What is Santiago De Cuba Carnival?
Crowned as the most famous traditional carnival in all of Cuba, Santiago De Cuba – declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation – is an explosion of colour and drums celebrated every July 26th. This national holiday in Cuba is a time for locals, families, and friends to come together and remember their history, community, and culture in one of the isle’s most exotic cities.
History of the Santiago De Cuba Carnival
The carnival dates back to the 17th century and is said to have evolved from origins in Cuba’s “Mamarrachos” festivals, an event that has taken place every summer and winter since the 17th century to celebrate the end of harvest season.
What did the celebrations entail you ask? Well, the city’s streets were hit by lively parties with folk adorned in handmade masks, families cooked and shared traditional dishes, musical and theatre groups performed choreographed numbers, and huge bonfires were lit – it was a parade that certainly made an impact. The winter celebrations were abandoned in the 1920s, but luckily for Cuba’s inhabitants (and party-going tourists like us) the summer carnival tradition upheld.
One of the oldest traditions present at the carnival that remains today is the appearance of demon characters named Diablo (little devil) o Ireme. These quirky characters are from the Afro-Cuban culture and represent the spirit of ancestors or creatures from beyond the grave – so if you’re visiting with little ones, perhaps steer clear of these mischievous guys if you spot one!
The Santiago De Cuba Carnival Today
This world-renowned event is celebrated in much the same way today as it was in the 17th century – with a few small tweaks, granted. Centred around the Avenida Jesus Menendez, thousands of people flock to participate in the carnival’s affairs and witness the processions – usually comprising of two major elements: conga lines and floats.
During the celebrations, traditions across a wealth of ethnicities and cultures, including African, Chinese, Spanish, French Haitian and Indigenous, are evident in the richness of music and dance – yet many forms originated in Santiago de Cuba, such as the Conga, Rumba, and Son (also known today as the salsa).
Larger-than-life sounds of elation echo through the vibrant streets, with performers from far and wide adorned in rainbow-coloured costumes and headwear, while atmospheric congas, drums, and orchestras encourage people to dance and sing as elaborately decorated floats shuffle along the packed cobbles.
After the much-anticipated processions, the crowd spills out onto the streets to continue the party – which often leads into the small hours of the night!
Things to do in Santiago De Cuba
Unlike its neighbouring Cuban provinces, Santiago has a strong Caribbean influence with a passion for music, joy, and high energy – which is why it’s such an ideal host for the famous carnival. But whether you’re visiting this region to join in the celebrations or not, there is plenty of incredible things to do in Santiago De Cuba away from the hustle and bustle that are sure to bulk out your travel itinerary.
We’ve listed a few of these below:
José A Saco Street
This quaint cobbled pedestrian street is the perfect place to visit if you like little shops and local markets. It also happens to be one of the most colourful attractions in Santiago De Cuba due to its colourful buildings that fringe the walkway, which were repainted in 2015 to mark the city’s quin-centennial.
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro
If history is your thing, you’ll want to pay a visit to one of the best-preserved Spanish fortresses of the 17th century. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, Castillo del Morro is elegantly perched atop a cliff and is a great example of stunning architecture by Giovanni Battista Antonelli. Protecting the region from pirates and serving as a prison are among its previous uses, but today it is somewhat the tourist attraction, where you can wander the fortress, visit the small naval museum inside its walls, or head to the terrace restaurant for delicious food and views to match.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion)
Fringing Cespedes Park (a popular tourist plaza square) is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Santiago. This stunning church was first erected in 1526, but due to several historic events, consisting of earthquakes and pirate attacks, it has undergone numerous re-constructions. Whether you simply admire the façade and its ornate details from afar, or head inside to explore the Museo Eclesiastico – featuring religious art pieces and sacred musical scores – you’ll want to add it to your agenda.
Gran Piedra (Jardin Botanico)
For the nature lovers among us, the scenic (albeit hair-raising) hike that winds up this large volcanic rock to the majestic Jardin Botanico is a must. The 12km-long route starts from the main coastal road in Parque Baconao, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve blanketed in lush, cloaked mountains, unique flora and fauna, and sandy beaches – a truly beautiful place to explore in itself. Those brave enough (or who have any energy left after the hike) can begin to ascend the set of stairs leading up to the 1,234-meter-high peak of Gran Piedra. Spoiler alert: if you do, you’ll be rewarded with the most awe-inspiring views.
Consider Santiago De Cuba for your next island escape and experience this captivating cultural carnival for yourself. Speak to one of our travel experts at Love Cuba today to tailor your travel requirements, learn more about the area, and book your next adventure.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
