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OUR CONTRIBUTORS We are deeply indebted to all of the writers and photographers who have shared their work with us. We welcome new contributors and would love hear from you if you have a Cuba-related project. Photo by Y. del Monte editorial So, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are coming to Cuba on March 21-22 to watch baseball. At least they are scheduled to attend an exhibition match between The Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team on Tuesday March 22. On Friday, the Rolling Stones are playing the final leg of their Latin American tour in Havana at the Ciudad Deportiva. Not so long ago, the preceding paragraph would be seen as a futuristic spoof of a very different Havana. For this month, this is simply what’s on in the trendiest spot in the Caribbean. A famous visitor, spot of baseball and some good music! Obama’s will be the first sitting US president to visit Havana since Calvin Coolidge in 1928 and only the second in the history between the two countries. Expect massive wall-to-wall international coverage and a security presence that is likely to shut down Havana for the duration of his visit. It is a mark of the sign of the times that last year at this time we were talking about Paris Hilton’s entrance at the Habanos Cigar Festival, this year’s version now about to come to an end with the Gala Dinner. My money for Secret Santa this year is on the Terminator. This issue has as its main feature Cubanía, which may be loosely translated as the essence of being Cuban. From dominoes to Guarapo, to the simple nature of playing on the streets of Cuba and Havana’s latest style-cuts, being Cuban eludes too clear a definition, but we like it! One day absolutely not to miss this month is Tuesday March 8, which is of course International Women’s Day. This is taken very seriously in Cuba—flowers are an essential accessory. Elsewhere March is a great month, winter seems to have ended, and it is safe to go back to the beach, to lounge in the Caribbean sunshine. The Americans have definitely launched a tourist invasion but they aren’t so bad really—just avoid the timing when the tour buses meet the cruise ships in Old Havana! New bars and restaurants continue to enliven the social scene in Havana and there is ample choice of music and dance events at this time of year. Enjoy. Abrazos! The LaHabana.com Team

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Cubanía: the essence of being Cuban p7 la Cubanía Dominoes: a Cuban passion p9 Guarapo: The Cuban drink par excellence p12 The truth about Guayaberas (and some lies) p14 Playing on the streets of Cuba p17 Havana’s newest coiffures p20 The Cuban Guateque Guajiro p22

Celebrating International Women’s Day in Cuba p25 International Cuban Women: Body and Soul p28 Women’s Day

Obama’s visit to Cuba: What will it bring? p31 In other News Rolling Stones Coming to Havana? p38

Visual Arts p32 — Photography p35 — Dance p36 — Havana Listings Music p40 — Theatre p49 — For Kids p50

Features - Restaurants - Bars & Clubs - Live Music - Havana Guide Hotels - Private Accommodation p59 All about Cubanía: the essence of being Cuban by Ricardo Alberto Pérez

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 7 Some people are often puzzled when asked “What is cubanía?” The question often results in many to shrug or to give of a hackneyed response like “cubanía is tobacco, music, rum, palm trees, roast pork and sugar cane.” More than 60 years ago, the scholar Fernando Ortiz said that “cubanidad” is the generic condition of Cuban people, and “cubanía” is full, heartfelt, conscious and desired cubanidad; a responsible cubanidad with the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.”

In 1939 Don Fernando Ortiz gave a lecture entitled Such a sustained and fervent distinction offered “The human factors of cubanidad” at the University by the generic condition of being Cuban up to of Havana, and one year later it appeared in print the brim, even beyond anything felt, conscious in the “Revista Bimestre Cubana”. Ever since then, and wished for, defines cubanía. It is a matter of experts and dilettantes have given various opinions a responsible sense of awareness and “homeland about the subject of cubanidad and cubanía. Some roots” that emerge from below and from within have been ludicrous, untrue, local, reductionist, with the profound pride of mestizaje (a process of stereotypical, frozen in time or simply factors that cultural synthesis from different racial origins). In are common to any other group of people. a relatively small area like the island of Cuba and in a relatively brief period of time, the most diverse Ortiz, a scholar who has been rightly called cross-currents and itineraries came together, our third discoverer—right after Christopher from all manner of origins and provenances, a Columbus and Alexander von Humboldt—based permanent transitoriness of farewells and adieus, his opinion on the assurance that Cuba is not a welcomes and receptions: We are proud to be one concept that is the same for everybody, not even of the most intermixed peoples on the planet. for the geographers, because this is an island and also an archipelago. Although in its simplest There are those who have demonstrated their sense, cubanidad is the “quality of being Cuban,” cubanidad and cubanía by the recurrent use of holding political citizenship or natural citizenship Cubanisms that can function as some external because of having been born in this country are aspect but can also be consciously used, not conditions enough for possessing cubanía. constituting traits of true authenticity. With his tremendous linguistic sensibility, José Lezama Cubanía is an individual condition, one that is Lima used to amuse himself with countless voices constantly mutating. The most quoted expression heard on the street and he would refute those who given by Ortiz in his lecture was that “Cuba is an labelled him as a “dark poet” by challenging them ajiaco (a stew or soup)” with an infinite diversity to decipher the meaning of ampanga or tíbiri- of ingredients. But we tend to forget that he was tábara. speaking of a cazuela abierta or pot without a lid, a process like a stew that is constantly cooking, in Before and after Ortiz, many have attempted to which feelings, ideas and actions associated with define “the Cuban essence,” possibly an obsession it are being melded together. It doesn't matter of colonial or semi-colonial “newcomers” during whether or not you have legal citizenship: you can several centuries who need to reaffirm their be born anywhere on this planet but acquire the endangered identity. But perhaps it was Lezama awareness of being Cuban, passionately desiring himself, with the synthesis and ambiguity of poetry, this. That is enough to become, with grateful joy, who offered us in one of his verses the essence a human being endowed with cubanía. On the of that elusive, volatile, changing, personal and other hand, you may be born here and not feel it non-transferrable condition: “Ah! so you escape has been “an unnamed fiesta” and so, you wouldn't at the instant / when you have attained your best even possess cubanidad. definition.”

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 8 Dominoes: a Cuban passion by Ricardo Alberto Pérez

The game of dominoes is one of the pastimes that The game inspires the same passions in the large best identifies the nature of Cubans. It covers cities like Havana and in the most remote rural every inch of the island, providing the preferred areas. Every location reflects the peoples’ habits entertainment for its inhabitants. But the most and cultural levels. Traditionally, years back, interesting aspect of this activity is what goes campesinos used to include dominoes in their local on around the table where four players made up fiestas called guateques. That was very common in of two pairs vie against each other with singular the days when electricity hadn’t yet reached those fervor. areas. In the main neighborhoods in Havana, it is not unusual to see dominoes being played on front In official championships and in other regions of porches, in parks and on the sidewalks. the world, seven rectangular tiles numbered from 0 to 6 are distributed to each player thereby putting Dominoes have spontaneously left their imprint 28 tiles in play; they are shared by the two battling on popular Cuban expressions. Many sayings have pairs. But in Cuba, it is common practice to use ten evolved into language that is used to describe day- tiles per player since this game runs from 0 to 9, to-day situations. Two examples of this are the with only forty of the fifty-five tiles in play. There phrases viró con fichas [turned with the tiles] or se will always be fifteen that are excluded from the trancó el juego [the game has been cut off]. The first proceedings and this adds greater mystery to the one refers to the fact that someone has suddenly contest when players are deciding how to make done or said something completely unexpected their moves. When the tiles are stirred before and the second one describes how some situation getting distributed, the Cubans have a special has ended without any possibility of going on. name for this: darle agua al dominó. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 9 Playing dominoes provides an excellent excuse for Domino games are often surrounded by having a few shots of rum with friends, of exchanging nonparticipant hangers-on who turn into opinions on the political scene worldwide and the impromptu game analysts. Since they are able latest gossip in the neighborhood in an informal, to see everyone’s tiles around the table, they pleasant manner. It is also great for getting can criticize both the good and the bad moves together with people you don’t get to see very throughout the game. often and so demonstrate their friendship with them. It’s true that for some people dominoes is Even though some players are bona fide practically an addiction. They need to sit down at strategists, it is a fact that the game is essentially the domino table day after day, very often staying unpredictable. Nobody ever has the last word until the wee hours, finding it difficult to leave the because luck is generally the determining factor game. for the proceedings.

When families and groups of friends decide to spend a few days at the beach during the holidays, renting a house or going to a hotel on the coast, dominoes are always on the what-to-bring list. While you are waiting for a meal or at the end of the day, it is a perfect way to spend some relaxing moments.

Domino players fall into different categories. Their behavior depends on their temperaments. Some domino tables are rowdy and others are silent. Some players throw down their tiles with a loud “clack” and others place them on the table with great delicacy. In Cuba you will hear it said that the game was obviously invented by a mute person since any comments uttered may provide clues or useful information for your partner and that would generally be to the disadvantage of the adversaries. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 10 Another curious detail is the way Cubans have been assigning names to the tiles over the years. The tiles’ nicknames depend a lot on the players’ quick wits and imaginations. For example, putting down a “1” is called puntilla or the blank tile is la que hinca; zeros are referred to as Blanquizal de Jaruco; threes are tres tristes tigres, fours are gato, six is Ceiba de Agua and eights are Ochoa.

Dominoes in Cuba are so popular that they have practically earned organized sport status with the best of our players representing the country at international competitions. Spontaneous tournaments are born in the neighborhoods, the initiative in most cases of the most enthusiastic local players, and they spotlight an amazing array of talent.

What can be more idiosyncratically Cuban than dominoes?

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 11 Guarapo: The Cuban drink par excellence by Victoria Alcalá

Although philologists can’t agree (no surprise there!) about the origin of the word guarapo, and the drink called by that name has been adjudicated diverse origins going from Africa to ancient Rome and passing through the Canary Islands, most Cubans are convinced this is a typical product of the Island.

Nevertheless, to the amazement of younger Cubans, Esteban Pichardo in the mid-19th century recorded the word guarapo in his Diccionario provincial casi razonado de voces y frases cubanas [ as originating in the indigenous language and he defined it as a broth or liquid made from sugarcane juice, extracted under pressure. Both the word and the process are still around today after almost two centuries.

We continue to drink guarapo in Cuba and the method of extracting it from freshly-cut sugarcane has not changed. Of course the 20th century added chipped ice at a time when there were an abundance of little stalls that would sell a glass of sugarcane juice for just a few pennies. The low price and the high calorie content made it popular among the low-earners in the population. Its power to refresh, especially with the addition of some drops of lemon juice, and its pleasant taste have kept it at the top of the list of drinks preferred by Cubans, no matter what their social origins are. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 12 Even though it did not totally disappear during the second half of the 20th century and there were even some famous guarapo stands all over Cuba, such as the one close to the baseball stadium in Santa Clara, places selling the drink became rather scarce until the boom in small private businesses brought it back out onto the streets, especially around the agro-markets and some organic garden. It’s there that we have resuscitated the sound of the trapiche or sugarcane press, the incredible smell of crushed sugarcane and the cries of protest of customers whenever they get too much ice and too little guarapo in their glasses.

Perhaps the only defect this sugarcane nectar possesses is that it cannot be conserved for a very long time, and that means minutes. The sugarcane juice has to be drunk practically instantly because it tends to ferment rather quickly. It does get consumed in some places in Mexico and Colombia in its fermented state because of the alcoholic content acquired, but in Cuba nobody dreams of drinking it under such conditions. It has to come straight out of the trapiche.

Forbidden to diabetics, restricted for those that need to lose a few pounds, guarapo nonetheless provides the necessary calories to fuel walking and similar physical exercise. Not to mention that it is a really tasty drink and just the perfect refresher in our sweltering tropical heat. And if you want to make it more exciting, just add rum!

