what on havana - Cubaism · Guitarra de La Habana (April 20-27). ... Alfonso @ Teatro Karl Marx April 6, 13 & 20, 5pm not to miss during April 2014 what’s on havana 30

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April 9-14, 2014 Habana Vieja — Ciudad en movimiento Cine Pobre: Cuba’s hippest film festival The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba

what’s onhavana

RestauRants—BaRs & CluBs—aCCommodation

April 22-27, 2014 (Gibara)

by Julia Cooke

havana Guide:

http://www.cubaism.com/

editoRial‘Cuban dancing is famous for its libidinous rhythms and sensuous close-ups. Inheriting a love for dancing from childbirth and able to replicate perfect salsa steps by the age of two or three, most Cubans are natural performers who approach dance with a complete lack of self-consciousness.’ Lonely Planet 2013

This month’s issue is dedicated to dance. To the army of girls in long skirts who learn Spanish dance at one of Havana’s many dance schools; to the dancers of Tropicana who continue to dazzle all-comers on a nightly basis; to Ecos with their passion for flamenco; and to Isabel Bustos and her Group Retazos who, every April, turn balconies, windows, stairs and walls into stages for Habana Vieja: Ciudad en movimiento (April 9-14).

Musicwise, look out for regular concerts at the Fábrica de Arte Cubana including Norberto Rodríguez on April 5. Raúl Paz plays the same night at El Sauce and don’t miss the Leo Brouwer-founded Festival de Guitarra de La Habana (April 20-27).

Outside of Havana Cine Pobre—Cuba’s hippest film festival has come home to Gibara (April 22-27). Golf aficionados should not miss Cuba’s premier golf tournament, which takes place Varadero from April 10-12. On the travel side, Tom Miller’s piece on Baracoa from the excellent Trading with the Enemy remains relevant and Christopher Baker reminds us how the Tropicana manages to mix Cuban socialism and sensuality with such aplomb.

The old and the new Cuba stand side by side as we feature extracts from Cuba Then: Rare & classic images from the Ramiro A. Fernández collection—a stunning collection of pictures of Cuba from before the Revolution, and Julia Cooke’s The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the new Cuba, which offers a wonderful series of poignant insights to lives spent waiting for change.

April 2014 Highlights (Havana, unless stated) • Muestra Joven ICAIC 2014: April 1-6, 2014 • Cuba Domadores vs US Knockouts—WSB Quarterfinal: April 4 & 11, 2014• Festival de Música y Poesía Nicolás Guillén: April 8-11, 2014 • Serie Nacional de Béisbol Finals: April 8-17• Habana Vieja: Ciudad en movimiento: April 9-14, 2014• Gran Torneo de Cuba Golf: April 10-12, 2014 (Varadero) • Festival Internacional de Guitarra: April 20-27, 2014 • Cine Pobre: April 22-27 (Gibara)

Thanks to all of our contributors, sponsors, partners and readers. Do please keep providing us with your feedback, comments and suggestions. All enquiries should be directed to Sophia Beckman at [email protected]. Finally spare a thought for the US Domadores up against the all star Cuban team in the World Series of Boxing Quarter Final. All the best. Viva Cuba!

Cover picture of the Cuban dancers Gema Domínguez and Indiana Marzán on Prado Avenue, March 2014. Photo by Alex Mene.

Carlos Morales and Indiana Marzan in Old Havana. March 2014. Photo by Alex Mene.

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havana listinGs

Habana Vieja—Ciudad en movimiento p5 April 9-14, 2014 Isabel Bustos—Andalusian passion p9by Margaret Atkins

An Army of Little Girls in long skirts p11by Margaret Atkins

Cuba Then: Rare & classic images from the Ramiro A. Fernández collection p13The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba p16. Par Julia Cooke

Visual Art p20 — Photography p26 — Cinema P28 — Dance p29 — Music p33 — Theatre p40 — For Kids p41 — May Day p46

Cine Pobre: Cuba’s hippest film festival is back p43 April 22 to 27, 2014The Gran Torneo de Cuba Golf 2014 p45 April 10-12

USA Knockouts vs Cuba Domadores (WSB Q Final) p47 April 4 & 11 2014 Serie Nacional de Béisbol Finals p48 April 8-17, 2014

Backwards in time to Baracoa p50by Tom Miller

Cuban cabarets—Socialism and sensuality p54by Christopher Baker

Restaurants—Bars & Clubs—Accommodation p57

otheR events in CuBa

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havana Guide

Friends on the Malecón Photo by Alex Mene, March 2014.

FeatuRes

apRil 2014

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14XX Encuentro Internacional de Academias de Ballet. April 13-18

21Taller Internacional de Teatro de Títeres in Matanzas City, April 21-27

15Girl’s night out — El Cocinero, Up & Down, Sangri-La

22Cine Pobre: April 22-27 (Gibara)

29Movie night at home.

28A day of rest and relaxation —smoke a Big Fat One and take the day off.

16Qva Libre @ Café Cantante Mi Habana, 5pm

23Dinner at El Litoral, one of Havana’s best new restaurants—watch life pass by on Malecón.

18 Opening of exhibition dedicated to Antonia Eiriz @ Biblioteca Nacional José Martí

25Dinner at La Guarida Havana’s legendary restaurant located in Centro Havana.

19Antigonón, un contingente épico @ Teatro Trianón, 8.30pm

13La Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García @ El Sauce, 5pm

20Easter Sunday

Festival Internacional de Guitarra: April 20-27

27 Beach day – Playas del Este to build sandcastles followed by pizza at Piccolo in Guanabo

17Dinner at Santy, Jaimanitas’s off the beaten track world class sushi restaurant.

24Ballet Nacional de Cuba @ Teatro Mella, 8.30pm — world premiere of Caleidos

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12Amigas by Ballet Lizt Alfonso @ Teatro Karl Marx. April 5, 10-12, 17-19 @ 8.30pm

11US Knockouts vs Cuba Domadores: WSB: QF (Second leg) @Nort-East US 8pm

10Gran Torneo de Cuba Golf: April 10-12, (Varadero)

9Habana Vieja: Ciudad en movimiento: April 9-14

26 Antigonón, un contingente épico @ Teatro Trianón, 8.30pm

7Festival de Música y Poesía Nicolás Guillén: April 8-11

8Serie Nacional de Béisbol Finals: April 8-17

Opening of Lipstick by Osiris Cisneros Ortega @ Fábrica de arte Cubano (F.A.C.)

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March 31 Read up on Cuba’s new foreign investment act

1Muestra Joven ICAIC 2014: April 1-6

Yasek Manzano @ Centro Hispano Americano, 5pm

2BarrioCuento 2014 in Pinar del Rio, April 2-6

3Festival Piña Colada in Ciego de Ávila, April 3-6

4Cuba Domadores vs US Knockouts WSB: QF (First leg) @Ciudad Deportiva, Habana, 8pm

5Raúl Paz @ El Sauce, 10pm

Ballet Español de Cuba @ Teatro Mella. April 4 & 5, 8:00pm; (Sun, 5pm )

6Amigas by Ballet Lizt Alfonso @ Teatro Karl Marx

April 6, 13 & 20, 5pm

not to miss during April 2014 what’s on havana

30Boy’s night out—Don Cangrejo, Las Piedras, Dos Gardenias,

1 MayInternational Workers Day, March in Plaza de la Revolución


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April 9 to 13, 2014

Habana ViejaCiudad en movimiento(Old Havana, City in Motion)

19 International Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes

Carlos Morales, Cuban dancerPhoto by Alex Mene.



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It was Monday, April 15th, 2013. As I walked down Mercaderes, one of the busiest streets in Havana’s Historic Center, a strange quietness filled the air. Usually noisy and crowded, the streets seemed haunted by silence. This was the last day of the 18th International Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes known as Old Havana: City in Motion.

Every April, visitors to Old Havana’s historical centre will find squares, parks, streets, museums and old houses possessed by a dancing spirit. And it was this spirit invoked by dancer and choreographer Isabel Bustos and her company Retazos, which turns balconies, windows, stairs and walls into stages for the International Dance Festival.

This absolutely unique dance festival began in 1996 in two or three house-museums in the Historical Center of Havana. In the words of Isabel Bustos, it started with “five or six people who ran from house to house, from balcony to balcony, from courtyard to courtyard, from garden to garden, two dancers here, two there.” Since then, it has gradually taken over almost all of the institutions run by the Office of the Historian as well as the main squares and streets in all the ancient parts of the city.

The premise behind the International Dance Festival is to draw inspiration from the city’s architecture, to awaken the imagination, to

Photos by Alex Mene

promote new creative environments and to encourage the exchange of ideas and artistic experiences between the people of different languages and cultures. The invitation goes out from the Retazos Company which is directed by Isabel Bustos. Hundreds of Cubans and foreign visitors attend, fascinated by this opportunity to translate into movement the sensations and emotions that are awakened by the beauty of the splendid Havana architecture.

