Ah,
the nightlife in Cuba ... it's legendary. There's just magic in
the night. Something about the trade winds, the people, the sights,
the smells, the sounds, ... it all makes for a truly unique place
and experience. The Cubans, irregardless of their economic conditions,
have never lost their passion for partying. I promise you, if you
haven't danced the Salsa under a Habana moon, you haven't lived
...
For
us, Cuba-Junky, we prefer Trinidad and Vinales to enjoy the less
crowded open air nightlife with life music and alot of salsa. For
those who prefer the crowded salsa clubs go to the casa la Musica,
Club Torquino and other dancng places in Havana.
Click
the cities below to check out their nightlife
Dancing Salsa,
Salsa, Salsa, Conga, and some Son Montuno....
Music, dancing and rum, They are to be found in
every Cuban city, town or village.
Partyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!
No need to take salsa lessons before you go to
Cuba, because the Cubans are the best salsa teachers,
you will really enjoy Cuba's nightlife!!!!
For
the real party animals: Conga
Conga
is a dance coming from Afro-Cuban influences.
In all congo dances the movements are clearly
directed toward the earth and the movements are
strong, forceful and loose.
Worried
on how to dance a conga? ... check out the video
at the left what fun you can have with a bunch of
Cubans dancing the conga
Parties Big
Cuban parties are held in each others homes and apartments,
and not outside.
Cubans like to party in this way with friends and family.
At especially big parties they will roast a pig and
wash it down with Cuban rum. The rum is oftentimes of
the 'homemade' variety, so watch out, as it's got a
'kick'!
If you are fortunate enough to befriend a local, you'll
perhaps be invited to one of these house parties.
Meeting
the Locals
The
Cubans do go out from time to time, however, you will
not find them in the usual touristy hangouts, high end
bars, and cafes. You'll find them in small neighbourhood
bars and restaurants.
Once found, sit down and have a drink or share a meal
with them. You'll be glad that you did! They are very
warm and hospitable to tourists, no matter where you
are from.
Concerts
Free
concerts are sometimes offered in the local city or
town's 'Plaza de la Revolution', which are usually
centrally located.
Most cities have a 'Casa de la Trova' or 'Casa de
la Musica' where live concerts may be enjoyed.
Or
like on the video above the famous Los Van Van at the
Malecon in
Havana
Gay
and Lesbian
Cuba
is a macho society like most Latino countires, there
is tolerance of gay people, and gay travellers will
not generally encounter any problems. However, the Cuban
Association for Gays and Lesbians, formed in 1994, operated
until 1997 when it was finally suppressed by the government.
There are no laws against homosexuality and assaults
are rare.
There
are no state bars and clubs in Havana.
Entertainment
and nightlife centres around private parties. The location
of where the action takes place is not so discreetly
communicated in front of the Yara cinema on La Rampa.
Most taxi drivers in front of this cinema know where
to bring you.
Entertainment
can include anything. Charges are usually in pesos although
as a foreigner you may be expected to pay in convertible
pesos, usually around 1 CUC.
From the world of film, see Antes que Anochezca and
Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Choclate).
New
Years Eve and Christmas in Cuba
When
you celebrate these days in a resort, the hotel
probably has arranged a party for all the guests.
It is usual you have to pay something extra for
it, even if you have booked an All Inclusive service.
Remind that it is NOT the Cuban way of celebrating
Holidays.
A
Cuba celebrate these days at home. Christmas at the
night of December 24 with Buena Noche, New Year Eve
with family drinking, eating pork and dancing till early
in the morning
At
New Years Eve in Havana there are some touristic spots
to go to organised parties, mostly expensive and again
VERY touristic. If you want to celebrate this evening
with Cubans, be sure that you will stay in a nice Casa
Particular with a nice happy family and you
will have a fantastic party