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 13 The truth about Guayaberas (and some lies) by Ciro Bianchi Ross be able to declare, without any shadow of a doubt, The Legend that that was how the guayabera was born. It is such a perfect story that it leaves us no alternative They say that in 1709, a husband and wife from other than to doubt its veracity. But it does mark Andalusia, Spain, José Pérez Rodríguez and the beginning of the guayabera legend or, at least, Encarnación Núñez García, arrived in the town of it sets the scene for that legend to take root. Sancti Spíritus. One fine day they received a bolt of linen from Spain and José asked Encarnación to Our guajiros (peasants) didn’t wear them in the sew up some loose shirts from the cloth: he wanted nineteenth century. The literature of that era them to have long sleeves and large pockets and describes them wearing blue or striped shirts, he wanted them to be worn not tucked into the which were generally worn hanging outside of the trousers. His wife went to work and a few months trousers. The permanent elements of their attire later those shirts were all the rage in that neck of were yarey hats made of palm leaf straw, machetes, the woods. calfskin leather shoes and kerchiefs knotted around their necks to soak up their perspiration. This event has its detractors who assure us that in that year regulations established by the Poor peasants usually wore chamarretas, a garment Real Compañía de Comercio [the Royal Trading with shirt-tails and narrow sleeves. It was the Company] to govern trade between the metropolis chamaretta and not the guayabera that was worn and the colony prohibited such deliveries and, in the wars against Spain. In the Guerra Grande besides, there wasn’t any communication in place [the Big War], the Liberation Army didn’t have any between Spain and Sancti Spíritus. In my opinion, uniforms. Mambis [the freedom fighters] wore that prohibition is not so significant in the long whatever they had available, either city or country- run since the Andalusians could have obtained the style garb. By the start of the War of Independence package of cloth as smuggled goods, something in 1895, Martí mentions the chamaretta in his that was very fashionable those days. What is really Diary. Charito Bolaños was the woman who sewed quite unbelievable is that such a purely domestic for the freedom fighters during the entire War occurrence would be recorded in history and with of Independence and Charito declared that she such an abundance of details including the date, the never sent one single guayabera into the fray, names of the protagonists, the clothing design…it only chamarettas. María Elena Molinet, daughter was as if it was tailor-made for future historians to of one of the generals fighting for Independence, lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 14 researched this matter from the ground up since Guayaberas are descended from shirts, the most she was the head of costume design for films such ancient of all garments known to mankind. The as Baraguá and La primera carga al machete and prestigious designer María Elena Molinet asks the she collected over 120 photographs of Mambis in following questions: When did that shirt transform battle. Not one of them was wearing a guayabera. into a guayabera? Who turned the pleats into pintucks, reinforced the openings and edges and All about that shirt made the three-pointed yoke in the front and the back? She tells us: “The birth of the guayabera is It is difficult to pin down the start and evolution not the work of one single person and we still have of any item of traditional popular clothing. As not determined at what moment it turned into for guayaberas, no other Cuban region disputes such an elegant, fresh, white, well-starched and their paternity—they agree it happened in the well-ironed item of clothing, a garment that could town of Yayabo. The shirt was called a yayabera be worn without a tie.” and was essentially an early guayabera that went out to invade neighboring areas….In 1866, Don A combination of the chamaretta and the peasant Nicolás Azcárate was elected in Güines to be their guayabera, our current guayabera takes shape in delegate to the Junta de Información de Madrid the 1920s, owing much to the work of shirtmakers and the electors organized a party in honor of and seamstresses in Sancti Spíritus and Zaza del the triumphant reformist politician. According to Medio. In those days it was made out of khaki- Azcárate, peasants from all around came to the colored drill until the 1930s when linen began to festivity dressed in “classical guayaberas with be used. In this new version, the garment became mother-of-pearl buttons and wearing Panama popular in provincial cities but it had a difficult hats.” The oldest pictorial representation of the time conquering Havana. Its use in the capital was garment comes to us dated 1906. But the word so limited that it could be practically said that it guayabera as a Cubanism does not gain legitimacy wasn’t in use at all. You can’t see anyone wearing until 1921 when Constantito Suárez included it in them in movies or in press photos of the era and his Vocabulario cubano. the popular caricaturist Abela didn’t dress his famous cartoon El Bobo in a guayabera. It then jumped from Cuba over to the Yucatan Peninsula. Upper class gentlemen from Yucatan With the fall of Machado (1933), customs underwent used to buy the shirts in Havana until after a number of modifications. By the 1940s,guayaberas 1960 when they started to produce them in that became widespread and fashionable in Havana. Mexican state and Merida became the world They were being worn more and more frequently guayabera capital until the Asians, with their and were being complemented with bow ties. imitations manufactured in Japan and Taiwan, When Dr. Ramón Grau San Martín (1944) became wiped out the local industry. Cuban guayaberas President, the guayabera entered the Presidential are nothing like the Philippine version, which has Palace. In contrast, his successor and disciple no pockets and is worn with the neck buttoned up. Carlos Prío thought they were not the proper Throughout Central America, the guayabera gets thing to wear at protocol events and he banished called Habanera. them from government activities. But guayaberas lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 15 took over the display-windows of the best stores and they conquered advertising. By then, the capital was a giant warehouse of guayaberas that threatened to replace any other style of menswear, something that had no precedent in history or tradition. It was so serious that it even changed our lifestyle according to journalist Isabel Fernández de Amado Blanco in 1948. In 1955, the Administrative Division of the Supreme Court passed a provision banning guayaberas from the law courts. That was when a good pure Bramante linen guayabera would cost as much as a cheap suit. This is also when the guayabera showed up in cheap versions, not made of linen, but cotton. The design became simpler. It was no longer just white, the sleeves weren’t always long and the usual mother-of-pearl buttons were replaced by ordinary ones.

The Revolution triumphed and guayaberas were relegated to the background, disappearing from the scene because some people considered they represented a by-gone era of corrupt politicians. The country was suffering from commercial aggression, acts of sabotage, invasions and terrorist acts, and there were shortages of everything possible. Constant mobilizations were going on for everything from factory work to military training. The National Militia uniform seemed to fit the bill, not just for the peoples’ army’s activities but for any daily task, including attending ceremonies as solemn as weddings or funerals. By the end of the 1970s, the guayabera made a timid reappearance. It had long sleeves and tiny pleats but it wasn’t linen—it was made of polyester and it came in colors other than just white. It quickly became inexpensive and young people saw it as the symbol of the bureaucrat in action. Today it is undergoing another renaissance.

Which one are we talking about?

The guayabera has four pockets and is decorated with rows of pintucks—two rows in front and three on the back. At one time, the back yoke had a single point making it look like a triangle which, with the three rows of tine pleats, resembled the Cuban flag. It was always white, long-sleeved and sported 27 buttons. It tapered slightly to the waist. As time went by, the back yoke had three points from which the three rows of pleats took off and the 27 buttons remained. Today, the guayabera is fashioned in different designs, materials and colors. There are embroidered versions and those done with the drawn-thread technique; there are those with more or less pintucks and those with more or fewer buttons. But it is still that same elegantly fresh garment. Cubanísima—100% Cuban.

(Extract taken from www.cubadebate.cu)

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 16 Playing on the streets of Cuba by Ricardo Alberto Pérez

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 17 Something I still very fondly remember from my Cuatro Esquinas comes in different variations. I by-now distant childhood days is playing games used to like the version where you use a brick. A on the street. It’s a fact that this is a Cuban piece of rubber of any size is put on top of it and characteristic and differentiates us from other everything supports the ball which will be hit by places; our streets are very colorful because they the player’s fist. The essence of the game is that are constantly being invaded by children and teens every time the ball hits any of the edges of the playing all kinds of games. Perhaps this is very sidewalk, the offense team gets a run. The playing closely linked to idiosyncrasies and traditions here field is drawn out with chalk and homeruns happen in Cuba. whenever the ball hits the wall at some determined height and three runs are added on. Even though In some cases, what we see as we visit different this game is usually played by boys, sometimes neighborhoods in Havana and in provincial towns girls join in. At moments this game has been so are versions of sports that are very popular all over wildly popular that tournaments were organized the country. One that I am specifically referring among Havana municipalities. to is baseball, which has given birth to two of the most played games on the Island’s streets: Cuatro The Juego del Taco is just as popular, but it’s a Esquinas and Juego del Taco. competition among pairs. You draw a square on a wall to indicate the strike zone. Instead of a ball, Let’s look more closely into the mystery of you usually use a small wooden block or a small those Cuatro Esquinas or “four corners” that piece of rubber that gets hurled forcefully against have delighted so many generations of Cubans. the wall in an attempt to strike out the batter. Generally, the game involves four players: one The batter uses an improvised bat or any sort of defending first base, another playing second stick and when he overcomes the defense in the base, yet another at third base and a fourth player safe zone, he gets a run. The winning team is the located between second and third. The basic rule is one that reaches the number of runs that were to not bat between first and second base. Also, you previously decided on. walk from home plate to first base. After getting to first base, you can either run or walk—however In recent years, following the incredible boom of the players agree—and when players go backwards TV soccer broadcasting in Cuba, the popularity from one base to another, they have to walk. The of both Cuatro Esquinas and Juego del Taco has offense always hits the ball with a closed fist. somewhat waned, giving way to a condensed

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 18 version of soccer called Fútbol de Tres, also played in the street. But I think that this fad will run its course like many others before it and our beloved old street games will be back in the front ranks again.

Surely the most interesting factor about all these games is the creativity used to adapt any given game so that it can take over places that were originally designed to accommodate pedestrians and vehicular traffic. And they manage to survive at the expense of daily urban mobility. Whenever the improvised locations get reduced in size, the rules automatically get adjusted to cope with the setback.

It is also quite common to find improvised hoops on our streets for unique basketball games. And then other games such as Kimbe y Cuarta get resuscitated from time to time. This game is played with balls having different colors and designs and large groups of kids can participate. A similar game is Bailar el Trompo very often using home-made balls. It’s very interesting to see how the kids use codes and special language as part of the competitions.

But playing in the streets is definitely here to stay. The streets of Cuba are still a grand playground.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 19 Havana’s newest coiffures by Lucía Lamadrid Gone are the days when hairstyle-wise, the most complicated thing for men was deciding whether to part their hair to one side or simply comb it straight back. This is not to say that men were unconcerned about the way they groomed their hair. In the early 20th century, men throughout the Western world copied Rudolph Valentino’s perfectly greased-back hair, and in the 1950s, James Dean and Elvis Presley made the Pompadour fashionable. In the 1960’s, the Beatles popularized the moptop, which was widely imitated worldwide and would impact fashion globally.

Cuba is no exception to these fads. Nowadays, there seems to be an explosion of new, “transgressive” hairstyles for the boys. Just take a stroll around Havana. Whether it’s the city’s historic center, the Malecón or Miramar, you will find no shortage of uncanny hairdos in the guys: the Magua; the Tiburón; the Bistec; the Moñito (plain or cooked up with the Magua or the Tiburón); the Dominicano; the Machimbrao, the Mohicano… And the list goes on and on.

Cuban lads are no longer satisfied with visiting the barber once a month. They are now going to beauty salons, previously considered women’s exclusive domain. The Mohicano, or Mohawk, for instance, is being pushed to extremes. Although the sides are still shaved down, height and color are being added to the old standard. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 20 But of this epidemic of (unfortunate?) haircuts, perhaps the most common one of all is the Yonki, which, alas, is all the rage in Havana. Popularized by Cuban reggaeton star El Yonki, the hairstyle can vary from person to person and basically leaves more hair on the sides than a Mohawk and a bit less height on top. The sides may sport drawings, letters or symbols, depending on the customer’s wishes—and the hairdresser’s ability.

These hairstyles and haircuts in guys (some discrete, others visible a mile away) are sometimes regarded with reluctance, especially by parents, who simply can’t understand “the horrific haircut the kid just got.” But one thing is for sure, though: the streets of Havana are teeming with unique hairstyles and, for better or worse, they seem to be here to stay.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 21 The Cuban Guateque Guajiro by Ricardo Alberto Pérez The Guateque Guajiro is what Cubans call a party out in the countryside, originally a traditional festivity for Cuban peasants. It occurs for a variety of reasons such as birthdays, weddings, baptisms, housewarmings, and the end of a harvest or the start of sugar cane cutting. Many times it occurs for no particular reason at all, just for the pleasure of getting together and sharing good times with friends and neighbors. Because of its contributions towards forming the Cuban cultural identity, it has earned itself a prominent place within the institutions promoting Cuban artistic creations.

