Productores Session. Concerts by fusion and alternative Gens music soloists and bands. CAFÉ CANTANTE MI HABANA SATURDAYS / 11PM THURSDAYS / 5PM SATURDAYS / 9PM Karamba Dj Productores Session: Concerts by fusion Iván Lejardi. and alternative BARBARAM PEPITO’S BAR music soloists and bands. THURSDAYS / 7PM SUNDAYS / 12AM Annie Garcés SUNDAYS / 11PM Rock and Roll at FAC. Hip Hop at FAC. JULY 2017 81 lahabana. com magazine
ALL DAYS 5 PM, 11 PM MONDAYS Maykel Blanco 5 PM TUESDAYS Havana D’ Primera JARDINES DEL 1830 11 PM SUNDAYS / 5PM WEDNESDAYS Juan Guillermo 11 PM Grupo Moncada THURSDAYS Manolito Simonet 5 PM FRIDAYS NG La Banda HABANA CAFÉ. HOTEL COHÍBA 11 PM MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY / 9PM SUNDAYS Pupy y los que Son Son SALSA 11 PM Teté y su grupo DIABLO TUNTÚN LA PIRAGUA MONDAYS / 11PM EVERY OTHER SATURDAY / 10PM TIMBA Popular dance music One of the most popular spaces of popular dance music is back. WEDNESDAYS / 5PM El Expreso de Oriente
THURSDAYS / 11PM CABARET TURQUINO. HOTEL HABANA LIBRE NG La Banda MONDAYS / 11PM SATURDAYS / 5PM El Chispa y los Cómplices Manana Club TUESDAYS / 10PM SUNDAYS / 5PM Fiebre Latina Manana Club
WEDNESDAYS / 11PM CASA DE LA MÚSICA DE MIRAMAR Caribe Girls ALL DAYS Popular dance music 5 PM, 11 PM CASA DE 18 MONDAYS Sur Caribe 11 PM FRIDAYS / 8:30PM WEDNESDAYS Adalberto Álvarez Iván y Fiebre Latina 11 PM SATURDAYS / 8PM THURSDAYS Manolito Simonet 5 PM Ahí Namá FRIDAYS El Niño y La Verdad 5 PM SUNDAYS Pupy y los que Son Son 5 PM
JULY 2017 82 lahabana. com magazine
Jazz Café Café Jazz Miramar
Mellow, sophisticated and freezing due to SHOWS: 11 PM - 2AM extreme air conditioning, the Jazz Café is not only MUSIC an excellent place to hear some of Cuba’s top jazz This new jazz club has quickly established itself musicians, but the open-plan design also provides as one of the very best places to hear some of for a good bar atmosphere if you want to chat. Cuba’s best musicians jamming. Forget about Less intimate than La Zorra y el Cuervo – located smoke filled lounges, this is clean, bright—take opposite Melia Cohiba Hotel. the fags outside. While it is difficult to get the exact schedule and in any case expect a high level of improvisation when it is good it is very good. UNEAC A full house is something of a mixed house since on occasion you will feel like holding up your JULY 13 La Esquina del Jazz, hosted by own silence please sign! Nonetheless it gets the 5PM showman Bobby Carcassés thumbs up from us.
CAFÉ MIRAMAR 10 PM Havana in the Grand Manner, with Tamara Castañeda (vibraphonist), Oliver Valdés (percussionist), Jorge Reyes (contrabass player), Jorge Luis Chicoy (guitarist) and Ernán López-Nussa (pianist), and guests singers Daymé Arocena and Kelvis Ochoa.
MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES. EDIFICIO DE ARTE CUBANO ASOCIACIÓN CUBANA DE DERECHOS DE AUTOR MUSICAL JULY 13 Emilio Martini (guitarist) and JULY 20 7 PM Alexis Bosch (pianist) and Natural Trío 6PM Proyecto Jazz Cubano
CASA DEL ALBA
JULY 8 Ruy López-Nussa JAZZ 8 PM (percussionist) & La Academia
JULY 2017 83 lahabana. com magazine
EL TABLAO BOLERO, THURSDAYS / Osdalgia MUSIC 10PPM SUNDAYS Ivette Cepeda FOLKLORE, / 7:30PM HOTEL MELIÁ HABANA TUESDAYS, Vocal group Retro THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS / SON AND 8:30PM
GATO TUERTO TROVA FRIDAYS / 5PM Music, visual arts, literature and more.
HOTEL TELÉGRAFO FRIDAYS / Ivette Cepeda 9:30PM CASA DE 18 DELIRIO HABANERO CENTRO CULTURAL FRESA Y CHOCOLATE WEDNESDAYS Héctor Téllez FRIDAYS / 10PM THURSDAYS / Trova with Frank / 8PM Son en Klab 9 M Martínez LIBRERÍA FAYAD JAMÍS THURSDAYS José Valladares / 5PM SATURDAYS / 10PM SUNDAYS / 6PM Singer Leidis Díaz JUNE 16 / 4PM Traditional music SUNDAYS / 5PM Georgeana Trova and poetry hosted by singer songwriter Ireno García.
