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Spectacular costumes at Havana Carnival, Cuba. © Peter Rose
When:
Aug 2009 (annual)
Where:
El Malécon
Opening Hours:
Day and night
Music, dancing, conga lines, fanciful outfits, fireworks, beer, rum and lots of fun make up the fantastic Havana Carnival every August. Parades run the length of the Malécon and rich traditional music competes with more contemporary sounds.
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Look out too for the Muñecones, huge satirical figures of politicians and other famous faces, in the parades along the Malécon. They are accompanied by the faroleros, dancers who carry a multi-coloured accessory resembling a streetlight, which they rotate constantly. This is also a great time to try the island's distinctive tipples, the wonderful Havana Club Rum and cold beer!
Cuba's renowned carnivals were discontinued for a while during the "special period" (the immense privations which came after the collapse of the USSR and its enormous subsidising of the Cuban economy, which, combined with the US trade embargo, created a large fall in the quality of life in the country). Now that the situation has improved (partly due to the government's new emphasis on tourism), Carnival is back on the menu.
Cuba's renowned carnivals were discontinued for a while during the "special period" (the immense privations which came after the collapse of the USSR and its enormous subsidising of the Cuban economy, which, combined with the US trade embargo, created a large fall in the quality of life in the country). Now that the situation has improved (partly due to the government's new emphasis on tourism), Carnival is back on the menu.
Event details can change.
Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
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