At the center of this country fiesta is what is known as Punto Cubano or Punto Guajiro. This is pure Cuban country music with deep Hispanic roots. The main instrument in this genre is the guitar in several varieties: the Spanish guitar, the tres, the laús and the tiple. Other instruments used belong to the percussion family: the clave, the güiro and the guayo. Everything converges on the main ingredient of Punto Cubano, that is, the controversia or confrontation. Besides this, there are solo artists and groups playing montuno songs and improvisers who extoll the beauty of women and nature.

This music has also inspired different dance styles such as La caringa, El tumbantonio, and El papalote. Some of these are quite noticeably erotic, with the dance demonstrating the courting ritual. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 22 Celina Gónzalez and Reutilio

At guateques there are usually two competing sides, showing off their talents in both song and dance, and distinguishable by the different colors of their neckerchiefs. Men generally wear guayaberas and broad-brimmed hats woven from palm straw, the famous sombreros de yarey, while the women are decked out in lovely dresses with lots of flounces, their hair flowing freely or put up with natural flowers as decoration. In any case, the main color in evidence for both men and women is white.

As we have just mentioned, the highlight tends to be the confrontation among improvisers who look for a controversial subject to be treated with humor and a sharp wit, all the while trying to find their adversary’s most evident weak spots. They recite their verse in décimas that vary in their rhythms depending on the region of the country. These artists are called repentistas and the most common tonadas and puntos they use are punto libre, fijo and cruzado; there are also tonadas with refrains, Punto Espirituano and the seguidilla. Many repentistas travel all over the country and a very stimulating interchange takes place among the various local customs and traditions.

In the remote areas of the country the way in which people travel to guateques can be rather picturesque. Some are on horseback, often with

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 23 other people sharing the ride, some arrive in The Guateque del Nengón a form of Son, has is roots carriages, and others in tractor-pulled wagons or in Baracoa, Guantánamo Province, specifically in a ox-drawn carts. neighborhood called El Cuero where Candelario Matos, who was a loyal singer of the genre, lived. The guateque has become a vignette that brings The El Nengón is believed to have been created together a number of typically Cuban traditions. over 100 years ago and the musical instruments While the singing goes on, someone is always were fashioned by the peasants themselves, like roasting a pig on an open fire and there is usually the tumbandera, a kind of chordophone, and the a group playing dominoes. A dish made with yucca bunga, a drum made out of a hollow stick that is that has been marinated in a garlic-laden sauce, covered with jutía or deer skins. For example, often called the root vegetable of preference for the tres is made from rough boards or from the guateques, provides the finishing touch to the wood of the crates cod are transported in, with roast pork. cedar necks and güira keys and steel strings. Such original materials give the music a truly unique I dare say that whoever goes to this festive event sound. will better understand some of the more spiritual values of our culture and the most consistent In spite of the enormous changes our rural areas traditions born in the rural areas. This is the best have been undergoing, the Guateque Campesino way to discover the characteristics of the folk who is alive and well. Younger generations have been live in the countryside. And it’s not just singing and responsible for keeping it going, continuing dancing that goes on; spoken narration and games with the Punto Cubano and updating it so that it of skill are also distinct possibilities. maintains all the vitality it has had for so many years in the Cuban countryside.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 24 CCelebratingelebrating IInternationalnternational Women’s Day in Cuba by Victoria Alcalá

I’m decidedly one of those people who doesn’t like celebrating International Women’s Day. By now I don’t know anyone who remembers Clara Zetkin on that day, not to mention the so many other women who fought for our rights. Maybe some feminists still remember. Perhaps the reason for this is that Cuban women are guaranteed most of those rights; we are the majority in the professions (in some sectors such as mine it is an absolute majority and that makes its rather boring!); some of the forms of violence are generally relegated to the privacy of the home or we simply are not aware of them. Or maybe it is because the celebrations get organized at work by men and certain subjects are never mentioned.

I am constantly being amazed that on March 8 people come up to congratulate me on being a woman. It’s a simple fact of genetics, a matter of chromosomes (XX) and I had nothing to do with it. Not by my intelligence or by any effort. I prefer to celebrate my wedding anniversary because, for better or worse, I was the one who chose my husband and the day on which we were married.

But on that day our male workmates try hard, bringing us flowers and cards, snacks (which in many instances were prepared by their wives and all they had to do was bring them to work) and beverages, generally something sweet because lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 25 “women don’t drink rum,” a belief that has caused me to have certain doubts about my gender identity. During such celebrations, there is a tendency to see surprising transformations taking place: the colleague who during the rest of the year didn’t bat an eye to see you standing in the bus burdened with mounds of papers you are taking home to continue working, and who stared out the window suddenly very interested in the sidewalk, suddenly on THAT day he springs up to give you his seat. And the guy who regularly cuts in ahead of you in the cafeteria queue, claiming he has an important meeting, now brings your plate, knife and fork and glass to the table—maybe because, in honor of women, all meetings have been called off. Anyway, once a year doesn’t hurt anybody.

Meanwhile, we women allow ourselves to be loved. We accept the cards with a kiss, we look for a bottle or some container for that flower, we skimp on lunch in anticipation of the afternoon feast (the working day usually ends really early that day) and we raise our glass to ourselves while looking at the clock because we want to make use of the extra afternoon time to get dinner ready since husbands, sons and fathers are going to come home exhausted from all the festivities they have organized at their workplaces and so they won’t be able to help us out in the kitchen. And the flowers? Yeah, thanks.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 26 As I sift through the rice, it’s a good time to think. And now, yes indeed, it’s with a glass of rum, and I mentally run through the professional results of most of my female colleagues, many of them honor students at university, the trips to the doctor with the kids, helping our sons and daughters with Grade Two math and spelling at the kitchen table or on the ironing board, the muffled pain and tears of those women keeping households going while waiting for the husbands, sons, fathers and brothers who fought at the Bay of Pigs or against the counterrevolutionaries in the Escambray, or in Ethiopia or Angola…. I think of the women who begin their “second jobs” cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing clothes, thinking of what they are going to wear tomorrow for their meeting with the Minister, of the pile of papers they have to wade through, of the long-awaited finale for that doctorate thesis, of the inventory in the shop that will wind up late at night, of the tests they still have to mark, of getting up earlier to see that really ill patient before going to their offices… It could be the effect of the rum, but I’m starting to feel like congratulating myself for being a woman and not perishing in the struggle.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 27 Cuban Women: Body and Soul by Ricardo Alberto Pérez

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 28 Cuban women are not just legendary; they are a and uninhibited, as natural as breathing. Anyone beautiful reality that surrounds us, day by day. I walking behind a Cuban woman on the street could would define them as a delicious mixture of self- easily compare the experience to watching the assuredness and sensuality, but they also have a rhythm of a rumba or the sinuous flow of honey. profoundly responsible and self-sacrificing side. And when they give us the gift of a splendid smile, At times, they give the impression that there is there is nothing that can compare. nothing impossible for them to accomplish, such is their perseverance and their sense of optimism Another characteristic of our Cuban women is that keeps them going. their spiritual side, including their great gifts of communication. Talking with a Cuban woman may A Cuban woman can dress elegantly, modestly or be enlightening. Add to this that over 60 percent provocatively. No matter what she shows on the of the Cuban workforce lies in women. outside though, she gives the impression that underneath it all she stores an infinity of secrets When we talk about Cuban women in general, we and concerns. Her body seems to vibrate as it run the risk of forgetting that one of their most comes into contact with her surroundings. She attractive qualities is how different they are from has often been compared to a guitar that delights each other. It is not just a matter of the color of us with its melodies. She always looks amazing their skin but also because of how they act. From whether she is wearing a smock or a guayabera blonde to dark-skinned beauties, through all because her gestures and how she carries herself the varieties of what Cubans call “mulattas,” the combine exceptionally well with the simplicity of palette is never-ending. Add to that the range in these garments. temperament, from serious to fun-loving.

Have you noticed how Cuban women always add In Cuba, women have provided a rich source of a bit of spice to fashions originating in other inspiration for artists in all the media. Composers countries? This gives their style a unique look, have penned songs immortalizing women and something we could call “tropicalization.” Those their special qualities starting with Trova authors women who have more pronounced curves tend who entitled their pieces with names of women, to wear the most striking figure-hugging fashions, like “Guarina” and “Ferminia” by Sindo Garay, and inevitably attracting appreciative exclamations “Mercedes,” “Aurora,” “Santa Cecilia” and the most from their admirers. popular one of all, “Longina” by Manuel Corona. When the Nueva Trova appeared decades later, Whether they are at home or abroad, Cuban the same thing happened and songs such as Pablo women stand out for their somewhat provocative Milanes’ “Yolanda” and “Sandra” became part of way of walking. It seems to be totally spontaneous our national songbook. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 29 Recent dance music keeps on singing the praises of women. I only need to mention Juan Formell’s “Marilú” to find one such example. And the cinema has also used the image of Cuban women as subject matter. The films Cecilia Valdés, Lucía and Amada immediately come to mind.

In painting there has been one famous representation of Cuban femininity, perhaps the most popular image every produced on the Island: La Gitana Tropical (The Tropical Gypsy) by Víctor Manuel. It forever symbolizes the face and attitude of Cuban women and it can now be found reproduced on posters, umbrellas and cups everywhere. The theater, dance and literature have all had a hand in spotlighting the unique spirit of Cuban women.

It has been said that Cuban women these days attain “a certain age” with special élan and pride. These women are protected in many ways and so they have the luxury of being more relaxed, chatting about what can be found in the market, their grandchildren’s graduations and how crazy the house becomes during vacations when everyone gets together. They also have many opportunities and rights to continue their formal education, expand their cultural horizons and partake in regular exercise programs for the benefit of both body and mind. Cuba is indeed very proud of its women.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 30 Obama’s visit to Cuba: What will it bring? by Victoria Alcalá Who would have thought it? Obama is finally identification with Third World island nations, coming! As elegant and inscrutable as always, such as Cuba, and that being an African-American, Josefina Vidal, General Director for the United he would have an inclination to sympathize with States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, peoples that are “different.” In other words, I announced the news a few days ago, giving rise like to think he would remember his compatriot to a barrage of viewpoints. There are those who Brigadier General of the Liberation Army Henry have taken their stars-and-stripes banners out of Reeve, falling in combat within the ranks of Cubans mothballs fervently hoping that the day after the fighting for liberation from Spanish colonialism visit on March 21st prices will drop at the market in the nineteenth century. Or that he would and there will be three times the number of buses remember Ernest Hemingway who loved Cuba on the streets. And there are others who look upon tremendously, even though, I suspect, he didn’t it as a betrayal of their principles and so many understand it so well. Or that he would at least years of resistance, completely forgetting that honor his much-debated Nobel Peace Prize and lay Obama isn’t going to land in a gunboat like Calvin the foundations for civilized coexistence between Coolidge did in 1928. But in my opinion, I think the richest country in the world and the small that most Cubans see it in a positive light without rebellious island neighbor which paradoxically has harboring too many expectations regarding their never been anti-US. ofttimes very complicated daily lives. With so many illustrious visitors lately, from Katy I have to admit that when I saw Ms Vidal giving us Perry to President François Hollande, from Mick the news, a phrase came to mind that was uttered Jagger to Princess Caroline of Monaco, from Paris by Laocoön in Virgil’s Aeneid. My beloved Latin Hilton to Pope Francis, from ZZ Top to Patriarch teacher, Calixta Peraza, loved to repeat it whenever Cyril, we Cubans are getting used to the glamour we would bring her some presents on Teachers’ and to the adjective “historical” with which the Day: Timeō Danaõs et dõna ferentõs” (I fear the press tends to describe every visit. Hopefully, the Danaans, even when bearing gifts), which has been US President, who is so concerned about our well- paraphrased in English as the proverb “Beware of being, will go on to dismantle the blockade—or Greeks bearing gifts.” Anyone reviewing the bleak embargo as they like to call it—at least to the extent history of US relations with Cuba over the course of his prerogative along with its intricate maze of of three centuries and remembering Laocoön’s prohibitions, and that during his visit here he will words of warning about the Trojan horse when he be able to have genuine contact with Cubans “on saw it will understand my suspicion. the street.” Hopefully, those will be the voices he will listen to the most. To tell the truth, personally Nevertheless, I prefer to drift towards optimism I prefer to think about the announced but not- and I’d rather like to imagine that President yet-confirmed Rolling Stones performance. I have Obama ,who was born in Hawaii and lived for years already taken my long flowery Indian skirt out of in Indonesia, would be able to feel some sense of mothballs in anticipation of that event… photos by Alex Mene Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Visual Arts Edificio de Arte Cubano

Contaminación Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano

Through Los rostros de la modernidad. The entry of Cuban visual arts in the modernity of the avant- June 19 garde and its various trends can be seen in 45 photos made from 1925 to 1957 by 15 importants photographers, including Jorge Arche, Arístides Fernández, Víctor Manuel, Wifredo Lam, Amelia Peláez and Mariano Rodríguez.