CAFÉ CANTANTE, TEATRO NACIONAL CLUB AMANECER ASOCIACIÓN YORUBA DE CUBA MEMORIAL SALVADOR ALLENDE FRIDAYS / 5PM FRIDAYS / 8:30PM SATURDAYS / 5PM JULY 28 / 6PM Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez Obbiní Batá (folkloric group) Waldo Mendoza Trovador Ángel Quintero
CASA DE LA BOMBILLA VERDE DIABLO TUN TUN CASA DEL ALBA CULTURAL REVISTA LA JIRIBILLA JULY 20 / 6PM MONDAYS-SUNDAYS / 8PM THURSDAYS / 5PM Trova with Vicente Feliú and guests JULY 28 / 6PM El Patio de Performance by singer songwriters Trova with Ray Fernández Baldovina Project
CASA DE LA AMISTAD CASONA DE LÍNEA CLUB COCODRILO PABELLÓN CUBA SUNDAYS / 8PM WEDNESDAYS / Singer Osdalgia and SATURDAYS / 9PM FRIDAYS / 4PM Trova with Silvio 10:30PM comedian Otto Ortiz Alejandro. Trova Roberto Javier
DOS GARDENIAS HURÓN AZUL, UNEAC LE SELECT CENTRO CULTURAL EN GUAYABERA TUESDAYS THRU SUNDAYS / 10PM SATURDAYS / 9PM FRIDAYS / Yaima Sáez FRIDAYS / 3PM 5PM Performance by soloist vocalists Bolero Night Trova with Diego Ulloa
JULY 2017 84 lahabana. com magazine
CLASSICAL MUSIC SALA COVARRUBIAS. TEATRO NACIONAL BASÍLICA MENOR DE SAN FRANCISCO DE ASÍS SUNDAYS Concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra. JULY 1 Choir concert: Nacional de Cuba, Exaudi, Vocal Leo and 11AM 6PM Entrevoces. GRAN TEATRO DE LA HABANA ALICIA ALONSO
JULY 8 Concert by the Schola Cantorum Coralina, along with JULY 1 First-time performance in Cuba of Henry Purcell’s opera 6PM 8:30PM Canadian musicians. Dido and Eneas. A coproduction of Teatro Lírico Nacional de AND Cuba, Florida State University and Ballet Nacional de Cuba, JULY 15 Performance by the Camerata Romeu. JULY 3 featuring Cuban and American artists. The evening Will start 6PM 5PM off with five arias and duets of Vivaldi and Händel. JULY 22 Works by young Cuban composer Javier Iha Rodríguez for CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA 6PM piano and small format ensembles. JULY 8 Selected parts of the opera “Julio César en Egipto” by Händel Recital de la pianist Karla Martínez and soprano Bárbara 5PM JULY 29 will be performed by soloists from the Teatro Lírico Nacional 6PM Llanes and guests from other institutions, accompanied by the Trío Móviles and guest musicians. IGLESIA DE PAULA JULY 14 Concert by the Nuestro Tiempo ensemble, conducted by Enrique JULY 14 Concert by the Vocal Leo chamber choir of 19th- and 20th- 5PM 7PM centrury religious music. Pérez Mesa, who heads the National Symphony Orchestra.
FÁBRICA DE ARTE CUBANO ORATORIO SAN FELIPE NERI THURSDAYS Concerts by chamber music soloists and ensembles. JULY 1 The Santa Cecilia wind quintet and the Vivace clarinet quartet 9PM 4PM will play works by Malcolm Arnold, August Klughardt, George BIBLIOTECA NACIONAL JOSÉ MARTÍ Gershwin, Félix Darío Morgan and Claude Debussy. Performance by chamber soloists and ensembles. SATURDAYS JULY 6 Concert by the ISA Symphony Orchestra along with the duet made 3PM 7PM up by the German clarinetist Roland Diry and American pianist Karen Tanaka.
JULY 2017 85 lahabana. com magazine THEATRE
Comedia en vivo Lecturas dramatizadas Harry Potter: CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA La historia no contada PRODUCTION: KIKE QUIÑONES JULY 6, 13 & 21, 6:00PM JULY 14, 5PM TEATRO TRIANÓN Dramatized readings which the public can give Teatro El Público / Production: Carlos Díaz Popular stand-up comedian Kike Quiñones on the their opinions on. Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30pm; Sundays, 5pm everyday use of the Spanish language. July 6: Oh Joseph! by Venezuelan Aquiles Nazoa The fantastic world of Harry Potter, brought, in July 13: Otros lloran por mí, by Venezuelan the manner of a social satire, to a music school Ha llegado un inspector Aquiles Nazoa in Cuba. (Please, before going, check if the AC July 20: Rosa de dos aromas, by Mexican Emilio issues have been solved) SALA HUBERT DE BLANCK Carballido COMPAÑÍA TEATRAL HUBERT DE BLANCK FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8:30PM; SUNDAYS, 5PM One of John Boynton Priestley best known works for the stage, long considered part of the repertory of classic “drawing room” theatre, and a scathing critique of the hypocrisies of Victorian/ Edwardian English society.
JULY 2017 86 lahabana. com magazine FOR KIDS
El ruiseñor JULY 7-16, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 3PM TEATRO DE TÍTERES EL ARCA Play based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale. El pez de plata JULY 21-30, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 3PM TEATRO DE TÍTERES EL ARCA Adaptation, production and performance by Adalet Pérez Pupo of José Martí’s story El camarón encantado. Festival de la magia JULY 15 & 16, 11AM, EXPOCUBA. PABELLÓN DE LA CULTURA Magic shows featuring the Sueños Mágicos Company. Mis pequeñas ilusiones JULY 8, 10AM, CASA DE LA MÚSICA MIRAMAR Variety show with the performance of La Colmenita of Plaza District. Great Spanish-American painters WEDNESDAYS, 10AM, CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA Children’s visual arts workshop. La bella cubana JULY 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10AM, CENTRO HISPANO AMERICANO DE CULTURA Cultural project for children who like music.