For this year’s festival expect Old Havana’s plazas and streets to be filled with over 1,500 participants that include dancers, choreographers, musicians

Habana ViejaCiudad en movimiento 2013by Victoria Alcalá



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and painters from all over the world. Part of the International City Dance Network established in Barcelona this is a real cultural highlight in the beating heart of Old Havana, which should not be missed.

2014: Details of Event

Hundreds of dancers, artists and choreographers from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Spain, France, Mexico and Venezuela will take part in the event.

Meetings, exhibitions, lectures, video-dance showings and passacaglias will take place during the mornings, while master classes, passacaglias and workshops will be held in the afternoons. The evenings have been reserved for shows.

The principal stages will be Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza Vieja; Rumiñahui, Simón Bolívar and Las Carolinas Parks; Galería Oswaldo Guayasamín, Casa Benito Juárez, Casa Simón Bolívar, Casa de la Poesía, Factoría Habana, Vitrina de Valonia, Las Carolinas Theater and the streets of Mercaderes, Oficios, Amargura and Obrapía.

For more information see Teatro Carolina Amargura No. 61 e/ San Ignacio y Mercaderes, Habana Vieja, www.danzateatroretazos.cu



http://www.danzateatroretazos.cu

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opening & Closing Ceremony (April 9 & 13)

April 9, 4pm at Teatro Las Carolinas. Gigantería Stilt Walking Company (Havana) / Passacaglias for the opening of exhibitions Transparencias (Isabel Bustos and José Eduardo Yanes, Pantalla TV Movimiento y Ciudad).

April 9, 9pm at Plaza de Armas. Opening of the 19th International Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes. Old Havana: City in Motion with the premiere of Retornos: Gente y ciudad, choreography by Isabel Bustos with the performance of Gente y ciudad, a premiere by the Retazos Dance Company.

hiGhliGhts & pRoGRam

April 13, 9pm Closing Ceremony at Plaza de Armas,

Daily Program (April 10-12)

11am to 1.30pm: Shows for kids at various venues (Sat and Sun ONLY)

3pm starting at Plaza de Armas. Gigantería Stilt Walking Company (Havana) and TECMA (Pinar del Río) / Passacaglia presenting guest companies on streets, parks and plazas

6pm at Casa Benito Juárez, Casa Simón Bolívar, Casa de la Poesía, Factoría Habana, Vitrina de Valonia;

7pm at Casa Guayasamín;

8pm at Casa de África;

9pm at Las Carolinas Theater

Video-Dance Festival (April 7-12)Plaza de Armas

April 9, 8.30pm, Showing of Cosecha, Prizewinner of Technologias que danzan, 2013

Espacio DV DANZA a La Cancha (Calle Amargura e/ Mercaderes y San Ignacio)

April 10, 8.30pm, Works performed in the Festival Breaking 8, Italia

April 11, 8.30pm, Works performed by British choreographer and filmmaker Billy Cowie

April 12, 8.30pm, Screening of selected international works

April 13, 8.30pm, Screening of selected national works



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visual aRts

BreyApril 11-June 30 Installations, sculptures, two-dimensional works and photographs by Ricardo Rodríguez Brey (1955), a member of the mythical group Volumen I and a pioneer of conceptual art in Cuba, and who lives abroad since 1990, in a retrospective that will offer a comprehensive look into the work of this artist throughout his life.

No agradezcan el silencio by Alexis Leyva (Kcho), Through April

No agradezcan el silencio is an installation by artist Alexis Leyva (Kcho) who has reproduced a Special House Unit, known as The Hole, of Miami’s Federal Detention Center, based on letters and testimonies from the five Cuban antiterrorists three of whom remain imprisoned in the US. Those who wish so may remain locked for five minutes inside the cell that is about 15 feet long and 7 feet wide (4 by 2m) dressed in prison clothes. The installation includes a small room (also behind bars) for temporary exhibitions and a small “classroom” for the screening of some of the audiovisuals which have been made on the subject of the Cuban Five throughout 15 years of struggle for their liberation.

Espacio mínimoApril through June

Over 50 pieces by Raúl Milián, one of the most significant Cuban artists of the second half of the 20th centiruy, who has depicted a complex and anguished inner world through small scale excellent ink paintings.

EDIFICIo DE ARTE CUBANo. mUSEo NACIoNAL DE BELLAS ARTES



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Exposición homenaje a Antonia Eiriz Biblioteca Nacional José martí, opens April 18

Exhibition on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the birth of painter, draftswoman and printmaker Antonia Eiriz, one of the great iconoclasts of Cuban painting in the 20th century. The show Th includes works in different formats and media by this artist of heartrending expressionism, and whose principal themes include death and sorrow. Her “assemblies of the 1960s”--made of scrap material--have been considered precursors of the new aesthetic that would be established in 1980s Cuban art.

Exposición personal de Tomás Sánchez Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam, April 10-may 10

Almost 20 years after having had a solo exhibition in Cuba, one of the indisputable masters of Cuban contemporary painting will present his most recent work in photography with large scale landscape pictures taken in northern Cuba and in Costa Rica.

Roberto Fabelo Casa museo Antonia Eiriz Throughout April

Painter Roberto Fabelo Pérez, one of the most important artists of contemporary Cuban art, will pay tribute to Antonia Eiriz, her teachings and to the imprint of her work on Cuban artists of later generations. The museum is located in the outskirts of Havana (in the same district as the Hemingway Museum at Finca Vigía): Pasaje 2da e/ Piedra y Soto, El Juanelo, San Miguel del Padrón



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Galería Collage Habana

APrIL-MAy En rosa proposes different works by young female artists who reveal feminine subjectivity and their imprint in their pieces.

Galería Espacio Abierto

APrIL-MAy Contradicciones de Occidente by Ángel Alonso Blanco focuses on the contradictions of western culture and the self-centeredness of contemporary man with regards to his surroundings, which leads them to self-destruction.

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam

APrIL 11 MAy 13

Las formas del silencio, an exhibition of works made out of different materials and some paintings, by the Cuban sculptor Agustín Cárdenas (1907-2001.

APrIL 15 MAy 15

Tiempo detenido, solo show by Nieves Torralba with her most recent drawings. She will be painting a large mural painting on the back walls of the gallery.

Galería Galiano

THrouGHouT APrIL

Ojo de agua, a solo show by artist Adonis Ferro.

Centro Cultural Fresa y Chocolate

THrouGHouT APrIL

Solo exhibition by visual artist Frank Rodríguez Ventosa (F. Rodvent) with small- and medium-size drawings done in mixed technique, along with sculptures made of artificial stone with which he aims to reflect on the analogies of his experiences and existence itself.

Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura

oPENS APrIL 11 Once more the concept of travel is the theme of a very diverse show—Agua salada, in which water, salt and travel are the basis of the visual harmonization of young artists José Eduardo Yaque, Darwin Estacio, Michel Pérez Pollo, Alejandro Campins, Luis Enrique López-Chávez, Alberto Lago, Elizabeth Cerviño and Yornel J. Martínez Elías, who—they too—have traveled from their native town of Manzanillo to Havana where they now live and work.

Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam

THrouGH APrIL 18

Duniesky Martin’s project Memoria perfecta is structured on five pieces that reflect on the contextual adaptation of heroism and the relative character of its values based on components such as the collective memory, esthetic paradigms, cultural stereotypes and the media.

THrouGH APrIL 18

The Pure Land, a show by Yornel J. Martínez, is focused on poetics as a tangible conception of the unexplainable.

Factoría Habana

oPENS APrIL 11

In Mordida, Celia y Yunior, Dennis Izquierdo, Mauricio Abad and Marcel Márquez have conceived this show as a reaction to institutionally conditioned social processes that aim to unify the organic process of a society.

oPENS APrIL 24, 2PM

The Laboratory of Ideas will discuss the topic “A look into unattended information from the viewpoint of visual art” in reference to the show Mordida.

Galería Luz y oficios

APrIL 8 MAy 5

In Muela Bizca, Sanfis Suárez makes use of his profession as graphic designer to reflect on history and social behavior.

APrIL 8 MAy 4

Solo lo que vemos, a show by Enrique Ángel Cabrera, takes a look into the representation of time as a phenomenon that attacks human personality—it shows a man who cannot quite understand his own present time and has to resort to the past, which he also did not understand at all.

THrouGH APrIL 23

Tríptico by Alejandro Jurado, Armando Pérez and Alberto Herrera is a look into the paintings of these artists who base their work on expressionism and abstraction.



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Galería Villa Manuela

THrouGHouT APrIL

Avalancha, a group exhibition by los artistas Alejandro Campins, Alejandro González and Armando Capó.

Galería Servando

APrIL 11 MAy 3

Graduation thesis of Karlos Pérez, a student of the University of the Arts (ISA).

