Fire Festival of Santiago de Cuba

In Santiago de Cuba every July, locals and visitors alike take part in the annual Festival del Fuego. During the Cuba Fire Festival, events start during the morning hours and last well into the nighttime hours. The main streets of the city are lined with temporary bars and stalls comprised of palm fronds and bamboo, and Santiago residents and travelers alike gather together to take part in one of the island’s largest parties.

Havana Film Festival

The Havana Film Festival promotes the cinematographic works of Spanish- language filmmakers from Latin America, Spain and Cuba mainly and it is sponsored by the Cuban Institute of the Cinematographic Art and Industry, ICAIC. The Festival draws thousands of film buff from all over Cuba to Havana during the first two weeks of December each year.

Jazz Festival of Havana

Started in 1979 as a number of concerts by Cuban jazz master Bobby Carcasses and other famous Cuban musicians, the first official Cuba Jazz Festival took place in 1981 in the Casa de la Cultura in Havana’s Plaza municipality (from which the festival was named). The 2013 Havana Jazz Festival, or Jazz Plaza 2013, which is organized by famed Cuban jazz artist Chucho Valdes and is sponsored by ICM, or the Cuban Institute of Music, will be held at many locations throughout the capital city.

Havana's International Book Fair

Every February, the International Book Fair of Havana serves to turn the ancient Spanish fort known as San Carlos de la Cabana into one of the largest book events on earth. The 23rd International Book Fair of Havana 2014 will use “To Read Is to Grow” as its theme and will work to celebrate the interrelations, cultural heritage, and traditions of the many Caribbean nations.

Habano Cigar Festival

Considered by many to be the world’s biggest premium cigar celebration, the Habano Cigar Festival has competition in only one other festival- Las Vegas’ The Big Smoke. It is often said, however, that The Big Smoke cannot surpass the Havana Cigar Festival in quality largely because American regulations prevent the festival from importing and showcasing the many premium cigars made in Cuba.

Havana Ballet Festival

The Cuba Ballet Festival is held every two years. Dancers, ballet companies, and choreographers from across the world look forward to taking part in the event, which is hosted by Cuba’s National Ballet. The International Ballet Festival of Havana offers the unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s biggest talents as Cuba’s capital city briefly becomes a mecca for talented dancers from all across the globe.

Havana Art Biennial

As the name implies, the Havana Art Biennial is held in the capital city every other year. For Cuban artists hoping to make their works famous on an international level, the Havana Art Biennial is a major event. For a brief time, the entire capital city becomes a giant art gallery where multiple mediums, themes, ideals, and genres come together.