JULY 2017 87 lahabana. com magazine
MESÓN DEL REGIDOR - INTIMATE HOTEL IN THE HEART OF UNESCO CITY STUNNER
This tiny hotel, with just four rooms, is found in a restored ochre and blue Spanish colonial building in the heart of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s a cobblestone’s throw from the palaces-turned-museums, and main square and church, of this beautiful city, and the growing number of private restaurants. EEUU - [email protected] 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Europa - [email protected] +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world- [email protected] +53 (0)7 214 0090
www.cubatravelnetwork.com
JULY 2017 88 lahabana. com magazine EVENTS IN HAVANA Circuba 2017 July 4-10: Sancti Spíritus, Cabaiguán, Yaguajay, Fomento, La Sierpe, Trinidad July 11-16: Santiago de Cuba, Guamá, Palma Soriano, San Luis JULY 4-SEPTEMBER 10 July 17-24: Guantánamo, Baracoa, Yateras, Caimanera, Maisí, San Antonio del Sur, Imías SEVERAL CITIES AROUND CUBA July 26: Manzanillo Circuba will present the theme show called Circo es... which will reflect the emotions of July 27-30: Bayamo, Jiguaní artists and audiences in a circus show, through August 1-6: Holguín, Urbano Noris, Gibara a tour of the history of circus art and its August 7-13: Camagüey y Nuevitas main genres and varieties. In addition to the performances by the members of the National August 14-20: Ciego de Ávila, Gaspar, Florencia, Venezuela, Ciro Redondo Circus of Cuba, the tour will include Russian, August 21-31: Pinar del Río, San Juan y Martínez, Viñales, Consolación del Sur, San Luis, Mantua, Mexican and Uruguayan artists, as well as Sandino, Guane, Los Palacios soloists of the National Lyric Theater of Cuba. September 1-10: Matanzas, Cárdenas, Jagüey Grande, Colón, Varadero, Pedro Betancourt Va por Casa JULY 10-21, CASA DE LAS AMÉRICAS, HAVANA Focused on a diverse public, the Casa de las Américas has organized a new edition of Va por Casa from July 10 to 21 at its headquarters at 3ra and G streets, El Vedado. The program includes workshops for children and teenagers, concerts, tours of the institution and other activities, as well as the customary presence of Red Casa at the Arte en La Rampa cultural fair, during the months of July and August. JULY 10, 11, 13, 14, 10AM / MORNINGS JULY 19 / 4PM Casa de las Américas Casa de las Américas, Sala Manuel Galich Summer Course Introduction to Women and Cultures in Our America, which Lecture “How Remedios La Bella (Remedios, The Beauty) went to heaven will be a guide to the artistic and literary production of women in the region, in Macondo (Origin of the characters in the book One Hundred Years of and to their theoretical principles. Solitude)” by poet and essayist Gustavo Tatis, followed by the opening of the exhibition Cartagena: A Sister Over Time, a retrospective of Cartagena de JULY 12 / 2PM Indias by the photographer Maruja Parra. Pabellón Cuba The Cartonera Workshop for boys and girls from the age of 6, promotes JULY 21, STARTS 11AM, 2PM, 4PM Latin American and Caribbean literature and includes the construction of a Casa de las Américas manufactured book, made by the participants Tour Va por la Casa, organized in conjunction with the Rutas y Andares JULY 13 / 4PM project of the Office of the City Historian. Casa de las Américas, Sala Manuel Galich Conversation on graffiti and a photo exhibition by Abel Carmenate on urban Exposition by the designer Pepe Menéndez on the treatment of the image of intervention. women in the origins of Cuban posters, from the 1960s to the present. Presentation of Volume 287 of Casa de las Américas Magazine, dedicated JULY 18 / 4PM to the 50th anniversary of the first publication of One Hundred Years of Solitude. Casa de las Américas, Café Arteamérica Mexican designer and architect Xavier Meade de la Cueva will talk on optics and other views of 1970s Mexican design, with a sample of the works.
JULY 2017 89 lahabana. com magazine EVENTS IN HAVANA Festival Nacional del Humor Aquelarre JULY 3-9, CAFÉ TEATRO BERTOLT BRECHT, SALA ADOLFO LLAURADÓ, KARL MARX, MELLA AND RAQUEL REVUELTA THEATERS, HAVANA When seeking relief from the summer heat in Havana, it has become a very welcome habit to be refreshed by the best of Cuba’s humorists who make us both think and laugh. So, once again, the Aquelarre National Humor Festival takes place during the hot month of July with refreshing performances by the best comedians in the country. If you’re in town and attend one of the shows, you’ll soon realize, paradoxical as it may seem, that Cuban humor—cutting and thought provoking— is actually no laughing matter.
SALA IGNACIO CERVANTES CAFÉ TEATRO BERTOLT BRECHT TEATRO KARL MARX JULY 4, Dos locos y un flaco (Los Hepáticos y JULY La cita (Osvaldo Doimeadiós) JULY 6-7 Esto es otra historia (Kike, Pánfilo, 6PM Michel Pentón) 4-6,7PM & 9, 9PM Facundo and others)
JULY 5, Komotú tiene la llave (Komotú) JULY 6, Pagoleando con mente (Pagola la Paga JUNE 8, Esto es otra historia (Kike, Pánfilo, 6PM 10PM and Carlos “Mentepollo” Gonzalvo) 6PM & 9PM Facundo and others) JULY 6, Amores ridículos (40 Megas) JULY 7, De Doime son los cantantes (Osvaldo 6PM 10PM Doimeadiós) TEATRO RAQUEL REVUELTA TEATRO MELLA JULY Súper Banda Clown (Teatro Tuyo) JULY 8, En el aire (La Leña del Humor) 3-4, 7PM JULY 3, Dos A pululo (Omar Franco and El Primo 7PM 8PM de Guisa) JULY5-6, Gris (Teatro Tuyo) JULY 8, De cubano a cubano (Jorge Díaz) 7PM JULY 4, El muro (Komotú) 10PM 8PM JULY8, Retrato de familia 7PM JULY 9, De cubano a cubano (Churrisco) (Carlos “Mentepollo” Gonzalvo) JULY 5, En el aire (La Leña del Humor) 5PM 8PM
JULY 7, Manicomio (Etcétera) 8PM JULY 8, Pagoleando con el Rojo y el Negro 8PM (Pagola la Paga and Los Hepáticos)
JULY 2017 90 lahabana. com magazine EVENTS IN HAVANA Feria de Arte en La Rampa JUNE 30-SEPTEMBER 3, TUESDAYS-FRIDAYS, 2-8PM; SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 10AM-8PM. CLOSED MONDAYS AND JULY 30, PABELLÓN CUBA, HAVANA As is customary every summer since the year 2000, the Art at La Rampa Crafts Fair opens its door at the Pabellón Cuba, emblematic building of 1960s Cuban architecture, with an attractive offer that includes the sale of serigraphs, footwear, clothing, costume jewelry, fans, household goods, furniture, ornaments, and much more. Fashion shows, concerts, plays and dance performance, as well as activities for the kiddies will also take place during the Fair. This year Arte en la Rampa will be dedicated to youth and the 29th World Festival of Youth and Students to be held in the Russian city of Sochi in October.