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Internacional

THrouGHouT APrIL

400 años después. Samuráis en el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is made up 25 Japanese woodcuts (relief printing artistic technique in printmaking also known as xylography) from the Asia Collection of the museum, samurai-related pieces of the “floating world” genre of ukiyo-e, whose artists belonged mostly to the Utagawa school of Japanese woodblock print artists.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte Cubano

APrIL 18 JuLy 7

Imalabra is a 46-year retrospective of the renowned Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell. The opening on April 1, 4pm, which is the artist’s 75th birthday, the actress and theater director Rosa Luisa Márquez and the artist himself will present Veveviejo, an adpatation for the stage of texts by Martorell.

Palacio de Lombillo

THrouGHouT APrIL

In Diálogo, the painter José Ángel Báez look preents 16 drawings based on sketches by one of the greats: Petrus Paulus Rubens.

Miramar Trade Center

THrouGH APrIL 21

El mundo de la princesa, first show in Havana of Cienfuegos-born artist Lisbeth Ledo, proposes a game of appearances between a supposed naivety and fantasy against disquieting emotions and possibilities



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photoGRaphy

Documents the artist’s interest for mapping cities—in this show, in Cuba, Spain and France—leaving symbols and characters on walls and other surfaces.

Campos de batalla by Ossain Raggi Fototeca de Cuba, Through April 21A dialogue between pictures on dioramas representing battle fields in Europe, by Björk Larson, and the pictures taken by Ossain Raggi showing the sites where the most important battles in Cuban history took place.

Respira by Glenda Salazar Fototeca de Cuba, Through April 21

Salvaje by María CanoSala de la Diversidad, opens April 24A tour of the ten-year work carried out as a photographer by María Cano and her internist, artistic approach to the animal life of different geographical regions.

The artist will talk about her experiences as a nature photographer on April 25, 2pm at Sociedad Patrimonio, Comunidad y Medio Ambiente (Amargura #60 entre Mercaderes y San Ignacio, Old Havana.

Fototeca de Cuba

APrIL 23 MAy 14

Compulsión by Irolan Maroselli and Yoannys Aldaya Irolan Maroselli and Yoannys Aldaya use their bodies as models and play different roles to criticize certain social contexts.

De la Lleca al Cohue: by Violet Bulé A project by Violet Bulé who considers photography as an instrument for social action. The results of workshops organized in penitentiary centers with inmates show the inner world of the persons behind the camera and their associations with concepts like brotherhood, the constitution of a group as family, and social dynamics beyond those related to violence and survival.

Sala de la Diversidad

THrouGH APrIL 21

El Caribe en todo sentido, Videos and graphic works that show the Colombian Caribbean region from five different fields: its nature, its people, word, action and expression.



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danCe This new version of the internationally famous Amigas, a heartrending story of reencounters, forgiveness and friendship, brings new complexities and greater stage dynamics thanks to new actors and roles in this version of Amigas: Geidy Chapman will make her debut in the role of Regla (in which she will alternate with singer Sory); Lieter Ledezma and Marino Luzardo will play the TV announcer of the once popular show Música y Estrellas, and Osvaldo Doimeadiós will play the coordinator and will also be the assistant director of this production, and singers Yaíma Sáez and Niurka Reyes will continue in the cast.

AmigasBallet Lizt AlfonsoTeatro Karl marx, April 5, 10-12, 17-19, 8:30pm; April 6, 13 & 20, 5pm

The program is made up by Sonata y fandango, choreographed by Eduardo Veitía, director of the company; Sonata en Re by Pablo Egea, Castilla by Marienma, El violinista by Graciela Santana, and the suite in three movements, Andaluza, Aubade and Navarra by Leslie Ung, based on Jules Massenet’s opera Le Cid. The second part of the show includes the world premiere of Entre sombras by Graciela Santana and the presentation of Esencia, Arte y Tronío by Francis Núñez; Añoranza and Soleá por bulerías by Pablo Egea, and Fin de fiesta with the participation of the entire company.

On April 6, 11 am, the show for kids will present Los zapaticos de rosa by Leslie Ung, based on the poem of the same name by José Martí. Over 1,000 dancers from different workshops and dance schools will participate in this show.

Concert programBallet Español de CubaTeatro mella, Sat, April 4 & 5, 8:00pm; Sun, April 6, 11am (for children) and 5pm

The program includes Umbral (music by Bach); Pretextos (music by Marbehant); A la luz de tus canciones (music by Ernesto Lecuona, Orlando de la Rosa and Adolfo Guzmán), all choreographed by Alicia Alonso; pas de deux of Le Corsair (a version by Alicia Alonso based on Marius Petipa’s original choreography and music by Riccardo Drigo); and the world premiere of Caleidos (music by Camille Saint-Saëns).

AmigasBallet Nacional de CubaTeatro mella, April 24, 8:30pm



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Ecos, with a passion for flamencoby margaret Atkons

In its attempt to conserve traditions brought from the mother-country, Spain bequeathed Cuba a system of charitable and recreational societies. Gradually these became reservoirs of Hispanic culture, particularly for music and dance. A building belonging to one of these societies in the Havana neighborhood of Santos Suarez is the headquarters for the Company “Ecos” -a company celebrating its fifteenth birthday by dancing and singing flamenco.

On the roof of the building is a modest but pleasant hall with salmon-coloured walls that reflect the light from the large windows that provide a refreshing breeze. We are welcomed by the company’s director Ana Rosa Meses. Ana Rosa is a young, lovely woman with a body that has been shaped by a dancer’s training as well as sensuous Cuban curves. She explains that to dance flamenco well, dancers do not necessarily have to have the extremely slim silhouettes. Quite the opposite; you need a bit more substance to create an attitude in the tablao and imbue the movements with all the character they demand. As she speaks, the passion she feels for her work is obvious and, as another dancer in the company later tells us, this is more than an art form, it is a way of life.

One by one, the company’s troupe filters in; first the dancers, then the musicians. There is the more traditional style, coming to us from the

Roxana de los Ríos: Manager Compañía ECOS

La Habana, Cuba

+53 7 8322396 / +53 52543311

[email protected]



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provided by Ana Rosa. They teach classes for girls who love flamenco with a passion. “Because this is something you have to love”. We are invited to one of their gatherings where, in an intimate setting, they sing and dance. We are told that this is where the most delightful improvisations are born, the ones that don’t make it to the stage because the pressures of the audiences tend to dampen them. “These are beautiful moments, but they are terribly ephemeral”. We are also told about their regular shows at El Mesón de la Flota in Habana Vieja which turns into a flamenco tablao every night from Friday to Monday. They tell us about their performances around the world, success in the United Arab Emirates, their recently won Villanueva Critics’ Prize that seems to be their birthday gift, their long and fruitful alliance with the famous Spanish dancer Cristina Hoyos and other well-known bailaores and cantaores who come to Cuba to give classes. “We go to the Malecon, we sing and dance at parties, like they do in Andalucia and we learn more there than we do in any classroom”.

Passion and flamenco: that’s it. No more, no less. I depart with my soul filled with music, my spirit affected by the sadness of the cantos and my feet wanting to strike out rhythms with my heels.

gypsy gatherings of Andalucia, more suited for the taverns and tablaos that abound in Cuba; and then there is the more stylized version, where the rumba flamenca appears to have African overtones and a guaguanco is danced that electrifies us with its expressive power. The accompanying music is live. Of course, the strumming guitars and the voices of the cantaores are there even though no real specialized training for this art form exists in Cuba. They also sing flamenco-tinged boleros and Cuban songs.

Although most of the young dancers are students of National Arts School classes, there are also a few whose only training over the years has been



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Much to the delight of its numerous followers, the International Guitar Festival of Havana is coming back after far too many years of silence. It was founded in 1982 by the superb guitarist, composer and orchestra conductor Leo Brouwer; in previous editions he managed to assemble significant figures from the world of international guitar such as Ichiro Suzuki from Japan, Costas Cotsiolis from Greece, Paco de Lucia from Spain, the Argentine Maria Luisa Anido, Francis Bebey from the Cameroons, David Russell and John Williams from Britain and the Venezuelan Alirio Diaz to the Cuban capital.

From the start, the festival has been distinguished by a broad conceptual base regarding the projection of the guitar and so there has been plenty of room for “classical” guitar alongside of popular and folkloric trends as well as other instruments from the guitar family coming from a variety of different cultures.