Through Solo exhibition by Carlos Alberto García, who describes his work as abstract, highly influenced June 1 by Expressionism.

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura

Opens La madre de todas las artes is an Through May La Vasija 2015 is an exhibition of February 16 exhibition by over 50 artists, such vessels, tiles, panels and murals as Lidzie Alviza, Luis Enrique presented in competition. They Camejo, Los Carpinteros, Ernesto praise the origins of ceramics, García Peña, Arturo Montoto, whose roots lie in vessels, but Mabel Poblet, Wilfredo Prieto these contemporary artists give and Sandra Ramos, whose central them a completely new twist. theme is the interest shown by a significant number of Cuban artists in architecture. Centro Cultural Fresa y Chocolate Through Isla Negra-Isla Verde, a group Opens Base/Superestructura, which won March 13 exhibition paying tribute to Pablo February 16 the artist Lázaro Saavedra the 2014 Neruda. Visual Arts National Award.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 32 photos by Ana Lorena Factoria Habana

Factoría Habana Throughout Signos. Arte e industria y viceversa, which has been conceived as an installation that brings March together objects, texts, artefacts, photos, ceramics, graphic works, video and printed materials, aims at emphasizing creative experiences in which a balanced fusion between art, design and industry, and elements of the urban and architectural environment takes place through the works of Carlos José Alfonzo, Juan Carlos Alom, Félix Beltrán, Alberto J. Carol, Gonzalo Córdoba, María Victoria Caignet, EMPROVA, Cirenaica Moreira, Miguel Díaz, Felipe Dulzaides, Leandro Feal, Mario Gallardo, Mario García Joya (Mayito), Carmelo González, Roberto Gottardi, Arturo Infante y Renier Quert, Nicolás Guillén Landrián, Roberto Matta, Ernesto Oroza, Amelia Peláez, Manuel Piña, René Portocarrero, Idelfonso Ramos, Leyden Rodríguez, Mariano Rodríguez, Humberto Solás y Héctor Veitía, Lesbia Vent Dumois, as well as the projects Ediciones en Colores, TELARTE, Arte en la Fábrica, Arte en la Carretera and Arte en el Muro.

Casa de la Obrapía Galería Espacio Abierto Opens Ethos-Sociedad consumista que Through Tesauro R y C is a collection march 17 me consumes, exhibition by Eurico March 11 of works by Servando Cabrera Borges. Moreno, Sandu Darie, Roberto Diago, Antonia Eiriz, Raúl Galería Artis 718 Martínez, Manuel Mendive, Pedro y Rolando de Oraá, Zaida del Río y Throughout Save mucho is a collection of Mariano Rodríguez, among other March works by Carlos Quintana who Cuban artists. uses books as a unifying element. Galería Galiano Galería Casa 8 Through Los renegados. A manifestation not Through El blanco más oscuro, group April 9 often seen in Cuban art shows: March 10 show of painting and staged sculpture, is the focus of this solo photography, diverse in terms of exhibition by Pedro Luis Cuellar, themes, technoiiques and media, who also exhibits drawings that although structured from the have inspired some of his pieces. combination of black and white in works by Raúl C. Camacho (Memo), Restaurante Fabio Reinaldo Cid, Erick Coll, Eduardo Llanes, Jorge López Pardo, Frank Through Entre signos pictóricos is an Martínez y R10, among others. April 14 exhibition by Carlos René Aguilera and Alejandro Barreras. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 33 Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes Visuales Galería Galiano Through Libro de horas, group show that Through Lineup reflects almost a century March 15 uses diverse media and techniques, March 25 of Cuban drawing from the first and reflects, from a contemporary avant-garde to the present day, point of view, on the illuminated from the most traditional to the manuscripts of the Middle Ages. most experimental, through the work of 40 artists, including Through Lecciones de manualidad, solo Víctor Manuel, Fidelio Ponce, March 19 show by Yonel Hidalgo Pérez, Wifredo Lam, Mariano Rodríguez, a project for the EsterioStudio René Portocarrero, Jorge Rigol, Scholarship, promoted by the Servando Cabrera Moreno, Raúl artist Esterio Segura. Martínez, Raúl Milián, Roberto Nice to Meet You, show by Kelvin Fabelo, José Bedia, Eduardo López and Harry Naar, who use Ponjuán, Ricardo Rodríguez Brey, landscapes to make comments Antonio Eligio (Tonel), Gustavo on social issues, reorganize Pérez Monzón, Santiago Rodríguez environmental perception and Olazabal, Kcho, Alexander redefine cultural models. Arrechea, René Francisco, Glauber Ballesteros, Yornel Martínez and Through Jugar en serio: Pintura expandida, Rafael Villares, among others. March 23 group show, Estudio Curator Scholarship 21, of works by Pavel Lloyd’s Register Acosta, Adriana Arronte, David Beltrán, Yonlay Cabrera, Elizabet Through Kronos, solo exhibition by Cerviño, Adonis Ferro, Dunieski March 19 Niels Reyes. According to critic García, Ernesto García Sánchez, Píter Ortega, “the artist works Glenda León, Yornel Martínez, traditional genres…revitalizing Rodolfo Peraza and Nestor Siré. them to show their legitimacy in our historic present.” Throughout Digital Moments, experimental March photography and video by cubans in the diaspora, Raíces y Rutas Memorial José Martí Project. Through Mambises, a la carga, exhibits March 20 paintings and drawings by Leonel Palacio de Lombillo López-Nussa, a very interesting 20th-century artist, who has been Opens Secuencia, exhibit by the young somewhat forgotten in our days. March 11 artist Robin Pau, which based on the cinema, strengthens the narrative capacity of painting by Taller Experimental de Gráfica de La Habana means of images that seem to stop Through Homo Pinocho, group show by motion. March 15 37 artistas graphic artists, who have focused their work on the Palacio del Segundo Cabo unforgettable fictional character, Pinocchio. Through Bocetos de Zanelli para el Capitolio March 31 Nacional. The exhibition includes the 10 original sketches sculpted in plaster by the Italian master Angelo Zanelli in 1929, made especially for the sculptures and main portico of the Capitolio Building. It includes the great statue of The Republic; the two titans flanking the steps, Work and Virtue; and the seven friezes of the central portico, allegorical to the march of the Cuban people for freedom and democracy.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 34 photography

Fototeca de Cuba

Through March 11 El puente, exhibition by Carlos Fernández Vega and Rene Rodríguez. Through March 19 El viaje, by Rigoberto Oquendo (Chacho), who has focused his work on the representation of Cuban family homes.

Casa Benito Juárez Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura

Opens Sin mucho rodeo, by photographers Through Exhibit by Dominican photographer March 16 Lourdes Bermúdez Trimiño and March 18 Wilfredo García. On March 18, Liset Sonia Mirabal Gómez Valderrama, visual arts specialist from the City Historian’s Office; Nahela Hechavarría, from the Casa Museo Casa Natal de José Martí de las Américas Art Department; and Kirenia Rodríguez Puerto, Throughout De Martí a Fidel, de Dos Ríos Professor of Faculty of Arts March al Moncada, Hasta la Victoria and Letters of the University of Siempre. Julio Larramendi exhibits Havana, will lecture on 20th- photographs of monuments and century Caribbean photography, sites from all over Cuba related to focusing on the work of Wilfredo José Martí. García. Sala de la Diversidad Opens Río Toa, Amazonía cubana, exhibits March 4 pictures of landscapes, animals and plants taken by members of the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation during an expedition down the Toa River.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 35 dance Alas Ballet Lizt Alfonso March 4 & 5, 8:30pm; March 6, 5pm Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso Alas, a hymn to the spirituality of humankind.

Rosalía de Castro Company/School March 6, 11 am Teatro Nacional A selection of Spanish dances by the students and the dancers.

Le Corsaire Ballet Laura Alonso March 11 & 12, 8:30pm; March 13, 5pm Teatro Nacional Famous for its extremely difficult pas de deux, the performance of the complete ballet Le Corsaire, in two acts and four scenes, is uncommon in Cuba.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 36 dance Ballet Nacional de Cuba in Concert March 18 & 19, 8:30pm; March 20, 5pm Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso Dionaea, choreographed by Gustavo Herrera and music by Heitor Villa- Lobos; Celeste, choreographed by Annabelle López Ochoa and music by Tchaikovsky; Grand pas de Paquita, choreographed by Marius Petipa and music by Minkus.

D Rocío Company March 18 & 19, 8:30pm; March 20, 5pm Teatro Nacional Performance by the flamenco-fusion D Rocío Dance Company.

La danza y sus estilos March 19, 5pm Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura Concert program by the Rosario Cárdenas and Laura Alonso dance companies.

Ciudad de Guantanamo

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 37 Are the Rolling Stones Coming to Havana? by Victoria Alcalá

Every time all of us who went to the same high surely going to go with us, not so much because school get together, the question rears its ugly they love the Stones but to have a fleeting glimpse head. Nobody needs to say any more because it’s of what their parents and grandparents were like clear that we are all referring to the announced at their age. but as yet unconfirmed visit of the Rolling Stones to Havana during this month of March, 2016. The rumor spread like wildfire during Mick Jagger’s stay in the capital last October.

The confirmed pessimists remind us of the naysayers: “I read in the Granma newspaper that discussions were ongoing but nothing is yet definitive” and they even quote authorities on the subject: “Mayito Masvidal said they weren’t coming.” The optimists are steadfastly basing their opinions on trustworthy sources: “The Herald has already confirmed that they’ll be here at the same time as Obama” and they have even become analysts of information that has filtered down to them from God-knows-what source: “Haven’t you seen how quickly they’re sprucing up the Latin American Stadium?” The women go straight to more practical matters: “Do you think I can still wear that blouse?” “Would you lend me your flowered vest?” “What do you think if we paint the peace symbol on our faces?”