Laboratorio Internacional de Folclor Folkcuba 2017 JULY 3-15, HEADQUARTERS OF THE CONJUNTO FOLCLÓRICO NACIONAL DE CUBA (CALLE 4 NO. 103 ENTRE CALZADA Y 5TA., EL VEDADO, HAVANA) Musicians and dancers from Cuba’s National Folkloric Ensemble will offer workshops on Cuban folkloric dances of African and Hispanic backgrounds; percussion instruments, like the congas, clave, bombo, caja and batá drums, among others; a wide range of Cuban popular dances, including mambo, son, cha-cha-cha, pilón, mozambique and conga; basic elements of the rumba complex, and dances and songs of the Yoruba religion, palo monte, bantú and makuta. Rutas y Andares para Descubrir en Familia JULY 4-AUGUST 31, OLD HAVANA’S HISTORIC CENTER The successful, traditional summer tours organized by the City Historian’s Office since 2001 bring the rich cultural heritage of Havana closer to its people and visitors alike. The program is focused on visits to museums, theme tours around the city, workshops and virtual walks for the elderly. Detailed information at the Centro de Información Cultural, Oficios #8 entre Obispo y Obrapía, La Habana Vieja, or call 7866 4035 / 7864 4336-37 (ext. 107). Cuballet 2015 JULY 3-29, HEADQUARTERS OF THE LAURA ALONSO COMPANY Under the guidance of teacher and choreographer Laura Alonso, the event will address the particularities of the Cuban school of ballet in an intensive program for students and teachers. The program includes, among other subjects, points, repertoire and modern dance. The Laura Alonso Ballet, along with the international participants, will perform Marius Petipa’s original version of Don Quixote (July 27-29, 8:30pm. The company is based at Calle 51 entre 100 y 102, Marianao.
JULY 2017 91 lahabana. com magazine EVENTS AROUND CUBA Festival Internacional del Caribe Fiesta del Fuego JULY 3-9, SANTIAGO DE CUBA This grand popular annual celebration of Caribbean cultures aims to articulate the identities of the peoples of the region, beyond geographic and linguistic dispersion. Santiago de Cuba, which is considered the most Caribbean city of Cuba, is the natural venue for a celebration full of color and joy, under the patronage of fire and its genesic symbolism, which includes dances, rhythms and rituals of strong African presence assimilated, in a process of centuries, into national identities. This edition will be dedicated to Bonaire, an island in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.
About the Festival The Cuban city that best reminds us of how we are not just Latin Americans but also Caribbean peoples is Santiago de Cuba. This is where vigor and bright colors permeate the atmosphere, tinting everything from the natural beauty right to the inhabitants’ customs. The city has its own unique pace. It is inhabited by unique sounds. There is no better time to enjoy all this than the annual summer Caribbean Festival called Fiesta del Fuego, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, beliefs and traditions that aims at harmonizing the identities of the peoples of the region beyond geographic and linguistic diversity. The man who inspired this festival (which is celebrating its 37th edition this year) was the late prestigious Santiaguero intellectual Joel James. At the head of the Casa del Caribe, James devoted a great part of his time and energy to each new edition of the festival so that it would sparkle with the magic provided by visitors and the fervor of the hosts. It is a tradition that the Festival del Caribe begins with the Desfile de la Serpiente, or the Serpent Parade. Both locals and visitors seem to enter into a kind of collective trance as they move at conga pace from Plaza de Marte to Parque Céspedes, displaying the spiritual richness of the men and women of the Caribbean, in a colorful display of contagious rhythm. At each event, the Festival del Caribe has become more overwhelming with a variety of creative manifestations taking over center stage and interacting with each other. Dance groups, for example, that owe a lot to profound religious processes, bear the signs that they have not yet been sullied over the years and they bring a tremendous load of energy and authenticity to the event. Peasant folklore also joins this popular cultural exhibition. One of the ceremonies that is most enjoyed at this convocation of Caribbean peoples is the Homenaje al Cimarrón [Homage to the Runaway Slaves]. It acknowledges the slave rebellion that took place in the town of El Cobre. The monument to el Cimarrón, work of the Santiago sculptor Alberto Lescay, is near the Basilica of Our lady of Charity; at this site, a ceremony takes place that pays tribute to the spiritual transcendence of those African slaves who defended their identity under the most terrible circumstances of oppression, mistreatment and death. The “El Caribe que nos une” International Colloquium (The Caribbean that Unites Us All) focuses on issues related to the preservation, development and dissemination of Caribbean cultural diversity, as well as actions that can contribute to the unity of the region and promote a cultural exchange with the rest of America and the world. The Quema del Diablo (The Burning of the Demon) marks the end of the festival when all of its participants head to the seaside and there burn the Great Demon, which symbolizes all bad things. After it is burned, it is believed that the way is paved for next year’s meeting.
JULY 2017 92 lahabana. com magazine EVENTS AROUND CUBA Carnavales de Santiago de Cuba JULY 21-27, SANTIAGO DE CUBA Although many Cuban towns hold their own carnivals, none attracts the crowds of the Santiago Carnival, so don’t miss out as the whole city moves to the rhythm of conga lines, the sound of the corneta china, drums, congas and French drums as well as pots and pans turned into unconventional percussion instruments, which lead dancing crowds down the steep roads of Santiago de Cuba. The origins of the Santiago Carnival go back to the end of the seventeenth century when processions would wind their way through the city streets celebrating the feast day of Santiago (St. James in English), the Patron Saint of the city. During the colonial period, the Spanish authorities granted permission to the black slaves to have their festivities on the Epiphany, putting on their typical music and dances. At the end of the nineteenth century the festivities were extended to the months of June and July in order to celebrate the patron saint days for St. John (June 24), St. Christina (July 24), St. James (July 25), St. Anne (July 26) and St. Peter (June 29). At the beginning of the twentieth century, parading comparsas would represent the different neighborhoods; this tradition is still alive, just like the dances held in the main areas of the city. The carnivals have always given the people of Santiago a means to release tension, to put aside their worries and dance to the rhythm of conga music. This year, like every year, locals and visitors will keep up the tradition and pour onto the streets in what is considered the most colorful carnival in Cuba. This is one of the most important cultural events in the city: many of its participants spend the whole year preparing their routines for the event. And don’t worry, it’s a family event. The entire family will either participate in the parade or at least help make costumes or embellish floats. One way or another, everyone will do their bit. Carnival highlights include comparsas (neighborhood dance groups whose choreographies are generally related to Caribbean traditions and the daily life of the people of Santiago) and the processions of decorated floats that will parade, as usual, mainly down Avenida Garzón, where a jury will choose the best. The conga lines are perhaps the most popular element of the carnival, but they are meant to join, not watch. Right at the end of the procession, mamarrachos (characters in flamboyant, colorful costumes), muñecones (huge papier mache figures) and enmascarados (men and women wearing elaborate masks), accompanied by parranderos who with their drums, congas, rattles, catchy choruses and cornetas chinas liven up the event—if that is even possible. Inserted into carnivals as early as 1916, the corneta china, or Chinese horn, was introduced in Cuba by Chinese immigrants, adding another layer to the festivities. In recent years, the festivity has extended to other open areas in the city where live music with son, salsa, merengue as well as rock, pop, and disco will be played by the most popular bands of the moment. Free of all commercialization, the Santiago Carnival is truly an opportunity to celebrate this nation’s unique history and culture in a riot of rhythms, drumming and color.