Concurso y Festival Internacional de Guitarra de La HabanaFor this edition, the organizers have announced the participation of several guitar maestros, including early music specialists Hopkinson Smith and Anthony Spiri, remarkable figures of contemporary guitar such as Álvaro Pierri, Hubert Käppel, Joaquín Clerch, Ricardo Gallén, Rafael Aguirre, Marco Tamayo, Franz Hallaz and Jorge Luis Zamora, as well as exponents of musical genres, including flamenco guitarist Javier Conde; the Savarez Duo, who play concert popular music; tres player tres player Pancho Amat, and troubadours, guitarists and composers Pedro Luis Ferrer and Silvio Rodríguez. Other performances include Yosniel Rivera, second prize winner in the past two editions of the Isaac Nicola Guitar Competition, and the Sonantas Habaneras Guitar Orchestra. Several guest artists will offer master classes.

April 20 to 27, 2014 Havana

For more information contact: Comité Organizador, Instituto Cubano de la Música, Centro Nacional de Música de Concierto, Teatro Auditórium Amadeo RoldánTel.: Direct: (+53) 832-5552. E-mail: [email protected]



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CoNTEmPoRARy FUSIoN musiC

The contemporary fusion and electronic music scene has expanded recently as new bars and clubs have opened party promoters have organized events in parks and public spaces. Good live music veneus include Bertolt Brecht (Wed – Interactivo, Sunday - Déjá-vu) and El Sauce (check out the Sunday afternoon Máquina de la Melancolía) as well as the newly opened Fábrica de Arte Cubano which has concerts most nights Thursday through Sunday as well as impromptu smaller performances inside. See last month’s issue for more details.

X Alfonso, 2014

Café Cantante, Teatro Nacional

WEDNESDAyS

5 pmPerformances by Qva Libre


APrIL 5

5 pmRocka Blues, headed by Humberto García Manrufo, and a repertoire that combines both rock and blues.

Café Concert El Sauce

SuNDAyS

5 pmLa Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García

Jardines del 1830

SuNDAyS

10pmMoncada, one of the most popular bands in Cuba, playing an extensive repertoire of Cuban and Latin American music

La Gruta

APrIL 5

5 pmTierra Santa and guests.

Casa de la Música de Miramar

TuESDAyS,

5 pmAlexander Abreu y Havana d’Primera Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

APrIL 24

7 pmCanela

Diablo Tun Tun

WEDNESDAyS

5 pmGerardo Alfonso

SAT APrIL 5

10 pmRaul Paz

In Havana’s burgeoning entertainment district along First Avenue from the Karl Marx theatre to the aquarium you are spoilt for choice with the always popular Don Cangreco featuring good live music (Kelvis Ochoas and David Torrens alternate Fridays), Las Piedras (insanely busy from 3am) and El Palio and Melem bar – both featuring different singers and acts in smaller more intimate venues.



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SALSA / TImBA

Casa de la Música de Galiano

WEDNESDAyS 11 pm

THurSDAy 11 pm

José Luis Cortés y NG La Banda

Charanga Latina.

Casa de la Música de Miramar

MoNDAy

WEDNESDAyS

5 pm

Juan Guillermo

THurSDAyS 5 pm Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco

FrIDAyS 5 pm El Niño y La Verdad

11 pm José Luis Cortés y NG La Banda

Alexander Abreu at Casa de la Música de Galiano.

Photo by Alexander Mene

5 pm Sur Caribe

Diablo Tun Tun

TuESDAyS

11 pmEl Noro y Primera Clase

WEDNESDAyS

11 pmTo Mezclao

THurSDAyS

11 pmJosé Luis Cortés y NG La Banda

SATurDAyS Manana Club

11 pm Adalberto Álvarez y su Son

SATurDAyS 5 pm Tumbao Habana

SuNDAyS 5 pm Lázaro Valdés y Bamboleo

5 pm Tania Pantoja



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JAzz

Café Jazz MiramarShows: 10:30pm - 2amThis 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.

Somavilla

SATurDAyS

8:30 pmZule Guerra (sinfer and composer) and Blues d’Havana. (admission free)


APrIL 1

5 pmPerformance by Yasek Manzano (trumpet) and his group

Asociación Cubana de Derechos de Autor Musical

APrIL 17

6 pmProyecto de Jazz Cubano with Alexis Bosch (piano).

uNEAC

APrIL 10

2 pmPeña La Esquina del Jazz hosted by showman Bobby Carcassés.

Teatro Miramar

APrIL 4

7 pmPerformance by showman Bobby Carcassés, along with guest singer Irina and the band Aire de Concierto

Jazz Café Shows: 10:30pm - 2amMellow, 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.

La Zorra y el Cuervo Shows: 10:30pm - 2amThe ‘Fox & Crow’ offers an intimate environment in this basement venue notably marked by a red English telephone box at its entrance. Top jazz players perform here on a nightly basis. Dark, cramped, low ceilings and an absolute firetrap this has much more atmosphere of the gritty kind than the Jazz Café, which seems too pretty and sterile by comparison.



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BoLERo, FoLKLoRE, SoN AND TRoVA

Cabaret Las Vegas

SATurDAyS

4 pmYoruba Andabo (Folkloric group)

Café cantante, Teatro Nacional

THurSDAyS

5 pmElaín Morales.

Casa de la Cultura Comunitaria Mirta Aguirre

APrIL 27

5 pmGet-together with trovador Ireno García.

Asociación yoruba de Cuba

FrIDAyS

8 pmObiní Batá (Folkloric group)

Asociación Cubana de Derechos de Autor Musical

APrIL 26

6 pmManuel Argudín, who sings both traditional songs to the most recent trova.

Centro Iberoamericano de la Décima

APrIL 12

3 pmPerformance by the duet Ad Libitum.

El Jelengue de Areíto

WEDNESDAyS

5 pmTrovando, a meeting with good trova.

Hotel Telégrafo

FrIDAyS

9:30 pmIvette Cepeda, who has been much celebrated thanks to the subtleties she brings to her voice and her wide repertory of Cuban and international music.

Casa de África

APrIL 5

3 pmSíntesis

Casa Memorial Salvador Allende

APrIL 25

5 pmPeña La Juntamenta, with trovadors Ángel Quintero, Benito de la Fuente and Tato Ayress

Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht

APrIL 26

5 pmA bolero puro, show with Rafael Espín and guests.

Casa de la Cultura de Plaza

APrIL 12

7 pmPeña with Marta Campos, renowned singer of contemporary songs with a trova feel to them.

APrIL 27

5 pmEl Jardín de la Gorda with the performances of trovadores from every generation.

Hurón Azul, uNEAC

APrIL 12

10 pmMundito González is one of the most popular Cuban bolero singers.

Casa del Alba

FEB 1

7 pmWith his beautiful and powerful voice, Eduardo Sosa and guests perform highlights of the best Cuban trova of all time.

APrIL 8

7 pmOne-off concert by Vicente Feliú, Lázaro García and Augusto Blanca, with guests Pepe Ordaz and Alejandro Valdés

SATurDAyS

4 pmLos Ibellis (Folkloric group)

SATurDAyS

4 pmWaldo Mendoza, one of Cuba’s most popular singers today.

APrIL 12

3 pmObiní Batá (Folkloric group)

APrIL 24

24 pmPeña El Canto de Todos, with singer-songwriter Vicente Feliú, one of the founding members of Cuban Nueva Trova.

Instituto Internacional de Periodismo José Martí

APrIL 25

6 pmPeña La Pupila Asombrada presents the performances by singer-songwriters along with music videos and shorts made by students from the Audiovisual Media faculty of the University of the Arts.

Piano Bar Tun Tun (Casa de la Música de Miramar)

THurSDAyS

5 pmPeña with trovador Ray Fernández



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ClassiCal musiC

APrIL 19

6 pmConcert by the Ventus Habana wind quintet.

Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

APrIL 12

6 pmSpecial concert by the Camerata Romeu, conducted by Zenaida Romeu.

Photo by Ivan Soca

Biblioteca Nacional José Martí

SATurDAyS

5 pmPerformances by soloists and chamber ensembles.

Casa del ALBA Cultural

APrIL 26

6 pmConcert by the Coro Polifónico de La Habana, conducted by Carmen Collado.

APrIL 20

5 pmDe Nuestra América, conducted by pianist Alicia Perea.

APrIL 6

5 pmEn Confluencia, conducted by guitarists Eduardo and Galy Martín.

APrIL 13

5 pmTarde de Concierto, conducted by the soprano Lucy Provedo.

APrIL 27

5 pmConcert by guitarist Rosa Matos.


APrIL 1

5 pmPresentation of the zarzuela El cafetal, by Ernesto Lecuona, with the performances of soloists and chorus of the Teatro Lírico Nacional.



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APrIL 26

4 pmConcert by the viola player Anolan González and guest musicians.

oratorio San Felipe Neri

APrIL 5

4 pmClosing concert of the workshop organized by the German violinist and musicologist Thomas Hengelbrock for the ISA Symphony Orchestra who will perform along with members of the Balthasar-Neumann-Ensemble conducted by Hengelbrock.