This anticipation has lifted years and pains from our bodies and minds and we’ve even started practicing some dance steps so as not to look too ridiculous to our kids and grandchildren who are

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 38 We used to take pictures of our kids sitting they were perhaps being backed by the popular beside John Lennon in the Vedado park and slogan that said: “Consuming our country’s thank goodness they don’t understand the deep, products is patriotic.” hidden meaning involved in all that enthusiasm. They missed the whole Beatles-Rolling Stones- Luckily, there was always someone who was able Creedence-Led Zepplin-Eagles-Chicago Era. to circulate some record or we were able to get Those bands and many others like them were seen WQAM on the radio relatively easily, at least in as the height of “enemy ideological penetration” Havana, and we had some local bands that would and we were only able to listen to them in versions reproduce the Anglo-Saxon hits with greater or recorded by mediocre Spanish groups or in the lesser accuracy. This kept us company during our version of some Mexican singer whose name I’d teen years, and we didn’t become ideologically rather not remember. perverted, nor did we prostitute ourselves or sink into the murky depths of drug addiction. In those days, long hair and necklaces made of seeds made fashionable by Fidel Castro’s “barbudos” But we were left with the frustration of never (bearded rebels) were frowned upon and on some having seen our favorite bands on TV, much less occasions repressed with, shall we say, not a whole at a live concert. Funny thing: for a long time I lot of courtesy. English was fine if you learned it at was convinced Creedence was made up of black school, but you couldn’t sing it; “Make love and not singers! And so when all that anti-Rock paranoia war” was a “counterrevolutionary motto” because fell apart, we celebrated the arrival of Air Supply in it went contrary to the guerrillas; drawing the Havana as a triumph, we sat down beside Lennon peace symbol in a school notebook was worse than in his park to chat and we are convinced that yes, drawing the swastika; free love was synonymous Sir Michael Philip “Mick” Jagger is going to bring us to licentiousness and we were constantly being the Stones and we are going to sing along with him admonished about how most of our Rock idols to the explosive “Satisfaction” and “Let's Spend were drug addicts. Ironically, some of our Cuban the Night Together” and we are going to exhibit musicians who were being promoted to provide a that symbol which represents the cry of so many replacement for the British and American singers hurting human beings in the world today: Peace were suspected of smoking a marijuana cigarette and Love. from time to time (hush-hush of course) but then

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 39 MUSIC Contemporary Fusion

X Alfonso Photo Alex Mene

The contemporary fusion and electronic music In Havana’s burgeoning entertainment district scene has expanded recently as new bars and clubs along First Avenue from the Karl Marx theatre to have opened party promoters have organized the aquarium you are spoilt for choice with the events in parks and public spaces. Good live music always popular Don Cangreco featuring good live venues include Bertolt Brecht (Wed: Interactivo, music (Kelvis Ochoas and David Torrens alternate Sunday: Déjá-vu) and El Sauce (check out the Fridays), Las Piedras (insanely busy from 3am) and Sunday afternoon Máquina de la Melancolía) as El Palio and Melem bar—both featuring different well as the newly opened Fábrica de Arte Cubano singers and acts in smaller more intimate venues. which has concerts most nights Thursday through Sunday as well as impromptu smaller performances inside. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 40 MUSIC Contemporary Fusion

Major Lazer in Concert March 6, 7pm Tribuna Antimperialista The electronic dancehall music project, Major Lazer, will be the first show by a major American act to take place in Cuba since the U.S. and Cuba restored diplomatic ties. “For as long as I can remember, Cuba has played an influential role on my love of music—Cuba has such a powerful cultural impact all over the world and for me, especially growing up in Florida, it became one of the biggest cultural centers for music to evolve from,” said Diplo in a press release. Going back to perform in 2016 and to be a part of the culture once again is a huge blessing and I couldn’t be more honored to bring the Major Lazer project there.” During their visit, the band—made up by Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, will meet with Cuban music students and young, local DJs that will share the stage with the group. The group could also perform at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a venue that has become an almost obligatory stop for international musicians who have travelled to Cuba in the last few months.

Gala Cuerda Viva Saturday, Mar 12, 8:30pm; Sunday, Mar 13, 5pm Teatro Karl Marx Don’t miss the annual Cuerda Viva Festival, the best in Cuban alternative music. The evnt will be dedicated to super star musician Edesio Alejandro and the rock-folk band Síntesis.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 41 MUSIC Contemporary Fusion

Los Ángeles Photo Alex Mene

Balneario Universitario El Coral Submarino Amarillo Fridays & Electronic music with rapping, Mondays Miel con Limón Saturdays DJing, Vjing, Dj-producers, 9pm 1pm-1am breakdancing and graffiti writing, among other urban art Havana Hard Rock / 6 pm expressions. Every other Soul Train, a show of soul music Friday Café Concert El Sauce / 5 pm Sat & Sun Rock cover bands Sundays La Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García Diablo Tun Tun March 10 Rosbhel & EclipC de Luna Saturdays Gens 11 pm Tercera y 8 Salón Rosado de La Tropical Mondays Baby Lores Fridays 11 pm Electronic music with Sarao, 9 pm

Barbaram Pepito’s Bar / 5 pm Tuesdays Los Francos Casa de la Amistad Sundays Rock ’n’ Roll with Vieja Escuela. Wednesdays Grupo Kialo 5 pm Sundays Discoteca Onda Retro En Guayabera Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht / 11 pm Wednesdays Hip-Hop Night 10:30 pm Tuesdays Roberto Fonseca

Wednesdays Interactivo Café Cantante, Teatro Nacional / 5 pm Saturdays David Blanco Tuesdays Raúl Paz Gato Tuerto Wednesdays Qva Libre Saturdays Tenor Bernardo Lichilín and DJ 10 pm Eddy Sánchez lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 42 Photo by Alex Mene

Photo Alex Mene Salsa / Timba

Casa de la Música de Miramar Casa de la Música Habana

Mondays Wednesdays José Luis Cortés y NG La Banda 5 pm Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor 11 pm 11 pm Sur Caribe Sundays Pupy y Los que Son Son Tuesdays Pedrito Calvo y La Nueva Justicia 5 pm 11 pm

Fridays José Luis Cortés y NG La Banda Jardines del 1830 11 pm Fridays Azúcar Negra Saturdays Christian y Rey 10 pm 5 pm Sundays Grupo Moncada Sundays Bamboleo 10 pm 5 pm Tercera y 8 Salón Rojo del Hotel Capri Wednesdays Alain Daniel Sundays Juan Guillermo 11 pm 11 pm Casa de 18 / 8 pm Café Cantante. Teatro Nacional Fridays Iván y Fiebre Latina

Mondays Manana Club Saturdays Ahí Namá 11 pm Le Select Carpa Trompoloco Fridays Grupo Moncada 5 pm Fridays Popular dance music hosted by 6 ppm Blanca Rosa Blanco

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 43 MUSIC JAZZ

Calle 88A No. 306 e/ 3ra y 3ra A, Jazz Café Miramar. +53 (07) 209-2719 Mellow, sophisticated and freezing due to extreme air conditioning, the Jazz Café is not only an excellent place to hear some of Cuba’s top jazz musicians, but the open-plan design also provides for a good bar atmosphere if you want to chat. Less intimate than La Zorra y el Cuervo – located opposite Melia Cohiba Hotel.

Café Jazz Miramar Shows: 11 pm - 2am

This new jazz club has quickly established itself as one of the very best places to hear some of Cuba’s best musicians jamming. Forget about smoke filled lounges, this is clean, bright—take 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. A full house is something of a mixed house since on occasion you will feel like holding up your own silence please sign! Nonetheless it gets the thumbs up from us.

UNEAC Jardines del Teatro Mella March 10 Peña La Esquina del Jazz hosted by Wednesday Zule Guerra (singer) & Blues D’ La 5 pm showman Bobby Carcassés. 8 pm Habana

Café Miramar Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura Mondays Lunes de la Juventud March 8 Eduardo Sandoval y su quinteto 4 pm 6 pm Tuesdays Casabe World Music 10 pm Museo Nacional de Bellas Saturdays César López (saxophonist) and Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano 10 pm Havana Ensemble March 5 Natural Trio 7 pm

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 44 MUSIC Bolero, folklore, son & trova Asociación Yoruba de Cuba Diablo Tun Tun / 5 pm

Fridays Obbiní Batá(folkloric group Thursdays Trova with Ray Fernández 8:30 pm Sundays Orly Núñez Saturdays Los Ibellis (folkloric group) 4 pm El Jelengue de Areíto / 5 pm Mondays Son del Nene Café Cantante, Teatro Nacional / 5 pm Tuesdays Conjunto Chappottín Thursdays Elaín Morales Wednesdays Trova

Saturdays Waldo Mendoza Thursdays Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez

Fridays Rumberos de Cuba Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht Sundays Rumba March 26 Rafael Espín and guests 4 pm Hotel Telégrafo

Fridays Ivette Cepeda. Casa de África 9:30 pm

NMarchovemb 5er 4 EduardoObbiní Batá Sosa and Síntesis 4 pm 8 pm Hurón Azul, UNEAC March 12 Cheketé, with the folkloric group 3 pm Obiní Batá Saturdays Bolero Night 9 pm Casona de Línea Pabellón Cuba / 4 pm Sundays Trova 8 pm Fridays Tres Tazas with trovador Silvio Alejandro

Casa del Alba Saturdays Participo with trovador Juan March 10 4 pm / Annie Garcés Carlos Pérez

March 18 6 pm / Gerardo Alfonso Casa de la Música Miramar

March 24 6 pm / Vicente Feliú and guests Thursdays Soneros de la Juventud 5 pm Delirio Habanero / 10 pm

Thursdays Abel Maceo y Buena Vida Casa de la Música Habana

Fridays Son en Klab Sundays Yoruba Andabo 5 pm Saturdays Sonyku

Museo de Artes Decorativas Centro Iberoamericano de la Décima March 5 3pm / Duo Ad Libitum March 2 Argelia Fragoso 5 pm March 27 5pm / El Jardín de la Gorda with trovadors from every generation. Gato Tuerto

Fridays La Hora Infiel, with music, visual Diablo Tun Tun 5 pm arts, literature and more. Thursdays 5pm / Trova with Ray Fernández Casa de la Cultura de Plaza Sundays 5pm / Orly Núñez March 27 El Rumbón de Los Papines 3 pm

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 45 lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 46 classical MUSIC

Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís / 6 pm

March 5 The Ventus Habana Quintet, along with guests National Art School Women’s Band, the National Concert Band, Vocal Universo, the Ébanos de La Habana and Vivace quartets, and the Tekla Trio, will play pieces by Paquito de Rivera, Astor Piazzolla, Rafael Hernández, María Grever, Miriela Mijares and Ernesto Lecuona, among others.

March 12 Homenaje a Alejandro García Caturla, by saxophonist and clarinetist Javier Zalba, pianist María del Henar Navarro, the Promúsica Duo and others.

March 19 The Amadeo Roldán Quartet, made up by Leonardo Pérez (violin and director), William Roblejo (violin), Yenet Aguillón (viola) and Lester Monier (cello), will play works by Franz Joseph Haydn, Leo Brouwer, Leonardo Pérez and William Roblejo.

March 26 The Camerata Romeu and Solistas de La Habana have selected works by Barber, Tchaikovsky and Dvořák for this performance.

Biblioteca Nacional José Martí

Saturdays Concerts by chamber soloists and ensembles. 4 pm

Casa del ALBA Cultural

March 6 Concert with Ensamble de Vientos Nueva Camerata

March 13 En Confluencia, conducted by guitarists Eduardo and Galy Martín.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 47 Centro Hispano-Americano de Cultura / 5 pm

March 5 Concert by the HabanaMartin chamber orchestra and guests.

March 12 Performance by the contemporary music instrumental group Nuestro Tiempo, conducted by Enrique Pérez Mesa, resident conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra.

March 15 Graduation concert of clarinetist Mario Rodríguez, along with the Ébanos de La Habana Ensemble.

Casa Victor Hugo

March 25 Duo Cáliz, made up by Luis Manuel Molina (guitar) and Vicente Monterry (clarinet). 5 am

Oratorio San Felipe Neri / 4 pm

March 5 The ISA Symphony Orchestra will play works by Cuban composer for the first time.

February 6 Recital by pianist Fidel Leal, with a program that includes Diez bocetos para piano by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer.

February 8-11 Performance by the Walsall College Chorus from the US along with Cuban choral ensembles.

Sala Avellaneda. Teatro Nacional

March 6 Concert by the Mariinsky Theater Symphony Orchestra, of Saint Petersburg. This is one of 8:30 pm the 20 most prestigious ensembles of its kind in the world.

Sala Covarrubias. Teatro Nacional / 11 am

March 6 Performance by Solistas de La Habana.

March 13 Concert and award ceremony of the National Music Prize to composer and conductor Guido López-Gavilán.

March 20 Concert by award winners from the UNEAC Competition Lianne Vega Serrano (pianist) and Yanet Campbell Secades (violinist), who, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, will play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K 466; and Tchaikovsky’s Op. 35 Violin Concerto in D, respectively.

March 27 The National Symphony Orchestra and the German piano duo Lontano, made up by Babette Hierholzer ands Jürgen Appell, will play El carnaval de los animales, symphonic suite for two pianos and orchestra by Saint-Säens.