Festival Internacional The Varadero Baila International Salsa Dancers Festival is the perfect occasion to combine dance, sun and de Bailadores de Salsa beach. The program includes workshops in salsa and optional dance lessons taught by professors from the Varadero Baila University of the Arts of Cuba, guest teachers from international salsa academies and the Varadero ABC International Academy. JULY 7-11, VARADERO, MATANZAS
JULY 2017 93 lahabana. com magazine
HOTEL SAN BASILIO - STYLISH SPANISH-COLONIAL HOTEL IN HISTORIC CITY CENTER
The small sage-and-cream Hotel San Basilio, reached by a pretty double staircase, is the only boutique hotel in the historic center of Santiago de Cuba.
With its 1920s ambience, and its eight rooms featuring handsome colonial furniture, guests can retreat from the buzz of the city streets to the quiet of the hotel. Night owls can enjoy the evening entertainment at the Rooftop Bar-Terrace of the nearby Hotel Casa Granda, compliments of the San Basilio Hotel.
www.cubatravelnetwork.com
EEUU - [email protected] | 1 800 282 2468 (Toll Free) Europa - [email protected] | +31 (0)20 794 7962 Asia - [email protected] | 1800 198 150 (Toll Free) Rest of the world - [email protected] | +53 (0)7 214 0090 JULY 2017 94 lahabana. com magazine
HAVANA’S best places to eat
La Habanera
EL ATELIER BVCC CAFÉ BOHEMIA EL CAFÉ EL COCINERO CORTE PRÍNCIPE EXPERIMENTAL FUSION INDIAN CAFÉ CAFÉ INTERNACIONAL ITALIAN
Interesting décor, interesting Brilliant combination of authentic Bohemian feel. Great sandwiches, Charming little European style café Industrial chic alfresco rooftop Sergio’s place. Simple décor, with a buzzing atmosphere menu. Indian food and live Cuban jazzy salads & juices with sourdough sandwiches and spectacular food. music every night. breakfast served whole day. Calle 5 e/ Paseo y 2, Vedado Calle San Ignacio #364, Plaza Vieja, Calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado. Calle 9na esq. a 74, Miramar (+53) 7-836-2025 Tejadillo #24, esq. Cuba, Habana Vieja Habana Vieja Amargura #358 e/ Villegas y Aguacate, (+53) 7-832-2355 (+53) 5-255-9091 (+53) 7-862-7379 (+53) 5-403-1568, 7-860-3722 Habana Vieja (+53) 7-861-3817
SAN CRISTÓBAL D.EUTIMIA EL DEL FRENTE ECLÉCTICO LA GUARIDA LA HABANERA CUBAN/CREOLE CUBAN/CREOLE TAPAS BAR FUSION, ITALIAN CONTEMPORARY FUSION INTERNATIONAL AND VEGETARIAN Beautiful mansion in the heart of El Cuban hipster place with Cuba’s best known restaurant. Deservedly popular.Consistently Absolutely charming. Excellent Vedado serving excellent food. Professional and charming. Excellent food and veggie-friendly great food. Kitsch décor. Cuban/creole food. innovative cocktails and tapas on menu. Lovely, majestic house. the rooftop. Concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Callejón del Chorro #60C, Plaza de la O’Reilly No. 303 e/ Habana y Aguiar, Calle Paseo No. 206, Vedado Centro Habana Calle 16 # 506, e/ 7ma y 5ta, Miramar, San Rafael #469 e/ Lealtad y Habana Vieja (+53) 7 831-3423, (+53) 5360-0384 Catedral, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-866-9047 Playa Campanario, Centro Habana (+53) 7-863-0206 (+53) 7-860-9109 (+53) 7-861-1332, 5-281-5883 (+53) 7 202 9941
LAMPARILLA NAZDAROVIE OTRA MANERA RÍO MAR SANTY STARBIEN SOVIET INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SEAFOOD/SUSHI CONTEMPORARY CUBAN TAPAS BAR
Friendly spot with creative drinks Well designed Soviet décor Beautiful modern decor. Contemporary décor. Great sea- Authentic fisherman’s Calm quality place in old and tapas in the middle of old excellent food & service. Interesting menu and good view. Good food. shack servicing world-class Vedado mansion. Havana. service. seafood. Malecon #25, 3rd floor e Prado y Ave. 3raA y Final #11, La Puntilla, Calle 240A #3023 esq. a 3ra C, Calle 29 #205 e/ B y C, Vedado Miramar Lamparilla #361 e/ Aguacate y Villegas, Carcel, Centro Habana Calle #35 e/ 20 y 41, Playa. Jaimanitas (+53) 7-830-0711 (+53) 7-209-4838 Habana Vieja (+53) 7-860-2947 (+53) 7-203-8315 (+53) 5-286-7039 (+53) 5-289-5324
JULY 2017 95 lahabana. com magazine
TOP PICK Style of food: International/Caribbean El Cost: Moderate Cocinero Type of place: Private restaurant (Paladar)
Best for: Buzzing atmosphere on the rooftop of an old factory, great lounge music. Don’t Miss. Gin & tonic, mango daiquiri, it’s best to share the variety of dishes.
Calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (+53) 7-832-2355
Style of food: Fusion, Italian TOP PICK Cost: Expensive Ecléctico Type of place: Private (Paladar)
Best for Quality decor, fine service and great food.
Don’t miss Fresh pasta, the fish…and the ice cream of innovative flavors!
Calle Paseo No. 206, El Vedado (+53) 7 831-3423, (+53) 5360-0384
TOP PICK Style of food: Indian TOP PICK BVCC Buena Cost: Moderate Vista Curry Club Type of place: Private restaurant (Paladar) Best for Authentic and delicious Indian dishes in a lovely ambience with outstanding live Cuban bands every night that take you back in time in the heart of old Havana. Cigar friendly. Don’t Miss Butter chicken, fresh naans from tandoori oven. Tejadillo #24, esq. Cuba, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-862-7379
JULY 2017 96 lahabana. com magazine
TOP PICK Style of food: Contemporary fusion La Guarida Cost: Expensive Type of place: Private (Paladar)
Best for Authentic, charming and intimate atmosphere in Cuba’s best known restaurant. Great food, professional. Classy.