APrIL 27

6 pmThe chamber duo Ondina, made up by Niurka González (flute) and María del Henar Navarro (piano) will play works by Jules Mouquet, Paul Taffanel, Gabriel Fauré, Philippe Gaubert and Henri Büsser.

Sala Ignacio Cervantes

APrIL 13

6 pmThe wind quintet Ébanos de La Habana, conducted by Laura Calderón, will play new pieces of composers J. Montilla and Javier Zalba, as well as works by Paquito D’Rivera, Ernán López-Nussa, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Guest musicians include Fadev Sanjudo (trumpet), Javier Zalba (sax), and Vicente Monterrey and Alejandro Calzadilla (clarinet).

APrIL 20

6 pmThe Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana, conducted by Daiana García, with guest musicians Karla Martínez (piano) and Alejandro Calzadilla,will play works by 20th-century composers Dmitri D. Shostakovich, Claude Debussy, Witold Roman Lutosławski, Carlos Fariñas and José Víctor Gavilondo.

APrIL 9

6 pmConcert by the chorus Schola Cantorum Coralina.

Sala Covarrubias, Teatro Nacional

SuNDAyS

11 pmConcerts by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Sala Gonzalo roig. Palacio del Teatro Lírico Nacional

APrIL 30

5 pmCuerda Dominical with guitarist Luis Manuel Molina.



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April 8 to 11, 2014Havana

Dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the publication in 1934 of West Indies Ltd., a book of poetry by Guillén, and to the geographical and cultural contexts that motivated him in his work, the event calls together specialists and whoever is interested in discussing about the economy, culture and life in the Caribbean region. Lectures, panel discussions and open meetings will deal with two major topics:

• The Caribbean and the nations making it up, heterogeneity and homogeneity in the Caribbean, historical, cultural, artistic, literary, social, political, economic and migratory aspects and more.

• The Nicolás Guillén/Caribbean relationship seen from a poetic point of view and highlighting his own experiences with peoples and personalities based on studies that have been written about West Indies Ltd.

IX Coloquio y Festival Internacional de Música y Poesía Nicolás Guillén

The colloquium’s program will include music recitals and poetry readings, popular, symphonic and choral music concerts, visual arts exhibitions and other activities that are related to the themes that are the focus of the event.



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Antigonón, un contingente épicoPerformed by Teatro El Público / Directed by Carlos DíazTeatro Trianón, Fri & Sat, 8:30pm; Sun, 5pm Antigonón, un contingente épico, Carlos Diaz and his troupe, Teatro el Publico’s most recent performance involves a trip back to the classics, guided and partnered by Rogelio Orizondo who wrote Antigonón, un contingente épico especially for them. Carlos is the most well-known and brilliant Cuban theatre director with a reputation for directing plays with abundant nudity, transvestites and subtle winks at the Cuban national reality. Antigonón does not disappoint—go see it for yourself!

Photos by Alex MenetheatRe

Bravo Edith Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht. Sala Tito Junco, Fri & Sat, 8:30pm; Sun, 5pm

Bravo Edith is the new production by La Gaviota Theater Company, a tribute to the French chanteuse Edith Piaf. The play deals with a little known aspect of the singer’s life—her desire to live and love despite her unhappy life and mortal disease.

¡Ay, Carmela! Sala Adolfo Llauradó, Fri & Sat, 8:30pm; Sun, 5pmActor and director Pancho García will be presenting his version of ¡Ay, Carmela! a tragicomedy by Spanish playwright José Sanchis Sinisterra. Young actors Liliana Lam and Alberto González play the roles of Carmela and Paulino, a couple of travelling actors in an extreme situation during the Spanish Civil War.



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FoR kids Mowgli el mordido por los lobosTeatro La ProaTeatro Nacional de Guiñol , Fri 4, 3pm; Sat 5 & Sun 6, 11am y 5pm Very closely structured in keeping with the many adventures of Mowgli from Rudyard Kilpling’s The Jungle Book, this puppet version directed by Arneldy Cejas is an appeal to overcome difficulties in life.

XI Taller Internacional de TíteresTeatro de la orden Tercera

April 25, 3:00 pm: Circo de madera by the Karromato Group (Czech Republic)

April 29, 3:00 pm: Circo de sueños by the Gira-Sol Group (Uruguay)

April 30, 3:00 pm: El alma del pueblo, by the Etcétera Group (Spain).

En Buena Compañía Carpa TrompolocoSat & Sun, 4pm & 7pm

The magical and adventurous world of the circus continues. Cuba’s prime circus venue, Carpa Trompoloco, presents “En Buena Compañía” (In Good Company), the new show featuring, among other acts, tightrope walkers, acrobats, clowns, gymnasts, trained animals, and the fascinating flying trapeze, which was awarded the Grand Prix during the past CIRCUBA 2013 Festival.



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Festival Piña ColadaApril 3-6, 2014, Ciego de ÁvilaThe first Piña Colada Festival was held in Camagüey in 2004, and since the second edition it has been held in the central province of Ciego de Avila. Throughout the years, it has maintained its goal of promoting Cuban artistic work and strengthening the ties among leading avant-garde composers and musicians through peñas, concerts, recitals, theoretical events and audiovisual shows.

Dedicated to the 50th anniversary of EGREM the President Arnaldo Roddríguez has confirmed the presence of musicians from all over the island who special shows devoted to jazz, rock, contemporary fusion, popular dance music, Nueva Trova and Hip Hop, among other genres and styles.

BarrioCuento 2014April 2 to 6, 2014, Pinar del RioThe Teatro Cimarrón company and the Pinar del Rio Consejo Provincial de las Artes Escénicas will present the 16th BarrioCuento International meeting for Theatrical Oral Works dedicated this year to the narrator and folklorist Samuel Feijóo, the short story writer and winner of the National Literature Prize Nersys Felipe and to the legacy of the Canary Islands on Cuban culture.

The event aims to rescue rural storytelling, myths and cosmogonies of country folk through oral shows and dramatized stories, tales through sung, controversies within improvised verse and the Cuban punto, guateques and other countryside festivities and traditions.

aRound CuBa

Taller Internacional de Teatro de TíteresApril 21 to 27, 2014, matanzas City Based on the successful experiences of puppet theater companies from Matanzas, especially those from the El Papalote Theater and Teatro de las Estaciones, this workshop will be offering lectures, master classes, exhibitions, presentations of specialized texts, a theoretical event and performances, some of which will be premieres. This year pays homage to the Guiñol de Guantánamo. It will also bring together a selected group of Island residents and others who belong to the Cuban diaspora.



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Cine Pobre: Cuba’s hippest & retro film festival is backby Victoria Alcalá

After a two-year break, Cuba’s ‘poor man’s’ film festival is back. Founded by Cuban filmmaker Humberto Solas, the festival is traditionally held in the sleepy fishing village of Gibrara that wakes up for a week in April to become a hotbed of alternative, low-budget filmmakers. They may not have Hollywood stars and camera-wielding paparazzi, glamorous red carpet photo shoots and posh after-parties, but if hip and retro is your thing this is as good as it gets in the Cuban film scene.

Authentic, charming and off-the-beaten track, Gibara is a town so obscure even many Cubans struggle to find it on a map. Yet from 2003 to 2011, this picturesque town hosted one of the most authentic and charming events on the independent/alternative film circuit. Alongside the competition that awards prizes for fiction and documentary films, there are also meetings, concerts, recitals and art exhibitions. The festival guarantees a broad range of approaches and topics, aspiring to become an alternative to commercial filmmaking -promoting artistic quality with production costs kept to a minimum.

Limited in the number of films that may be shown, the selection committee spends much of the year deciding on (and sometimes the next year’s selection. Juries selecting the winning films in each category (Fiction & Documentaries) are

well- known and respected artists, critics and film directors. While there is a top prize of Euro 15,000 (largely intended to assist in the transition to 35mm), entrants are clearly not here for the money.

The cinema festival itself is a young one, not only because of the age of many of the participating filmmakers, but for the general spirit. Former festival director, Sergio Benvenuto, points out that the event provides an outlet for films which are not handicapped by the conservatism of big studios, nor restricted by the need to secure instant commercial success. This promotes the

Photos by Yadira Montero



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expression of artistic purpose, which doesn’t originate with how best to market, sponsor and product link films.

The choice of Gibara as the principal venue has certainly made the organisers job that much harder. The town is a hefty 800-kilometre trek from Havana and an hour’s drive along poor roads from both Holguín (which boasts an international airport) and the pristine beaches of Guardalavaca (home to many all-inclusive resorts). Moreover, Gibara, has no hotel and a limited number of private rooms (which are booked up early for Cine Pobre week). Yet in many ways, this remoteness gives this event its intimate, authentic and unique charm.

The town itself was declared a National Monument in 2004 and is near where Christopher Columbus first set foot on Cuban soil. Perfect hosts, it is the fiercely proud Gibararians who provide much of the laid back and friendly ambience that draws visitors, filmmakers, actors, musicians, photographers, critics and artists. So don’t let the remoteness of the location dissuade you, if you’re into cinema festivals, this is the event of the year not to miss!