Sala Gonzalo Roig. Palacio del Teatro Lírico Nacional

March 27 Cuerda Dominical, with guitarist Luis Manuel Molina. 5 pm

Sala Ignacio Cervantes

March 13 Presentation of the UNEAC 2015 Interpretation Competition prizewinners.

March 20 Recital by the German piano duo Lontano, made up by Babette Hierholzer ands Jürgen Appell.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 48 Teatro Trianón Theatre Photo Alex Mene

Decamerón Teatro El Público / Production: Carlos Díaz Fridays & Saturdays 8:30pm; Sundays 5pm Teatro Trianón Several stories from Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron are put on stage with more than a hint at Cuba today. Those who expect nudity galore from Carlos Díaz are in for a surprise. Fool for Love Eclipse Argos Teatro / Production: Yailen Copola and Yeandro Production Jazz Vilá Tamayo, Fri & Sat 8:30pm; Sun 5pm, Argos Teatro Fridays & Saturdays 8:30pm; Sundays 5pm Sala Adolfo Llauradó Play written by the successful American playwright/ actor Sam Shepard, in which two desperate lovers Based on Strindberg’s Miss Julia, the play is about involve the viewer in the asphyxiating setting of a a love triangle seen and judged through the cruel and destructive love story. spectators, who are imaginary participants of Eclipse, a coexistence program. Therefore, the outcome changes with each performance. Botella (En la noche eterna de las botellas) El deseo Estudio Teatral Alba / Production Jorge Alba Compañía Hubert de Blanck / Production: Orietta Thursdays, 5pm, Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura Medina, Fridays & Saturdays 8:30pm; Sundays 5pm The play is about a man who turned out a dwarf Sala Hubert de Blanck because of paternal abuse. He strikes back and A play by Mexican playwright Víctor Hugo Rascón kills his father and his only way of escaping is to Banda about the conflicts of the relationship get himself into a bottle, like a message, hoping to between a middle-aged woman and a young man, flee. in which cultural differences overpower sex and passion. La oveja negra tiene un primo March 4 & 5 de marzo, 8:30pm; March 6, 5pm, Teatro Lázaro Peña Comedy show by La Oveja Negra and El Primo de Guisa.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 49 For kids

Havaneando Through March 13, Saturdays, 4pm & 7pm; Sundays, 11am, 4pm & 7pm , Carpa Trompoloco Exciting circus acts by the Compañía Havana, who are back home after a long international tour. La Cuca Érase un hombre Teatro de títeres El Arca llamado La Fontaine Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 3pm March 12, 11 am, Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura Directed by Sara Millares with music by Ernesto Lecuona, this mask puppet show and live actors Oral narration show focusing on fables and tales, who sing will perform a unique version of the such as The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, popular children’s tale La Cucarachita Martina. The Friends, The Glutton, The Wolf and the Lamb and Belling the cat. La princesa Sarah Festival Ecos del Espiral March 5, 11am, Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura March 21-26, Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura This is the story of Princess Sarah, who lives very Monday-Friday, 2pm-3pm & Saturdays, 1pm-2pm happily in her palace, unaware that an evil dragon Screening of videos from various countries and his witch mother are planning to dirty the created children, teens and adults. streets of the kingdom. Warned by the Princess’s faithful friend, Sir Samuel, a cleaning campaign March 19 & 26, 10am-12pm & 2pm-4:30pm throughout the kingdom, but the witch casts a Stop Motion Workshop spell on her… Produced by Estudio Teatral Alba. March 25, 2:30 pm Una niña mala, by the 10 de Octubre Municipality Chapter of La Colmenita. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 50 EVENTS IN HAVANA XIV Festival Internacional Fiesta del Tambor Guillermo Barreto in Memoriam March 1-6, 2016 Mella Theater, Jardines del Teatro Mella, Casa de la Música Habana, Occidental Memories Miramar Hotel, Salón Rosado de La Tropical & Sala Avenida

Fiesta del Tambor: Havana Rhythm and Dance Festival This festivity of percussion pays tribute to one of the cult figures of Cuban percussion: Guillermo Barreto, star of the Tropicana orchestra in the 1950s and founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna. While young talents measure their skills during the competition, experts disclose the secrets of the complex Cuban percussion at master classes, and the evenings are set aside for the performances of popular national and international bands and soloists. Percussionists from the UK and the US will be participating alongside Cuban musicians. The percussion competition will be open to musicians of all ages and nationalities in five different modalities and instruments: drums, paila, congas, bongos and batá. Each musician may compete in two different instruments. Another competition that will be held for the second time in this event will be casino style salsa dancing for couples. For more information: www.fiestadeltambor.cult.cu

Teatro Mella

March 1, Dance and congas (Conjunto Folklórico Nacional, Habana Compás Dance, Rakatán, Compañía 8:30pm Santiago Alfonso, Grupo Salsa, Mambo y Cha Cha Cha & Compañía Irene Rodríguez)

March 2, Cuba & Venezuela (Pupy y los que Son, Julito Padrón and his band. Guests: Los Chinitos y 8:30pm Grupo Guaco)

March 3, The best percussionists of Cuba and the world (Proyecto Rodney Barreto, Dreyser y Yaroldy, 8:30pm Oliver Valdés, Alex Acuña, Pete Lockett, Aldo Mazza, Roberto Fonseca y Ramsés Rodríguez, Proyecto El Flamenco, Kike Terrón y José Montaña, Manu Masaedo, Ft Alain Pérez, Walfredo de los Reyes Jr, Proyecto El Peje-Adel González-Dayron, Bombón, Suena como se Ve, Proyecto Kono y sus Muchachos, Yissy García, Brenda Navarrete and Nasrine Rahmani)

March 4, Dance Competition Final (Yoruba Andabo, Afrocuba de Matanzas, Kervin Barreto, Timba Mix 8:30pm with the best timba DJs, Dj Timbao and Dj Mandy)

March 5, Percussion Competition Final. Giraldo Piloto y Klímax, y Osain del Monte 8:30pm

March 6, 3pm Awards ceremony for the dance and percussion competitions (Alain Pérez y su orquesta, and Grupo Desandán) lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 51 Jardines del Teatro Mella

NMarchovemb 1,er 4 EduardoIyyeroso Sosa NMarchovemb 4,er 4 Rumberos de Cuba 810:30p pmm 810:30p pmm Eduardo Sosa March 2, Addachè de Matanzas March 5, 10:30pm 10:30pm Timbalaye

March 3, Los Papines March 6, 10:30pm 10:30pm Rumbatá de Camagüey

Casa de la Música Habana

NMarchovemb 1,er 4 EduardoEl Niño Sosay la Verdad, y Maykel NMarchovemb 4,er 4 Bamboleo y Moise Gonzalez, 811p pmm Blanco y Salsa Mayor 811p pmm yEduardo Son Iyá Sosa March 2, NG la Banda y Denis y su Swing March 5, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, y Elito 11 pm 11pm Revé y su Charangón

Occidental Memories Miramar Hotel

NMarchovemb 1,er 4 EduardoAlain Pérez Sosa y su Proyecto de Jazz NMarchovemb 3,er 4 Delvis Ponce y Experimental Jazz 84p mpm-6pm 84p mpm-6pm Eduardo Sosa March 2, Alexis Bosch y Proyecto Jazz March 3, Julito Padrón y su Proyecto 4pm-6pm Cubano 4pm-6pm

Salón Rosado de la Tropical

NMarchovemb 6,er 4 EduardoAlexander Sosa Abreu y Habana de Primera, Paulo FG y su Élite, Giraldo Piloto y Klimax, Taínos de 86p mpm Mayarí

Sala Avenida

NMarchovemb 1,er 4 EduardoMaster Class Sosa by Wally de los Reyes NMarchovemb 3,er 4 Master Class by Alain Pérez: The 89a pmm (US): Brazil, Cuba, USA 89a pmm CajónEduardo in FlamencoSosa March 2, International Percussion March 5, International Percussion 10:30pm Competition 10:30pm Competition March 2, Master Class by Pete Lockett (UK): March 6, Master Class by Alex Acuña (US): 9am Indian Percussion 10:30pm Weather Report Project March 2, International Percussion March 6, International Percussion 10:30am Competition 10:30pm Competition

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 52 EVENTS IN HAVANA Premio de Musicología Casa de las Américas y Coloquio Internacional de Musicología March 7-11 , Casa de las Américas Aimed at highlighting the best and most novel musical research projects carried out in Latin America, the Musicology Award also offers a collateral program of lectures, workshops, concerts and recitals. Since 1999, it has also held the International Musicology Colloquium, an important event for mutual recognition and the meeting of Latin American specialists and from around the world with what is happening in Cuban music, through concerts, book launchings, record albums and audiovisual materials. For more information: www.casa.cult.cu Bienal de Oralidad Escénica BarrioCuento 2016 March 8-12 Casa del ALBA Cultural, theaters, parks, cultural centers, schools and workplaces in Havana Organized by the Teatro Cimarrón Company and the Havana Theater Center, storytellers and groups involved in theater, dance and music that vindicate the traditions of African and native American peoples. The theoretical event Oral Literature and African Heritage will explore the work of writers and institutions that safeguard the cultural roots of their peoples. X Coloquio y Festival Internacional de Música y Poesía Nicolás Guillén March 22-24 , Cultural centers in Havana In addition to reexamining the work of the Cuban National Poet, Nicolás Guillén, the event proposes an exchange of ideas on the history and cultures of the African continent, from the time of the slave trade to the present day, as well as aspects of its diaspora in different countries where the African presence has marked the identity of its people and its culture. Along with concerts, poetry readings, exhibitions and other cultural activities, the theoretical event will take place through lectures, panel discussions and papers. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 53 EVENTS IN HAVANA XXII Encuentro Internacional de Academias para la Enseñanza del Ballet y XIV Concurso de Jóvenes Bailarines March 20-April 3 Nacional Theater and National Ballet School Organized for the first time in 1993, this International Meeting of Ballet Academies has made it possible for dancers, teachers and students to become familiar with the technical and stylistic peculiarities of the Cuban School of Ballet through workshops, courses, and methodological and master lessons. Similarly, dancers and pedagogues from other countries have conveyed their experiences in a fruitful exchange with their Cuban colleagues. The meeting will include workshops on repertory, classical duet, technique, folk dances and kinesiology applied to dancing; lectures on methodology of the Cuban School of Ballet and performances by participating academies. For more information: www.enballet.cu

Havana World Music (HWM) March 24-27 Cultural centers in Havana Fabulous musical and cultural festival that includes performances and workshops, and in which the richness of diversity and mestizaje is highlighted. With difference as a source of inspiration and music as an engine of progress, HWM intends to open a window of Cuba to the world and the world to Cuba, promoting the musical collaboration among artists from very different backgrounds and styles, offering unrepeatable concerts to audiences. The HWM 2016 Lineup includes Juanito Makandé (Spain), Centavrvs (Mexico), Kobo Town (Trinidad and Tobago-Canadá), Daniela Spalla (Argentina), Vox Sambou (Haiti-Canada), Sergent García (France), Carolina Camacho (Dominican Republic) and Al McKay, whose concert Earth, Wind & Fire Experience will bring great hits of the band he was a member of. Cuban musicians include Havana D’Primera, Yoruba Andabo, Yelsy Heredia y Camino a Maisí, Yissy & Bandancha, Athanai, Ecos, the Tumba Francesa and members of the Primera Base Project, which supports young talents. lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 54 EVENTS IN HAVANA Fiesta de los Clarinetes March 26-April 2 Cultural institutions in Havana This Clarinet Festival is a project organized by the D’Accord Duo, made up by pianist Marita Rodríguez and clarinetist Vicente Monterrey. The event will include concerts, master classes and meetings. Guest musicians include Trío TreColori (Germany), Mauricio Murcia (clarinet, Colombia), Ébanos de La Habana clarinet quartet, clarinetist Javier Zalba, Dianelys Castillo, Arístides Porto, Héctor Herrera, Alejandro Calzadilla, Alden Ortuño, Antonio Dorta, Michael Elvermann, Rafael Inciarte, Aylet Roque, Maryibis García, Niniam Rodríguez, Kimani Irarragori, Yoleidys Valderrama, Dunia A. Benítez and Joel Lafont, Cañas Móviles Trio (clarinet, oboe and bassoon).