Don’t Miss Uma Thurman, Beyoncé or the Queen of Spain if they happen to be dining next to you.
Concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana. (+53) 7-866-9047
Style of food: Traditional TOP PICK Cost: Moderate Café Bohemia Type of place: Private (Paladar) Best for taking a break from long walks and seeking shelter from the stifling Cuban.. Don’t miss location in the cool inner courtyard of the colonial building.
Ground floor of the Palacio de la Casa del Conde de Lombillo, Calle San Ignacio #364 (+53) 5- 403-1 568, (+53) 7-836-6567 www. havanabohemia.com
Type of food: International and vegetarian Cost: Moderate TOP PICK La Habanera Type of place: Private restaurant (Paladar) Best for: Excellent food and veggie-friendly menu. Lovely, majestic house.
Don’t miss: Eggplant lasagna and grilled fish with lemon and capers.
Calle 16 # 506, e/ 7ma y 5ta, Miramar, Playa (+53) 7 202 9941
JULY 2017 97 lahabana. com magazine
TOP PICK Corte del Príncipe Sergio’s Style of food Italian Cost Expensive Type of place Private (Paladar)
Best for Cozy atmosphere, excellent service.
Don’t miss spectacular homemade Italian pastas.
9na esq. 74, Playa (+53)5255 - 9091
TOP PICK Casa Miglis
Style of food Swedish-Cuban fusion Cost Expensive Type of place Private (Paladar)
Best for The beautifully designed interior, warm ambience and Miglis’s personality create the feeling of an oasis in Central Havana.
Don’t Miss Chatting with Mr Miglis. The Skaargan prawns, beef Chilli and lingonberries.
Lealtad #120 e/ Ánimas y Lagunas, Centro Habana www.casamiglis.com (+53) 7-864-1486
JULY 2017 98 lahabana. com magazine HAVANA’S trending Bars
Espacios
Espacios King’s bar Siá Kará Café O’Relly Laid back contemporary Popular night spot for Charming bohemian Trendy little tapas bar with a real buzz in locals. Thu and Fri also bar where Paris meets bar with innovative the back beer- garden. live music. Havana. cocktails. Don’t miss the fresh fruit daiquiris. Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado Calle 23 #667, e/D y E, Vedado Calle Barcelona, esq. Industria (+53) 7-832-2355 (+53) 7-833-0556 Habana Centro O’Reilly #304, e/ Habana y Aguiar, www.kingbarhavana.com (+53) 7-867-4084 Habana Vieja, (+53) 7-863-0206, www.siakaracafe.com 5-264-4725
JULY 2017 99 lahabana. com magazine
HAVANA’S best bars whith live music
FAC
FAC Fabrica de Arte Cubano Corner Café Efe Bar Place of Cuban culture with industrial scale of hipness. Great live music every Currently hot bar with This is literally an art factory–multiple art galleries day, very frequently by live music and DJs. and endless performance venues–that is always locals. Good tapas. packed with funky crowds. There are also several bars Calle B y 1ra, Vedado Calle 23 y F, Vedado and a newly opened restaurant. Check website for (+53) 7-837-1220 (+53) 584 3229 FAC’s opening and closing schedules. Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro) (+53) 5-329-6325 www.fac.cu
JULY 2017 100 lahabana. com magazine
HAVANA’S
best Clubs Sangri-la
Sangri-la Basement bar/club which gets packed by Fantaxy bar Sarao’s bar Bolabana locals especially at Hot new bar/lounge Modern white bar Popular bar with music weekends. frequented mostly by in Vedado with live where everyone ends up Best for Hanging out with the cool kids on the Havana fashionable Cubans. concerts. dancing. Farundula in the most popular bar/club. Calle 7ma A entre 70 y 66 Calle 17, esq. E, Vedado Calle 39 entre 48 y 50, Playa Don’t Miss: The best gin and tonic Miramar (+53) 7-832-0433 in Havana. Opens at 22:00 Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (+53) 7-832-2355
JULY 2017 101 lahabana. com magazine
HAVANA’S best traditional bars El Floridita
El Floridita Sloppy Joe’s bar Cervecería Hemingway’s daiquiri bar. Touristy but always Recently (beautifully) Microbrewery located full of life. Great cocktails. renovated. Full of overlooking the restored
Obispo #557 esq. a Monserrate, history. Popular. Lacks docks Simply brilliant. Habana Vieja a little ‘grime’. (+53) 7-867-1299 Avenida del Puerto y San Ignacio, La Ánimas esq. a Zulueta, Habana Vieja Habana Vieja (+53) 7-866-7157
JULY 2017 102 lahabana. com magazine
Bella Havana pool bar
HAVANA’S best spots for a sunset drink Bella havana La Guarida Vistamar Hotel Nacional pool bar roof top bar pool terrace Best place for a sunset Great cocktail bar Tranquillity by the sea Garden terrace drink overlooking Old overlooking Centro at the 50’s villa with the overlooking Malecón of Havana is at this brand Habana rooftops. beautiful pool. the historic hotel is the new and chic 5* hotel best place for the late roof. Concordia #418, e/ Gervasio y Ave. 1ra #2206, e/ 22 y 24 Miramar Escobar, Centro Habana (+53) 7-203-8328 afternoon mojito. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski (+53) 7-866-9047 Calle San Rafael, (e/ Monserrate y O’Reilly #304, e/ Habana y Aguiar, Zulueta), Habana Vieja Habana Vieja, (+53) 7-863-0206, (+53) 7-869-9100 5-264-4725
JULY 2017 103 lahabana. com magazine SANTIAGO DE CUBA night life
Casa de la Trova
Casa de Casa de la Claqueta Casa la Trova Música Bar Granda Cuba’s legendary place Live performances of Open air bar with live Good spot to enjoy for live music venues. best Cuban bands every music every night at 10 live music and salsa day, matinees are very pm, good for dancing. dancing. popular with locals. Busy at weekends. Hotel Casa Granda Heredia #208 entre San Pedro y San Felix, Santiago de Cuba Calle 23 #667, e/D y E, Vedado Corona #564, e/ Aguilera y Heredia, Heredia #201, e/ San Pedro y San (+53) 22-652-689, 22-654-814 (+53) 7-833-0556 Santiago de Cuba Félix, Santiago de Cuba www.kingbarhavana.com