For more information: www.festivalcinepobre.cult.cu; www.festivalcinepobre.org



http://www.festivalcinepobre.cult.cu

http://www.festivalcinepobre.org

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Formerly the Montecristo Cup For Mark Twain, golf was famously a good walk ruined. For me I generally feel the same about golf competitions, why bother when you can simply play with friends with a cooler full of beer when you want with no stress. Yet since the Montecristo (and formerly Essencia Cup) started a few years ago every April I not only find myself making the trek out to Varadero but loving it.

The Varadero course stands at 6,856 yards, has a par of 72 and is beautifully maintained. Stylistically think beachfront links along a gorgeous coastline

The Gran Torneo de Cuba Golf 2014 10-12 April 2014, Varadero

mixed with tropical parkland and Florida lakes. Re-designed by Canadian les Furber the two loops of nine-holes are challenging yet pretty fair. The competition itself is well organized, with good prizes, the weather at this time of year is great and with interesting playing companions, what’s not to like other than the invariable shank off the first, slice on the second, three put on the forth…

Details:

Friday April 11th - Saturday April 12th 2014 There will be two tournament days of individual play. The 2014 Esencia Cup will be given to the best individual gross score from those days. The 2014 Gran Torneo de Cuba Golf will be given to the best individual net score from those days. The competition is open to those with a handicap of 24 or under (men) or 30 or under (women).

See event website



http://www.grantorneocubagolf.com/?utm_source=Montecristo+Cup&utm_campaign=fd42a05daf-MC_Cup_20115_6_2011&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8d1b7600bd-fd42a05daf-200702617

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International Workers’ Day

May 1 at Plaza de la Revolución, Havana Hundreds of thousands of Cubans filed through Havana’s Revolution Square on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 in a May Day parade that paid tribute to Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan leader…A sea of workers, many wearing red shirts like those favored by Chavez and carrying signs with his image, paraded past a giant statue of 19th century Cuban independence hero Jose Marti in the vast square where Cuba holds its biggest political rallies.

This was actually somewhat lower key than during many years’ past when upwards of a million people would gather to listen to one of Fidel Castro’s invariably long speeches. Whatever your politics this is a chance to experience and feel the atmosphere and energy which remains in the Cuban revolution and to get an insight into Cuba today. You should remember that it starts and finish early (typically you should aim to get there for 8am), so put your walking shoes on, a hat for the drenching sun. Vamos a la Plaza!

History and background to May Day May Day, or Worker’s Day, is celebrated in honor of the Martyrs of Chicago, seven company employees in the US who were killed in 1886 for going on a strike demanding an eight-hour workday. During the Congress of the Second International held

in Paris in 1889 with representatives of workers from several European countries, the French delegation presented the initiative of preserving the memory of the Chicago martyrs through public demonstrations for better working conditions.

One year later, the first May Day was celebrated in different parts of the world, including Cuba. Until 1959, the May Day demonstrations were held to denounce the exploitation of workers in the country. With the triumph of the Revolution on January 1, 1959, May Day became a holiday of the working class who every May 1 fill Plaza de la Revolución joined by students, agricultural workers and the armed forces in support of the Revolution.

Photos by Humberto Mayol



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WSB quarter-final Whatever their respective geo-political weights, in the world series of boxing it is Cuba’s Domadores who are the heavyweights and overwhelming favorites in the upcoming quarter final clash. These matches will revive the tradition of the so-called “bilateral finals” of the 70s and 80s, when the countries’ best boxers fought alternatively in the United States and Cuba and staged matches that are still remembered by many. The balance was heavily in favor of Cuba until 1988, when the last match between the two countries was staged in Atlantic City.

It is difficult to believe that whoever the US puts up will be able to live with Cuba’s Yobany Veitia (49-kilogram bronze medalist at the last world championship), Lazaro Alvarez (60 kg, two-time world champion and Olympic bronze), Yasniel Toledo (64-kg Olympic bronze and two-time world silver medalist), Roniel Iglesias (69kg, Olympic and world champion), Julio Cesar La Cruz (81kg, two-time world champion) and Erislandy Savon (91kg). The least experiences Cuban pugilists who the US team simply have to beat include Marcos Forestal (56kg) Ramon Luis (75kg), Gerardo Cervantes (52kg) and Yoandri Toirac (91kg).

At the group stage the Domadores dominated, topping with ease the so called Group of Death while the US Knockouts struggled to even make it to the quarter finals. If the Cuban team have any weaknesses it is in a possible lack of depth to their first string fighters and a lack of close matches within this particular boxing format over the course of the season.

One possible advantage the US will have is an intimate knowledge of the Cuban boxers given that their technical director is none other than Pedro Roque, considered one of the best trainers in the history of Cuban boxing, where he worked over several decades. In fact, for over 20 years, Roque

was the head trainer for young Cuban boxers and coached such Cuban amateur and professional boxing luminaries as Joel Casamayor, Guillermo Ridondeaux, Ariel Hernandez, Hector Vinent and Mario Kindelan. In 2008, the International Boxing Association named him best trainer in the world.

Following a request from the Florida State Athletic Commission to clarify the WSB boxers’ eligibility the first leg has been postponed by two weeks which means that the Cuban leg (meant to the return) will now be held first on Friday April 4 at Havana’s Ciudad Deportiva, where a full house is to be expected and all star Cuban entertainment likely (Los Van Van are rumored). It seems unclear where the return leg in the US will be — it was scheduled for the United Airlines Arena in Miami but now may move up the North-east (possibly due to political reasons). Where it is the bigger question will be whether there will be anything left to play for should the Domadores clean up on their home turf.

April 4 (Havana, Cuba) April 11 (North East, US)Cuba’s Domadores vs US KnockoutsWSB Q Final

spoRt



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Simplicity is the key word for baseball in Cuba, with no luxury boxes, huge electronic scoreboards or celebrity baseball players. As in many things Cuba, there is no shortage of passion though and this season has been no exception. As the season nears its conclusion we have to follow our blue beating heart and side with Havana’s Industriales who will face Matanzas’s Cocodrilos in Cuba’s Championship series from April 8-17.

(There is the small matter of beating Pinar del Río’s Vegueros one more time first for Havana’s leones but already 3:1 up in the series it would be a shocker of epic proportions were they not to make it).

Matanzas had the best record in the regular season this year, showing a quick return for Cuba’s most esteemed coach, Victor Mesa who was hired as team manager at the season’s outset. He will be keen to lay to rest his record of defeats against Industriales in the final who, after a ho hum season, seem to be peaking at the right time. They will need to especially if they are going to find a way to keep free scoring Matanzas under control who qualified for the final with a crushing 13:2 defeat of last year’s reigning champions, Villa Clara on April Fool’s Day.

March 31, 2014 (Game 3)Industriales (7) vs Pinar del Río (3) (Industriales lead 3:1 in the series)

2014 Serie Nacional de Béisbol Play-offs

Championship Series April 8-17, 2014(Give or take)

A sardine packed in a can would have had far more space to move than a baseball fan at the Latinoamericano Stadium during the third game of the play-offs between Industriales Leones and Pinar del Río Vegueros. The ballpark opened its doors at 4:00 PM—three and a half hours before the game was scheduled to start—to let the wave of fans in. Things didn’t start very good for the home team as starter Noelvis Entenza was unable to throw a single strike and walked the first two men he faced. Entenza was replaced by left-handed Pedro Durán. With men in first and second bases

Havana Industriales play at:Estadio Latinoamericano

Address: Pedro Pérez #302, e/ Patria y Sarabia, Cerro

Matanzas Cocodrilos play at:Victoria de Girón Stadium

Matanzas



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and no outs, Pinar del Río was able to score only one run thanks to the outstanding performance of Durán—in his first play-off game.

Encouraged by their fans, Industriales tied the game 1-1 in the very first inning. Then, the team unleashed its offensive and scored three more while Durán was keeping a tight rein on Pinar del Río. Starter Julio Alfredo Martínez was followed by relief pitchers Erlis Casanova and Isbel Hernández, but to no avail. The Leones ended up scoring 7 runs to effectively wrap up the game early on despite a couple of runs late in the game for the Vagueros. Last night, Pedro Durán definitely won the hearts of Habaneros for his impressive performance. After the game, the streets of El Cerro district became flooded with a sea of laughter, singing and relief all painted blue.

Roll on Matanzas…los leones are back!



April 2014contents


The best places to eat in HavanaCA 5El Atelier

exPerimental fusion

calle 5 e/ Paseo y 2, Vedado.

Beautiful décor, interesting menu.

(+53) 7-836-2025

CA 5BikossPanish

calle 19, #1010, e/ a 12, Vedado.

