If you want to experience authentic Cuban culture and global music, there’s no better place than the Havana World Music Festival. Whether you love Haitian Reggae or Latin American Hip-Hop, this celebration is a must-do experience for music lovers.
If you’re a music enthusiast planning a holiday to Cuba, read on to learn more about the Havana World Music Festival and what to expect during this vibrant event.
About Havana World Music Festival
The Havana World Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Havana, the capital city of Cuba. This event typically spans several days and features a diverse lineup of musicians and performers from both Cuba and around the world. The festival’s primary focus is to celebrate and showcase several musical genres, including traditional Cuban music, jazz, rock, electronic, and world music, creating a unique fusion of sounds and styles.
The festival provides a platform for emerging artists and bands so attendees can experience the rich musical culture of Cuba while also being exposed to international influences. This vibrant and eclectic gathering brings together artists and music lovers to celebrate the universal language of music, seeing about 10,000 event-goers each year!
Havana World Music Festival: History
Founded in 2014, this festival is the largest alternative music festival in the Caribbean. Over the years, it has welcomed an increasingly diverse lineup of artists and musical genres, with over 100 artists from 30 different countries, creating a dynamic platform for cross-cultural exchange and artistic exploration.
This festival took a three-year hiatus between 2019 and 2021, then returned to Havana in May of 2022 at Club 500 José Antonio Echeverría on two open-air stages.
Duration of the Havana World Music Festival
The Havana World Music Festival typically takes place annually, traditionally during March of each year. It spans around three days, offering festival-goers a multi-day musical journey in the heart of Havana.
Havana World Music Festival Artists
The Havana World Music Festival prides itself on showcasing younger artists who do not yet have a platform. In previous years, these acts have included Manuel Bas, Kill the Party, Misifuz, KANBU, and Los Monos Lácteos.
Other notable acts have included Francisco El Hombre (from Brazil), Ozomatli (from the United States), and Instituto Mexicano del Sonido (from Mexico). Cuban artists who have previously performed at this event are the Los Van Van Orchestra, Interactivo, and Cimafunk. As an alternative music festival, genres include Afro-Cuban Funk, Brazilian Jazz-Funk, Spanish Flamenco, traditional Cuban music, and several others.
Making the most of the Havana World Music Festival
If you plan to attend this event, here are a few tips to make the most of your time over the three festival days.
Attend the Primera Base contest
You can attend the Primera Base contest at the beginning of the evening each night. While you don’t have to check this out every night, you should go at least once! This part of the festival highlights emerging artists from Cuba’s music scene. You don’t want to miss out on discovering the next Buena Vista Social Club or Celia Cruz, so definitely make this contest a priority!
Dress comfortably
Not only are there eight performances every night, but there are also several dance classes, including Afrobeat, Capoeira, and Breakdancing. You can’t go wrong by wearing some cute and comfortable dancing clothes!
Don’t drink too much
This festival is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t let too many mojitos give you a hangover, influencing the rest of your experience at this event. Be sure to drink your cocktails slowly and stay hydrated with lots of water.
Sample Cuban food
The Havana World Music Festival isn’t only about the music and dancing – you can also find fantastic Cuban street food while you’re here. A few must-try foods include churros, malanga, tamales, tostones, corn fritters, lechon (pork), and more!
Attend an afterparty
There are several bars and nightclubs within walking distance of the festival venue, so the night doesn’t have to end after the event is over. If you love jazz, check out La Zorra y El Cuervo, showcasing live bands. Reggaeton lovers can go to Mío y Tuyo, while those who want to hit the dance floor should go to Elegua, where you can enjoy salsa dancing with the locals!
You’ll also find drag shows and live music at Malecón 663, an LGBTQ-friendly venue. If you’d rather grab a drink and wind down in a more peaceful atmosphere, stay put at the festival venue, Club 500 – you can relax at a seat overlooking the Malecon! This venue is located in the Vedado neighbourhood, so it’s an excellent home base as you explore the rest of Havana.
Final thoughts
The Havana World Music Festival is a testament to Cuba’s cultural vibrancy and ever-expanding connection to the global music stage. This multi-day musical experience offers local and international attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Cuban and world music scene.
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