JULY 2017 104 lahabana. com magazine
JULY 2017 105 lahabana. com magazine HAVANA’S best live music venues
CONCERT VENUES
KARL MARX BASÍLICA SAN FÁBRICA DE SALA THEATRE FRANCISCO DE ARTE COVARRUBIAS ASÍS TEATRO NACIONAL World class musicians perform X Alfonso’s new cultural center. A truly beautiful church, which Recently renovated, one of Cuba’s prestigious concerts in Cuba’s Great concerts inside (small and regularly hosts fabulous classical most prestigious venues for a best equipped venue. funky) and outside (large and music concerts. multitude of events. popular!). Calle 1ra esq. a 10, Miramar Oficios y Amargura, Plaza de San Francisco de Paseo y 39, Plaza de la Revolución. (+53) 7-203-0801 Asís, Habana Vieja Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro)
SALSA/TIMBA CAFÉ CANTANTE CASA DE LA CASA DE LA SALÓN ROSADO MI HABANA MÚSICA MÚSICA DE LA TROPICAL CENTRO HABANA MIRAMAR Attracts the best Cuban The legendary beer garden where musicians. Recently renovated A little rough around the edges Smaller and more up-market than Arsenio tore it up. Look for a with an excellent new sound but spacious. For better or worse, its newer twin in Centro Habana. salsa/timba gig on a Sat night system. this is ground zero for the best in An institution in the Havana salsa and a Sun matinee. Cuban salsa. scene. Ave. Paseo esq. a 39, Plaza de la Revolución Ave. 41 esq. a 46, Playa (+53) 7-878-4273 Galiano e/ Neptuno y Concordia, C. Habana Calle 20 esq. a 35, Miramar (+53) 7-203-5322 (+53) 7-860-8296/4165 (+53) 7-204-0447
JULY 2017 106 lahabana. com magazine
CONTEMPORARY
CAFÉ TATRO DON CANGREJO EL SAUCE TEATRO DE BERTOLT BRECHT BELLAS ARTES
Think MTV Unplugged when Love it/hate it—this is the oldest Great outdoor concert venue to Friday night party place and is hear the best in contemporary & Small intimate venue inside musicians play. Hip, funky and Cuba’s most prestigious arts still going strong. Outdoor by the Nueva Trova live in concert. unique with an artsy Cuban museum. Modern. crowd. sea.
Calle 13 e/ I y J, Vedado Ave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, Miramar Ave. 9na #12015 e/ 120 y 130, Playa Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, (+53) 7-830-1354 (+53) 7-204-3837 (+53) 7-204-6428 Habana Vieja.
TROVA & TRADITIONAL
BARBARAM GATO TUERTO TRADICIONALES SALÓN 1930 PEPITO´S BAR DE LOS 50 COMPAY SEGUNDO Late night place to hear fabulous Some of the best Cuban Nueva The 1950s traditionals, a project Buena Vista Social Club style set Trova musicians perform in this bolero singers. Can get smoky. created over 10 years ago, pays in the grand Hotel Nacional. small and intimate environment. tribute to the Golden Era of Calle O entre 17 y 19, Vedado (+53) 7-833-2224 Cuban music: the 1950s. Hotel Nacional Calle 26 esq. a Ave. del Zoológico. Nuevo Vedado Calle O esq. a 21, Vedado (+53) 7-881-1808 Sociedad Rosalia de Castro, Egido #504 e/ (+53) 7-835-3896 Monte y Dragones, Havana Vieja (+53) 7-861-7761
JAZZ
CAFÉ JAZZ JAZZ CAFÉ MIRAMAR
Clean, modern and atmospheric. A staple of Havana’s jazz scene, Where Cuba’s best musicians jam the best jazz players perform and improvise. here. Somewhat cold atmosphere- wise. Cine Teatro Miramar 10:30pm – 2am Galerías de Paseo Ave. 5ta esq. a 94, Miramar Ave. 1ra e/ Paseo y A, Vedado
LA ZORRA Y EL CUERVO
Intimate and atmospheric, which you enter through a red telephone box, is Cuba’s most famous.
Calle 23 e/ N y O, Vedado (+53) 7-833-2402
JULY 2017 107 lahabana. com magazine
Hotel Nacional de Cuba HAVANA’S Best Hotels
SIMPLY THE BEST…
IBEROSTAR SANTA ISABEL SARATOGA TERRAL PARQUE CENTRAL Luxurious historic mansion facing Stunning view from roof-top pool. Wonderful ocean front location. Luxury hotel overlooking Parque Plaza de Armas Beautiful décor. Newly renovated. Central Narciso López, Habana Vieja Neptuno e/ Prado y Zulueta, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-860-8201 Paseo del Prado #603 esq. a Dragones, Habana Malecón esq. a Lealtad, Centro Habana (+53) 7-860-6627 Vieja (+53) 7-862-8061 (+53) 7-860-8201
BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN OLD HAVANA
FLORIDA PALACIO DEL HOSTAL VALENCIA CONDE DE Beautifully restored colonial MARQUÉS... Immensely charming, great value. VILLANUEVA Cuban baroque meets modern Delightfully small and intimate. house. Oficios #53 esq. a Obrapía, Habana Vieja minimalist For cigar lovers. Obispo #252, esq. a Cuba, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-867-1037 (+53) 7-862-4127 Oficios #152 esq. a Amargura, Habana Vieja Mercaderes #202, Lamparilla (+53) 7-862-9293
JULY 2017 108 lahabana. com magazine THE COLLECTION BY PULLMAN UNIQUE & EXCLUSIVE, ONLY IN CAYO COCO
JULY 2017 109 lahabana. com magazine
BUSINESS HOTELS MELIÁ COHÍBA MELIÁ HABANA OCCIDENTAL H10 HABANA Oasis of polished marble and Attractive design & extensive MIRAMAR PANORAMA professional calm. facilities. Good value, large spacious Cascades of glass. Good wi-fi. modern rooms. Modern. Ave Paseo e/ 1ra y 3ra, Vedado Ave. 3ra y 70, Miramar Ave. 5ta. e/ 70 y 72, Miramar Ave. 3ra. y 70, Miramar (+53) 7- 833-3636 (+53) 5-204-8500 (+53) 7-204-3583 (+53) 7 204-0100