Authentic Spanish food

(+53) 7-831-8847

CA 5Café LaurentsPanish/mediterranean

calle m #257, e/ 19 y 21, Vedado.

Beautiful penthouse with

(+53) 7-831-2090

CA 5Carboncitaitalian

ave. 3ra #3804 e/ 38 y 40, miramar.

Walter’s place - Great pizza

(+53) 7-203 0261

CA 5La CasacontemPorary fusion

calle 30 #865 e/ 26 y 41, nuevo Vedado.

Great service

(+53) 7-881-7000

CA 5Casa Miglisswedish-cuban fusion

lealtad #120 e/ Ánimas y lagunas, centro habana.

oasis in Centro Habana

(+53) 7-864-1486

CA 5+ChanchullerosPanish/mediterranean

teniente rey #457a bajos, Plaza del cristo, habana Vieja.

Hole in the wall tapas

(+53) 7-872-8227

CA 5+Corte Príncipeitalian

9na esq. 74, miramar.

Spectacular pasta

(+53) 5-255-9091

CA 4+Il Divinointernational

calle raquel, #50 e/ esperanza y lindero, mantilla, arroyo naranjo.

A great day out

(+53) 7-643-7734

CA 4+La Fontanainternational

calle 46 #305 esq a 3ra, miramar.

Consistently good

(+53) 7-202-8337

CA 5+La GuaridacontemPorary fusion

concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y escobar, centro habana.

Justifiably famous

(+53) 7-866-9047

CA 5Mediterraneomediterranean

calle 13 #406 e/ e y f, Vedado.

Interesting and varied menu. Lovely outdoor terrace.

(+53) 7-832 4894

CA 5+Iván ChefsPanish (taPas)

aguacate #9, esq.a chacón, habana Vieja.

Brilliantly creative food

(+53) 7-863-9697

CA 5+El Litoralinternational

malecón #161 e/ K y l, Vedado .

Sea view, great food.

(+53) 7-830-2201

CA 5-San Cristóbal cuban/creole

calle san rafael #469 e/ lealtad y campanario, centro habana.

Cute kitsch

(+53) 7-860-9109

CA 4+El Partenóninternational

calle 50 #1109 (altos) e/11 y 13, Playa

Excellent service. Flexible with tailoring orders.

(+53) 7-209-0405

CA 4+Asturiano braisserie

Paseo del Prado #309 esq a Virtudes, habana Vieja.

Fabulous leg of lamb

(+53) 7-862 3626

CA 5El Cocinerointernational

calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado.

Great ambience & service

(+53) 7-832-2355

CA 4+Cocina Lilliaminternational

calle 48 #1311, e/ 13 y 15, miramar.

Set in a beautiful garden

(+53) 7-209-6514

CA 5D. Eutimiacuban/creole

callejón del chorro #60c, Plaza de la catedral, habana Vieja.

Absolutely charming

(+53) 7-861-1332

CA 4+Esperanzacuban fusion

calle 16 #105 e/ 1ra y 3ra, miramar.

Intimate, idiosyncratic &charming

(+53) 7-202-4361

CA 4+Los Nardosinternational

Prado #563 e teniente rey y dragones, habana Vieja.

Great value, busy vibe

(+53) 7-863-2985

CA 5Río Marinternational

3a y final #11, la Puntilla, miramar.

Wonderful view

(+53) 7-209-4838

CA 4+Piccolo italian

5ta a #50206 e/ 502 y 504, Guanabo, habana del este.

Kitsch pizza place post

(+53) 796-4300

CA 5La Californiacuban-creole/international

calle crespo #55 e/ san lázaro y refugio, centro habana

Beautiful C19 colonial building

(+53) 7-863 7510

CA 5+Santysushi/oriental

calle 240a #3023 esq. 3rac, Jaimanitas.

World class, unique.

(+53) 5-286-7039

CA 5StarbiensPanish/mediterranean

calle 29 #205 e/ b y c, Vedado.

Quality food

(+53) 7-830-0711

CA 5-El Templete sPanish/mediterranean

ave. del Puerto #12 esq. a narciso lópez, habana Vieja.

old school – quality

(+53) 7-866-8807

El Litoralmalecon no. 161 e/ K y l,

Vedado

(+53) 7-830-2201



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La Guarida CA 5+ CA ToP PICK Style of food Contemporary fusion

Cost Expensive

Type of place Private (Paladar)

FoodAmbienceServiceValueBest 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

Iván Chef Justo CA 5+ CA ToP PICKStyle of food Spanish/Mediterranean

Cost Expensive


FoodAmbienceServiceValue

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

Santy CA 5+ CA ToP PICK Style of food sushi/oriental

Cost Moderate



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

El Litoral CA 5+ CA ToP PICK Style of food International

Cost Expensive



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



April 2014contents


Casa miglis CA 5 Style of food Swedish

Cost Expensive



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

La Casa CA 5 Style of food Contemporary fusion

Cost Expensive



Best for Warm hospitality and openness from the four generations of the robaina family. Quality food.

Don’t miss Thursday night sushi night. The Piña Colada.

Calle 30 #865 e/ 26 y 41, Nuevo Vedado.

(+53) 7-881-7000

El Cocinero CA 5 Style of food International

Cost Moderate



Best for Fabulous industrial chic alfresco rooftop with a buzzing atmosphere, great service & good food.

Don’t miss Some of the best parties in Havana, which attract both a funky Cuban set and expatriates in the know.

Calle 26, e/ 11 and 13, Vedado.

(+53) 7-832-2355

Atelier CA 5 Style of food Experimental fusion

Cost Moderate



Best for Interesting menu, beautiful building with great décor and service.

Don’t miss Dinner on the breezy terrace during summer.

Calle 5 e/ Paseo y 2, Vedado

(+53) 0-836-2025 [email protected]



April 2014contents


Bikos CA 5 Style of food Spanish/Mediterranean

Cost Moderate



Best for Superb authentically prepared Spanish food. Excellent service and attractive décor. Don’t miss Thursday night happy hour (7-9pm)

Calle 19, #1010, e/ a 12, Vedado

(+53) 7-836-3603

El Partenón CA 4+ Style of food International

Cost Moderate



Best for Excellent service, good quality food. Flexible with tailoring orders. Don’t miss Quite possibly the best Caipirinha in Havana.

Calle 50 #1109 (altos) e/11 y 13, Playa

(+53) 7-209-0405

mediterráneo Havana CA 5 Style of food Mediterranean

Cost Moderate



Best for Interesting and varied menu. Lovely second floor terrace in quiet neighborhood.

Don’t miss Gazpacho starter. ravioli de pescado with seafood sauce.

Calle 13 #406, e/ E y F, Vedado. (+53) 7-832 4894 http://www/medhavana.com [email protected]

La California Style of food Cuban-Creole/International

Cost Moderate



Best for Beautiful C19 colonial building. Popular place with quality food and great service. Love the fresh pastas. Dont’t miss The interesting history of the neighbourhood, where Chano Pozo (legend-ary Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist) hung out.

Calle Crespo #55 e/ San Lázaro y refugio, Centro Habana (+53) 7-863-7510

CA 5



http://www/medhavana.com

mailto:medhavana%40yahoo.com?subject=

April 2014contents


Sloppy Joe’s

Bertolt Brecht

The best Bars & Clubs in HavanaCA 5 Bohemio CA 4+

calle 13 e/ i y J, Vedado.

Think mTV Unplugged. Hip, funky and unique.

(+53) 7-8301354calle 21 #1065 e/ 12 y 14, Vedado.

Elegant quiet bar with a nice vibe

(+53) 7-833 6918

CA 4+La Cecilia

5ta avenida #11010, e/ 110 y 112, miramar.

Big venue, very popular, see Pmm here.

CA 5+El Cocinero

calle 26, e/ 11 y 13, Vedado.

Fabulous rooftop setting, great service, cool vibe.

(+53) 7-832-2355

CA 5Don Cangrejo

ave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, miramar.

Love it/hate it – come for the Friday night party

(+53) 7-204-3837

CA 4Ecaleras Cielo

Zulueta #658 e/ Gloria y apodaca, habana Vieja.

Friday night attracts a LGBT crowd

CA 5Espacios

calle 10 #510, e/ 5ta y 31, miramar.

Laid back contemporary bar with a real buzz.

(+53) 7-202-2921

CA 4+Esencia Habana

calle b, e/ linea y calzada. Vedado.

Spacious indoor modern bar. Good service.

(+53) 7-836-3031

CA 5-El Floridita

obispo #557 esq. a monserrate, habana Vieja.

Hemingway’s daiquiri bar.

(+53) 7-867 1299

CA 5Privé Lounge

calle 88a #306 e/ 3ra y 3raa, miramar.

Intimate lounge club with great acoustics.

(+53) 7-209-2719

CA 5+Sangri-La

ave. 21, e/ 36 y 42, miramar.