Oratorio San Felipe Neri

March 26, 4pm Concerts April 1, 6pm April 2, 4pm

Fábrica de Arte

March 31, Concert 9:30pm

Lyceum Mozartiano de La Habana

March 28-30; Lyceum Mozartiano de La Habana 2pm to 5pm Master classes and meetings

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 55 EVENTS IN HAVANA Coloquio Fuelle March 23-25 Historical Center of Old Havana Organized to celebrate the arrival of photography in Cuba and the 176 years since the first recorded photo was taken. During the three days of the colloquium, books Ediciones Bolona related to the theme, and a digital bibliography to which the public can access for free at the Casa Víctor Hugo Library.

23 de febrero

9:30am Se hizo la luz. A picture will be taken from the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales where the first picture was made in Cuba 176 years ago. The photo will be developed on site.

10:00am Recorrido por la calle O´Reilly. This street used to be known as Photographers’ Street. Walk around the street with a presentation by the historian Arturo Pedroso.

11:00am Presentación del Coloquio Fuelle. Opening of the bibliographic exhibition Entre colecciones.

24 de febrero

10:00am Lecture Aproximación a los estudios fotográficos de La Habana del siglo xix (19th-century photographic studios in Havana) by Claudia Arcos Ponce.

10:45am Lecture Chez Blez, on photographer Joaquín Blez, by Lisette Ríos.

11:30am Lecture about Luis A. del Cueto (Karol), by Lismary del Prado.

25 de febrero

10:00am Lecture about Julio Berenstein, by Isachy Durruthyí.

10:45am Presentation of the research work prior to the book Damas, esfinges y mambisas: Mujeres en la fotografía cubana (1840-1902), by Grethel Morell Otero.

11:30am Lecture La fotografía de guerra en la Colonia, by Liset Valderrama.

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 56 Around Cuba Festival Internacional de Documentales Santiago Álvarez In Memoriam 6-11 de marzo Santiago de Cuba Created in 2000, the International Documentary Festival Santiago Álvarez In Memoriam highlights the prominent role of the documentary, a film genre that has been somewhat consigned to oblivion by the promotional mechanisms of the larger movie festivals, yet with a tradition of significant quality and acknowledgement in Cuba, among other factors, thanks to the work of the late prize-winning Cuban film-maker, Santiago Alvarez. Although the festival began as a national event dedicated to the memory of the most relevant Cuban documentary maker of all time, throughout the years it has attracted the attention of a number of filmmakers from Latin America, Europe and the United States. With films in competition, ancillary screenings and theoretical discussions, the Festival constitutes a space for exchanging opinions and experiences among filmmakers and lovers of this genre. The 2016 country guest of honor will be Peru and the 4th Photogrpahy Contest will be held under the title “Solidarity” which aims to legitimate the realities of today’s world through photographic images. For more information: www.santiagoalvarez.org/es

III Taller Internacional de Payasos Las Tunas This 3rd meeting of clowns will include classes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and plays on the world of clowns. Both professionals and aficionados will be able to participate in theme workshops, theoretical events, concerts, exhibitions and the launching of specialized books. For more information: www.tunet.cult.cu

Festival de la Trova Pepe Sánchez March 19-23 Parque Céspedes, Casa de la Trova, Sala de Conciertos Dolores, Casa del Coro Madrigalista, Sede de la UNEAC, Terraza Matamoros, Santiago de Cuba The International Pepe Sánchez Trova Festival began in 1962 in homage to local Santiago de Cuba composer José (Pepe) Sánchez (1856-1918), considered the father of Cuban trova. Several generations of musicians from different musical trends within trova participate in this event. Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of trova, hosts this festival, which takes the city’s streets and parks by storm, in a celebration where international musicians and singers join their Cuban counterparts. The opening of the festival on March 19, Trovador Day, commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Pepe Sánchez. For more information: http://noticiasdesantiagodecuba.com

lahabana Cuba's Digital Destination page 57 El Litoral

Havana’s best places to eat

El Atelier Bella Ciao Café Bohemia Café Laurent Experimental fusion Homely Italian Café Spanish/Mediterranean

Interesting décor, interesting Great service, good prices. A Bohemian feel. Great Attractive penthouse menu. real home from home. sandwiches, salads & juices restaurant with breezy terrace. Calle 5 e/ Paseo y 2, Vedado Calle 19 y 72, Playa Calle San Ignacio #364, Habana Calle M #257, e/ 19 y 21, Vedado (+53) 7-836-2025 (+53) 7-206-1406 Vieja (+53) 7-831-2090

los mercaderes otra manera Casa Miglis El Chanchullero Cuban-Creole international Swedish-Cuban fusion Spanish/Mediterranean

Beautiful colonial house. Beautiful modern decor. Oasis of good food & taste in Fabulous value hole in the Popular place with quality Interesting menu and good Centro Habana wall tapas. Trendy. food and great service. service. Calle Mercaderes No. 207 altos e/ Lealtad #120 e/ Ánimas y Teniente Rey #457 bajos, Plaza del Lamparilla y Amargura. H.Vieja Calle #35 e/ 20 y 41, Playa. Lagunas, Centro Habana Cristo, Habana Vieja (+53) 7861 2437 (+53) 7-203-8315 (+53) 7-864-1486 (+53) 7-872-8227

El Cocinero Corte Príncipe río mar D.eutimia internacional Italian international cuban/creole

Industrial chic alfresco Sergio’s place. Simple décor, Contemporary décor. Great Absolutely charming. rooftop with a buzzing spectacular food. sea-view. Good food. Excellent Cuban/creole food. atmosphere Ave. 3raA y Final #11, La Puntilla, Callejón del Chorro #60C, Plaza Calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado. Calle 9na esq. a 74, Miramar Miramar de la Catedral, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-832-2355 (+53) 5-255-9091 (+53) 7-209-4838 (+53) 7 861 1332

La fontana Habana mía iván chef El litoral internacional International gourmet spanish International

Consistently good food, Endless summer nights. Brilliantly creative and rich Watch the world go by at the attentive service. Old school. Excellent food and service. food. Malecón’s best restaurant. Aguacate #9 esq. a Chacón, Calle 46 #305 esq. a 3ra, Miramar Paseo #7 altos e/ 1ra y 3ra. Malecón #161 e/ K y L, Vedado Vedado Habana Vieja (+53) 7-202-8337 (+53) 7-830-2201 (+53) 7-830-2287 (+53) 7-863-9697 santy Nazdarovie nero di seppia san cristóbal sushi/oriental soviet Italian cuban/creole

Authentic fisherman’s shack Well designed Soviet décor The new location for Deservedly popular. servicing world-class sushi. excellent food & service. Havana’s best pizza chef, Consistently great food. Walter. Same food, great Kitsch décor. Calle 240A #3023 esq. a 3ra C, Malecon #25, 3rd floor e Prado y locale. San Rafael #469 e/ Lealtad y Jaimanitas Carcel, Centro Habana Calle 6 #122 e/ 1a y 3a, Miramar Campanario, Centro Habana (+53) 5-286-7039 (+53) 7-860-2947 (+53) 5-478-7871 (+53) 7-860-9109 TOP PICK Lawww.laguarida.com Guarida

Style of food: Contemporary fusion 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

El Litoral TOP PICK Style of food International Cost Expensive Type of place Private (Paladar)

Best for Quality décor, good service and great food. Best new place recently opened. Don’t Miss Drinking a cocktail at sunset watching the world go by on the Malecón

Malecón #161 e/ K y L, Vedado. (+53) 7-830-2201

Nazdarovie TOP PICK Style of food Soviet Cost Moderate Type of place Private (Paladar)

Best for Getting a flavor of Cuban-Soviet history along with babuska’s traditional dishes in a classy locale.

Don’t miss Vodka sundowners on the gorgeous terrace overlooking the malecon.

Malecon #25 3rd floor e/ Prado y Carcel, Centro Habana (+53) 7-860-2947

Santy TOP PICK

Style of food Sushi Cost Moderate Type of place Private (Paladar)

Best for Fabulous sushi, wonderful ambience overlooking fishing boats heading out to sea. World class.

Don’t miss Getting a reservation here.

Calle 240A #3023 esq. 3raC, Jaimanitas (+53) 5-286-7039 Café Bohemia TOP PICK Style of food Traditional Cost Moderate 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

Iván Chef Justo TOP PICK Style of food Spanish Cost Expensive Type of place Private (Paladar)

Best for Spectacular innovative food. Light and airy place where it always seems to feel like Springtime.

Don’t Miss The lightly spiced grilled mahi-mahi served with organic tomato relish. Try the suckling pig and stay for the cuatro leches.

Aguacate #9, Esq. Chacón, Habana Vieja. (+53) 7-863-9697 / (+53) 5-343-8540

Los Mercaderes TOP PICK Style of food Cuban-Creole Cost Moderate Type of place Private (Paladar)

Best for Beautiful colonial house. Popular place with quality food and great service.

Dont’t Miss The balcony view to the colonial epicenter of La Habana Vieja.

Calle Mercaderes No. 207 altos e/ Lamparilla y Amargura. Habana Vieja

(+53) 7861 2437 y (+53) 5290 1531

Casa Miglis TOP PICK 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 (+53) 7-864-1486 www.casamiglis.com

HAVANA’S best Bars & Clubs

TRADITIONAL BARS EL FLORIDITA 1950S SLOPPY JOE’S CERVECERÍA ANTIGUO ALMACÉN DE LA TRADITIONALS BAR Hemingway’s daiquiri bar. MADERA Y EL TABACO Touristy but always full of life. GUEST PERFORMERS INCLUDE Recently (beautifully) Great cocktails. BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB renovated. Full of history. Microbrewery located MEMBERS Popular. Lacks a little ‘grime’. overlooking the restored Obispo #557 esq. a Monserrate, docks Simply brilliant. Habana Vieja Sociedad Rosalía de Castro, Egido Ánimas esq. a Zulueta, Habana 504 e/ Monte y Dragones, Old (+53) 7-867-1299 Vieja Avenida del Puerto y San Ignacio, Havana La Habana Vieja (+53) 5-270-5271 (+53) 7-866-7157

CONTEMPORARY BARS EL COCINERO ESPACIOS TABARISH FAC

Fabulous rooftop setting, Laid back contemporary bar A comfortable place to chat X Alfonso’s new cultural great service, cool vibe. with a real buzz in the back / hang out with your friends. center. Great concerts, funky beer-garden. Great service. young scene. Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado Calle 10 #510, e/ 5ta y 31, Calle 20 #503, e/ 5ta y 7ma. (next to the Puente de Hierro) Miramar (+53) 7-832-2355 (+53) 7-202-9188 (+53) 5-329-6325 (+53) 7-836-3031 www.facebook.com/fabrica. deartecubano

CONTEMPORARY BARS/CLUBS DON CANGREJO BOLABANA CORNER CAFÉ SANGRI-LA

Love it/hate it—this is the Packed night after night with For the cool kids. Basement oldest Friday night party a young dressed-up clientele Highly frequented by locals. bar/club which gets packed place and is still going strong. wanting to party. Don’t go Great tapas. Live Music at weekends. Outdoor by the sea. looking for Buena Vista Social performances every day . Club! Calle B e/ 1ra y 3ra. Plaza de la Ave. 21 e/ 36 y 42, Miramar Ave. 1ra e/ 16 & 18, Miramar Revolución Calle 39 esq. 50, Playa (+53) 7-264-8343 (+53) 7-204-3837 (+53) 7837 1220 (+53) 5 -294-3572

GAY-FRIENDLY CABARET FASHION BAR CAFÉ BAR LAS VEGAS HAVANA MADRIGAL

Can get dark and smoky but great A superb example of queer class Pop décor, fancy cocktails, and the drag show (11pm) from Divino—one meets camp, accompanied by a staff’s supercilious attitude, this of Cuba’s most accomplished drag is a gathering spot for all types of acts. folks. San Juan de Dios, esq. a Aguacate, Ave. 21 e/ 36 y 42, Miramar Calle 17 #809 e/ 2 y 4, Vedado Habana Vieja (+53) 7-264-8343 (+53) 7-831-2433 (+53) 7-867-1676 Corner Café TOP PICK Contemporary Bar/clubs

Best for Highly frequented by locals. Great tapas

Don’t Miss Live Music performances every day at 11pm

Calle B e/ 1ra y 3ra. Plaza de la Revolución (+53) 7837 1220

Espacios TOP PICK Contemporary Bar/clubs Best for Laid back lounge atmosphere in the garden area which often has live music. Good turnover of people. Don’t Miss Ray Fernandez, Tony Avila, Yasek Mazano playing live sets in the garden.