FOR A SENSE OF HISTORY AMBOS MUNDOS MERCURE SEVILLA HOTEL NACIONAL RIVIERA A must for Hemingway Stunning views from the roof Eclectic art-deco architecture. Spectacular views over wave- aficionados garden restaurant. Gorgeous gardens. lashed Malecón
Calle Obispo #153 esq. a Mercaderes, Habana Trocadero #55 entre Prado y Zulueta, Habana Calle O esq. a 21, Vedado Paseo y Malecón, Vedado Vieja Vieja (+53) 7-835 3896 (+53) 7-836-4051 (+53) 7- 860-9529 (+53) 7-860-8560
ECONOMICAL/BUDGET HOTELS BOSQUE DEAUVILLE SAINT JOHN’S VEDADO On the banks of the Río Lack of pretension, great Lively disco, tiny quirky pool. Good budget option with a bit of Almendares. location. Popular. a buzz
Calle 28-A e/ 49-A y 49-B, Reparto Kohly, Playa Galiano e/ Sán Lázaro y Malecón, Centro Calle O e/ 23 y 25, Vedado Calle O e/ 23 y 25, Vedado (+53) 7-204-9232 Habana (+53) 7-833-3740 (+53) 7-836-4072 (+53) 7-866-8812
HAVANA’S Best Hotels
JULY 2017 110 lahabana. com magazine HAVANA’S best private places to stay
Sueño Cubano
MID RANGE - CASA PARTICULAR (B&B) 1932 MIRAMAR 301 HABANA JULIO Y ELSA Visually stunning, historically LUXURY HOUSE Beautiful colonial townhouse with Cluttered bohemian feel. fascinating. Welcoming. great location. Hospitable. 4 bedrooms private luxury villa Campanario #63 e/ San Lázaro y Laguna, Calle Habana #209, e/ Empedrado, y Tejadillo, Consulado #162 e/ Colón y Trocadero, Centro Centro Habana with swimming pool Habana Vieja. Habana (+53) 7-863-6203 (+53) 7-861-0253 ( +53) 7-861-8027
UP-SCALE B&BS (BOUTIQUE HOSTALS) SUEÑO CUBANO LA RESERVA VEDADO VITRALES PASEO 206 Old palace carefully restored, 5 luxurious rooms in a renovated Hospitable, attractive and reliable Incredible boutique hotel and colonial mansion . The tropical seven rooms, suites with boutique B&B with 9 bedrooms. restaurant. Luxury and comfort garden in the courtyard, ideal to bathrooms and featuring 24 hour eat, drink and relax. combined. service. Habana #106 e/ Cuarteles y Chacón, Habana Calle 2 entre 21 y 23 numero 508. Vieja Paseo, 206 – Vedado. (+53) 7 8313423, (+53) 5 Calle Santa Clara número 66 entre Oficios e 3600384 Inquisidor. Habana Vieja Vedado, La (+53) 7-866-2607 Habana 53 78660109 [email protected] 39 339 1817730 (53) 7 8335244
http://lareservavedado.com/
JULY 2017 111 lahabana. com magazine
APARTMENT RENTALS BOHEMIA BOUTIQUE CASA CONCORDIA TROPICANA SUITE HAVANA APARTMENTS Beautifully designed and spacious PENTHOUSE Elegant 2-bedroom apartment Gorgeous 1-bedroom apartment 3 bedroom apartment. Spanish A luxurious penthouse with huge in restored colonial building. beautifully decorated apartment colonial interiors with cheerful, roof terrace and breath-taking Quality loft style décor. overlooking Plaza Vieja. arty accents. 360 degree views of Havana and San Ignacio #364 e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey, the ocean. Lamparilla #62 altos e/ Mercaderes y San Plaza Vieja Concordia #151 apto. 8 esq. a San Nicolás, Ignacio, Habana Vieja Centro Habana Galiano #60 Penthouse Apt.10 e/ San Lázaro y Trocadero (+53) 5- 403-1 568 (+53) 7-836-6567 (+53) 5-829-6524 (+53) 5-254-5240 www.havanabohemia.com www.casaconcordia.net (+53) 5-254-5240 www.tropicanapenthouse.com LUXURY HOUSES VILLASOL CASABLANCA MICHAEL AND RESIDENCIA Rent Room elegant and well- Elegant well-equipped villa MARÍA ELENA MARIBY equipped. Beautiful wild garden formerly owned by Fulgencio This leafy oasis in western Havana A sprawling vanilla-hued mansion and great pool. Batista. Beautiful wild garden. has an attractive mosaic tiled pool and three modern bedrooms. with 6 rooms decorated with Calle 17 #1101 e/ 14 y 16, Vedado Morro-Cabaña Park. House #29 colonial-era lamps, tiles and Louis Calle 66 #4507 e/ 45 y Final, Playa (+34) 677525361 (+53) 5-294-5397 XV furniture (+53) 7-832-1927 (+53) 5-360-0456 www.havanacasablanca.com (+53) 7-209-0084 Vedado. (+53) 5-370-5559
Bohemia Boutique TOP PICK Apartments Red
Best for 3 small balconies (facing the Patio of the Palace), 1 spacious bedroom with air conditioning
Don’t Miss The apartment is fully furbished, plenty of light and very well ventilated.
San Ignacio #364 e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, Habana Vieja [email protected]
(+53) 5 4031 568: (53) 7 8366 567 www.havanabohemia.com
JULY 2017 112 lahabana. com magazine
Paseo, 206 – Vedado. Paseo 206 TOP PICK (+53) 7 8313423, (+53) 5 3600384 Best for The hotel staff not only picks up guests at the airport in perfectly restored vintage automobiles, they take you to fruit and vegetable markets where you can choose what you want to eat later in the day.
Don’t Miss The luxury bedroom. Two areas on the house are extra-special: a glass-wall sitting room surrounded by plants, and a room in the dome with a splendid view of the Caribbean Sea.
Sueño Cubano TOP PICK Best for Old palace carefully restored, seven rooms, suites with bathrooms and featuring 24 hour service.
Don’t Miss Relax at any of the four terraces, feel the mellow touch of antique and original Cuban furniture.
Bohemia Boutique TOP PICK Apartments Blue
Best for i1 internal balcony, 1 spacious bedroom on the mezzanine with air conditioning.
Don’t Miss The apartment is fully furbished, plenty of light and very well ventilated.
San Ignacio #364 e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, Habana Vieja [email protected] (+53) 5 4031 568: (53) 7 8366 567
JULY 2017 113 lahabana. com magazine THANK YOU lahabana.com Wishes to thank all of the following entities for their support and involvement with La Habana.com