For the cool kids. Basement bar/club.

(+53) 5-264-8343

CA 5-El Sauce

ave.9na #12015, e/ 120 y 130, miramar.

Best contemporary & Nueva Trova singers.

(+53) 7-204-6428

CA 5+Fábrica de Artecalle 11 #61, esq. a 26. Vedado(next to the Puente de Hierro)

The best Cuban musicans

CA 4El Tocororo

calle 18, e/ 3ra y 5ta, miramar.

Expat favorite hangout. Small with live music.

CA 4TaBARish

calle 20 #503 e/ 5ta y 7ma, miramar.

Indoor Russian themed bar/restuarant.

(+53) 7-202-9188

CA 4Up & Down

5ta, e/ b y c, esq. b Vedado.

Disco vibe with Cuban pop. young Cuban crowd

CA 4Café Madrigal

calle 17 #302 (altos) e/ 2 y 4, Vedado.

Beautifully décor in a spectacular space. Cold

(+53) 7-831 2433

CA 4+Melem

1ra, e/ 58 y 60, miramar.

Popular modern bar. Can get smoky.

Meliá Sports Bar CA 4

hotel meliá habana ave. 3ra e/ 76 y 80, miramar.

Big-screen sports in modern outdoor place.

(+53) 7-204-8500

CA 4Pepito’s Bar

calle 26 e/ ave. Zoológico y 47, nuevo Vedado.

Live nueva trova in small (ish) intimate environment.

(+53) 7-881-1808

CA 4Casa Música

Galiano, e/ neptuno y concordia, centro habana.

A little rough but spacious. See the best Cuban salsa bands

(+53) 7-860 8296/4165

CA 4Casa Música

calle 20, esq. a 35, miramar.

The best salsa bands. Small (ish) and a little worn these days.

(+53) 7-204 0447

CA 4La Fontana

calle 46 #305, esq. a 3ra, miramar.

outdoor lounge bar.

(+53) 7-202-8337

CA 4Kpricho

calle 94 #110 e/ 1ra y 3ra, miramar.

Über modern miami style indoor bar/club.

(+53) 7-206-4167

CA 4+Gato Tuerto

calle o, e/ 17 y 19, Vedado.

old-school state place. Fabulous bolero singers.

(+53) 7-833-2224

CA 5-Café Cantante

teatro nacional, ave. Paseo, esq. a 39, Plaza de la revolución.

Great musicans. Recently renovated. Good sound

(+53) 7-878-4273

CA 4Las Piedras

1ra y 32, miramar

Bar of choice for the after-party (3am+).

(+53) 7-202-9486

CA 4+Sloppy Joe’s

Ánimas, esq. a Zulueta, habana Vieja.

one of the best bars in the world (1950s).

(+53) 7-866 7157



April 2014contents


Best live music venues in Havana

Teatro Auditórium Amadeo Roldán Great space. teatro auditórium amadeo roldán calzada #512, esq. d, Vedado.

ClassicalBasílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís Beautiful church oficios y amargura Plaza san francisco de asís, habana Vieja.

Oratorio de San Felipe Neri Fabulous acousticsaguiar #412 e/ obrapía y lamparilla, habana Vieja.

Sala Covarrubias, Teatro Nacionalrecently renovated Paseo y 39, Plaza de la revolución.

Jazz

Improvised jamming. Funky.

Café Jazz Miramar

cine teatro miramar ave. 5ta esq. a 94, miramar. 10:30pm – 2am

Jazz Café Quality jazz. Cold atmosphere. Galerías de Paseo, último piso, 1ra, e/ Paseo y a, Vedado.

Privé Lounge Chilled at mosphere – private calle 88a #306 e/ 3ra y 3raa, miramar.

La Zorra y el Cuervo Intimate and atmospheric.23, e/ n y o, Vedado.

Salsa/Timba

Great musicians. Basement club. teatro nacional de cuba, ave. Paseo, esq. 39, Plaza de la revolución.

Café CantanteMi Habana

Casa de la Música de Centro Habana A bit rough. Great bands. Galiano e/ neptuno y concordia, centro habana.

Casa de la Música de Miramar / El Diablo Tun Tun (upstairs) Best salsa bandscalle 35, esq. 20, Playa.

El Jelengue de AreítoMatinees on the terrace Patio de la eGrem san miguel #410, e/ campanario y lealtad, centro habana.

Contemporary

Cuban hipsters bertolt brecht café teatro calle 13 e/ i y J, Vedado.

Café Teatro Bertolt Brecht

Don Cangrejo Beautiful people…coolave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, miramar.

El Sauce For best in Nueva trova ave. 9na #12015, e/ 120 y 130, Playa.

Teatro de Bellas ArtesSmall intimate venue trocadero e/ Zulueta y monserrate, habana Vieja.

Trova & traditional

Nueva trova musicianscalle 26 e/ ave. Zoológico y 47, nuevo Vedado.

Barbaram Pepito’s Bar

El Gato Tuerto Fabulous bolero. Intimate calle o, e/ 17 y 19, Vedado.

Legendarios de GuajiritoBuena Vista Social Club 1950’S styleZulueta #660 e/ apodaca y Gloria, centro habana.

Salón 1930 ‘Compay Segundo’ Buena Vista Social Clubhotel nacional de cuba, calle o, esq. 21, Vedado.

Legendarios de Guajirito

(+53) 7-209 2719 (+53) 7-833 2402

(+53) 7-860 8296/4165

(+53) 7-204 6428

(+53) 7-881 1808(+53) 7-861 7761



April 2014contents


Palacio del Marqués de San Felipe…

Iberostar Parque Central CA

Havana’s Best Hotels

CA 5+Santa Isabel CA 5+TerralCA 5+ CA 5+Saratoga

neptuno e/ Prado y Zulueta, habana Vieja.

Luxury 5-star hotel overlooking Parque Central

(+53) 7-860-6627

barratillo #9 e/ obispo y narciso lópez, habana Vieja

Luxurious historic mansion facing Plaza de Armas

(+53) 7-860-8201

Paseo del Prado #603 esq. a dragones, habana Vieja

Stunning view from roof-top pool. Beautiful décor.

malecón esq. a lealtad, centro habana

Wonderful ocean front location. Newly renovated.

(+53) 7-862-8061

CA 5+Hostal Valencia

CA 5 CA 5Conde de Villanueva

oficios #152 esq. a amargura, habana Vieja

Cuban baroque meets modern minimalist oficios #53 esq. a obrapía,

habana Vieja

Immensely charming, great value.

(+53) 7-867-1037

mercaderes #202, esq. a lamparilla

Delightfully small and intimate. For cigar lovers.

CA 5+Meliá Cohíba oasis of polished marble and professional calm. ave Paseo e/ 1ra y 3ra, Vedado

(+53) 7- 833-3636

CA 5+Meliá Habana

ave. 3ra y 70, miramar

Attractive design & extensive facilities.

(+53) 5-204-8500

CA 4+Occidental Miramar

ave. 5ta. e/ 70 y 72, miramar

Good value, large spacious modern rooms.

(+53) 7-204-3583

CA 4Ambos Mundos

calle obispo #153 esq. a mercaderes, habana Vieja

A must for Hemingway aficionados

CA 3Bosque

calle 28-a e/ 49-a y 49-b, reparto Kohly, Playa

on the banks of the Río Almendares.

(+53) 7-204-9232

CA 3DeauvilleLack of pretension, great location.Galiano e/ sán lázaro y malecón, centro habana

(+53) 7-866-8812

VedadoCA 3Saint John’s

calle o e/ 23 y 25, Vedado

Lively disco, tiny quirky pool. Popular.

CA 5FloridaBeautifully restored colonial house.

Good budget option with a bit of a buzzcalle o e/ 23 y 25, Vedado

(+53) 7-836-4072

CA 3

Hotel Nacional de Cuba

obispo #252, esq. a cuba, habana Vieja

(+53) 7-862-4127

CA 4Mercure Sevilla

trocadero #55 entre Prado y Zulueta, habana Vieja

Stunning views from the roof garden restaurant.

(+53) 7-860-8560

CA 3Riviera

Paseo y malecón, Vedado

Spectacular views over wave-lashed malecón

(+53) 7-836-4051

CA 5+Nacional de Cuba

calle o esq. a 21, Vedado

Eclectic art-deco/neoclassical architecture. Gorgeous gardens.

(+53) 7-835 3896

CA 4+H10 Habana Panorama

consulado #162, e/ colon y trocadero, centro habana.

Cascades of glass. Good wi-fi. modern.

(+53) 7-204-0100

(+53) 7-860-8201

(+53) 7-862-9293

(+53) 7- 860-9529

(+53) 7-833-3740

Economical/Budget Hotels

For a sense of history

Business Hotels

Boutique Hotels in Old Havana

Simply the best…