Calle 10 #510 e/ 5ta y 31, Miramar (+53) 7-202-2921

Sangri-La TOP PICK Contemporary Bar/clubs

Best for Hanging out with the cool kids on the Havana Farundula in the most popular bar/club.

Don’t Miss The best gin and tonic in Havana.

Ave. 21 e/ 36 y 42, Miramar (+53) 5-264-8343

Bolabana TOP PICK Contemporary

Best for Trendy new location near Salón Rosado de la Tropical

Don’t Miss Hipsters meet the Havana Farándula

Calle 39 esq. 50, Playa Sloppy Joe´s Bar TOP PICK Bar / Traditional

Best for Immense original bar lovingly restored. Good service, History.

Worst for Not quite grimy. Too clean.

Ánimas, esq. Zulueta La Habana Vieja, (07) 866-7157

Fábrica de Arte TOP PICK Contemporary Bar

Best for X Alfonso’s superb new cultural center has something for everyone Don’t Miss Artists who exhibit work should demonstrate ongoing creativity and a commitment for social transformation.

Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro)

Fashion Bar TOP PICK Havana GAy friendly Best for A superb example of queer class meets camp, accompanied by a fantastic floor show.

Don’t Miss The staff performing after 11pm

San Juan de Dios, esq. a Aguacate, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-867-1676

Bertolt Brecht TOP PICK Contemporary Bar/clubs

Best for Hanging out with hip & funky Cubans who like their live music.

Don’t Miss Interactivo playing on a Wednesday evening.

Calle 13 e/ I y J, Vedado (+53) 7-830-1354 Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

Havana’s best live music venues

Concert venues

karl marx Basílica San fábrica de sala theatre Francisco de arte covarrubias teatro nacional World class musicians Asís X Alfonso’s new cultural Recently renovated, one perform prestigious concerts A truly beautiful church, center. Great concerts inside in Cuba’s best equipped which regularly hosts of Cuba’s most prestigious (small and funky) and outside venues for a multitude of venue. fabulous classical music (large and popular!). concerts. events. Calle 1ra esq. a 10, Miramar Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, Vedado (next to Paseo y 39, Plaza de la Revolución. (+53) 7-203-0801 Oficios y Amargura, Plaza de San the Puente de Hierro) Francisco de Asís, Habana Vieja jazz jazz café café jazz la zorra y miramar el cuervo

A staple of Havana’s jazz scene, Clean, modern and atmospheric. Intimate and atmospheric, this the best jazz players perform here. Where Cuba’s best musicians jam basement jazz club, which you Somewhat cold atmosphere-wise. and improvise. enter through a red telephone box, is Cuba’s most famous.

Galerías de Paseo Cine Teatro Miramar Ave. 1ra e/ Paseo y A, Vedado 10:30pm – 2am Calle 23 e/ N y O, Vedado Ave. 5ta esq. a 94, Miramar (+53) 7-833-2402 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 musicians. Recently A little rough around the Smaller and more up-market where Arsenio tore it up. renovated with an excellent edges but spacious. For better than its newer twin in Centro Look for a salsa/timba gig new sound system. or worse, this is ground zero Habana. An institution in the on a Sat night and a Sun matinee. Ave. Paseo esq. a 39, Plaza de la for the best in Cuban salsa. Havana salsa scene. Revolución Ave. 41 esq. a 46, Playa Times: varies wildly (+53) 7-878-4273 Galiano e/ Neptuno y Concordia, Calle 20 esq. a 35, Miramar Centro Habana (+53) 7-204-0447 (+53) 7-203-5322 (+53) 7-860-8296/4165 contemporary

café tatro don cangrejo el sauce teatro de bertolt brecht bellas artes Love it/hate it—this is the Great outdoor concert Think MTV Unplugged when oldest Friday night party venue to hear the best in musicians play. Hip, funky Small intimate venue inside place and is still going strong. contemporary & Nueva Trova and unique with an artsy Cuba’s most prestigious arts Outdoor by the sea. live in concert. Cuban crowd. museum. Modern.

Calle 13 e/ I y J, Vedado Ave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, Miramar Ave. 9na #12015 e/ 120 y 130, Trocadero e/ Zulueta y (+53) 7-830-1354 (+53) 7-204-3837 Playa Monserrate, Habana Vieja. (+53) 7-204-6428

trova & traditional

Barbaram gato tuerto tradicionales salón 1930 pepito´s bar de los 50 compay segundo Late night place to hear Some of the best Cuban The 1950s traditionals, a fabulous bolero singers. Can Nueva Trova musicians project created over 10 years Buena Vista Social Club get smoky. perform in this small and ago, pays tribute to the style set in the grand Hotel intimate environment. Golden Era of Cuban music: Nacional. the 1950s. Calle 26 esq. a Ave. del Zoológico. Calle O entre 17 y 19, Vedado Nuevo Vedado Sociedad Rosalia de Castro, Egido Hotel Nacional (+53) 7-833-2224 #504 e/ Monte y Dragones, (+53) 7-881-1808 Calle O esq. a 21, Vedado Havana Vieja (+53) 7-835-3896 (+53) 7-861-7761 Havana’s Best Hotels

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

Simply the best… Iberostar Santa Isabel Saratoga Terral Parque Central Luxurious historic mansion Stunning view from roof-top Wonderful ocean front Luxury hotel overlooking facing Plaza de Armas pool. Beautiful décor. location. Newly renovated. Parque Central Paseo del Prado #603 esq. a Malecón esq. a Lealtad, Centro Neptuno e/ Prado y Zulueta, Narciso López, Habana Vieja Dragones, Habana Vieja Habana Habana Vieja (+53) 7-860-8201 (+53) 7-860-8201 (+53) 7-862-8061 (+53) 7-860-6627

Boutique Hotels in Old Havana Florida Palacio del Hostal Valencia conde de Beautifully restored colonial Marqués... Immensely charming, great villanueva house. value Cuban baroque meets . Delightfully small and Obispo #252, esq. a Cuba, Habana modern minimalist Oficios #53 esq. a Obrapía, intimate. For cigar lovers. Vieja Habana Vieja Oficios #152 esq. a Amargura, Mercaderes #202, Lamparilla (+53) 7-862-4127 (+53) 7-867-1037 Habana Vieja (+53) 7-862-9293

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- Ave Paseo e/ 1ra y 3ra, Vedado Ave. 3ra y 70, Miramar modern rooms. fi. Modern. (+53) 7- 833-3636 (+53) 5-204-8500 Ave. 5ta. e/ 70 y 72, Miramar Ave. 3ra. y 70, Miramar (+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 Spectacular views over wave- aficionados garden restaurant. architecture. Gorgeous lashed Malecón Calle Obispo #153 esq. a Trocadero #55 entre Prado y gardens. Paseo y Malecón, Vedado Mercaderes, Habana Vieja Zulueta, Habana Vieja Calle O esq. a 21, Vedado (+53) 7-836-4051 (+53) 7- 860-9529 (+53) 7-860-8560 (+53) 7-835 3896

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 Almendares. location. Popular. bit of a buzz Calle 28-A e/ 49-A y 49-B, Galiano e/ Sán Lázaro y Malecón, Calle O e/ 23 y 25, Vedado Calle O e/ 23 y 25, Vedado Reparto Kohly, Playa Centro Habana (+53) 7-833-3740 (+53) 7-836-4072 (+53) 7-204-9232 (+53) 7-866-8812 Havana’s best private places to stay

Mid range - Casa Particular (B&B) 1932 Miramar 301 Habana Julio y Elsa Visually stunning, historically Luxury House Beautiful colonial townhouse Cluttered bohemian feel. fascinating. Welcoming. with great location. Hospitable. Campanario #63 e/ San Lázaro y Calle Habana #209, e/ Consulado #162 e/ Colón y Laguna, Centro Habana 4 bedrooms private luxury Empedrado, y Tejadillo, Habana Trocadero, Centro Habana villa with swimming pool (+53) 7-863-6203 Vieja. ( +53) 7-861-8027 (+53) 7-861-0253

Up-scale B&Bs (Boutique hostals) Cañaveral House Vitrales Casa Escorial Hostal Guanabo But undoubtedly the most Hospitable, attractive and Attractive accomodations Beautiful 4 bedroom sea- beautiful about private homes reliable boutique B&B with 9 with a panoramic view of front villa in sleepy Guanabo. in Cuba bedrooms. Plaza Vieja Excellent food. 39A street, #4402, between 44 y Habana #106 e/ Cuarteles y Mercaderes # 315 apt 3 e/ Calle 480 #1A04 e/ 1ra y 3ra, 46, Playa, La Habana Cuba Chacón, Habana Vieja Muralla y Teniente Rey, Plaza Guanabo (+53) 295-5700 (+53) 7-866-2607 Vieja, Habana Vieja (+53) 7-799-0004 http://www.cubaguesthouse.com/ (+53) 5-268 6881; 5-278 6148 canaveral.home.html?lang=en [email protected]

Apartment rentals Bohemia Boutique Casa Concordia Tropicana Suite Havana Apartments Beautifully designed Penthouse Elegant 2-bedroom Gorgeous 1-bedroom and spacious 3 bedroom A luxurious penthouse apartment in restored apartment beautifully apartment. Spanish colonial with huge roof terrace and colonial building. Quality loft decorated apartment interiors with cheerful, arty breath-taking 360 degree style décor. overlooking Plaza Vieja. accents. views of Havana and the Lamparilla #62 altos e/ San Ignacio #364 e/ Muralla y Concordia #151 apto. 8 esq. a San ocean. Mercaderes y San Ignacio, Nicolás, Centro Habana Habana Vieja Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja Galiano #60 Penthouse Apt.10 e/ (+53) 5- 403-1 568 (+53) 5-254-5240 San Lázaro y Trocadero (+53) 5-829-6524 (+53) 7-836-6567 www.casaconcordia.net (+53) 5-254-5240 www.havanabohemia.com 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 formerly owned by Fulgencio This leafy oasis in western garden and great pool. Batista. Beautiful wild garden. A sprawling vanilla-hued Havana has an attractive mansion with 6 rooms Calle 17 #1101 e/ 14 y 16, Vedado Morro-Cabaña Park. House #29 mosaic tiled pool and three decorated with colonial-era (+34) 677525361 (+53) 5-294-5397 modern bedrooms. (+53) 7-832-1927 lamps, tiles and Louis XV (+53) 5-360-0456 www.havanacasablanca.com Calle 66 #4507 e/ 45 y Final, furniture Playa Vedado. (+53) 7-209-0084 (+53) 5-370-5559 TOP PICK Bohemia Boutique 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

TOP PICK Bohemia Boutique 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 www.havanabohemia.com

TOP PICK Casa Escorial

Best for Attractive accomodations with a panoramic view of Plaza Vieja

Don’t Miss The smell of fresh made coffee from the café below.

Mercaderes # 315 apt 3 e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, Habana Vieja (+53) 5-268 6881; 5-278-6148 [email protected]

TOP PICK Cañaveral House Best for Large elegant villa away from downtown Havana. Great for families or groups of friends.

Don’t Miss Basking in the sun as you stretch out on the lawn of the beautifully kept garden.

39A street, #4402, between 44 y 46, Playa, La Habana Cuba (+53) 295-5700 http://www.cubaguesthouse.com lahabana.com Wishes to thank all of the following entities for their support and Thank You involvement with La Habana.com

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