Festivals & Carnivals in Cuba

Experience Cuba's vibrant festivals and carnivals: Year-round list

Colorful festival celebration in vibrant street scene.

Cuba’s Major Carnivals: A Celebration of Culture

Carnival of Santiago de Cuba (Carnaval Santiaguero)

When: Typically the last full week of July. This is Cuba’s largest and most traditional carnival, a truly historic event that coincides with the national holiday of National Rebellion Day on July 26th, adding to its significance and energy.

What to Expect:

  • Energetic street parades (comparsas) featuring neighborhood groups.
  • Elaborate floats, vibrant costumes, and non-stop conga music.
  • A strong focus on Afro-Cuban heritage, music, and dance.
  • Street food stalls selling traditional snacks and rum drinks.

Traveler Tips:

  • Book accommodation and transport to Santiago far in advance; the city becomes completely full.
  • Be prepared for intense heat, humidity, and very large, dense crowds. Stay hydrated.
  • This is a participatory event; don’t be surprised if you’re pulled into a conga line!

Havana Carnival (Carnaval de la Habana)

When: Usually held over several weekends in August. It is important to note that the schedule for the Havana Carnival can be less consistent than Santiago’s. We strongly advise travelers to verify the exact dates closer to their trip to ensure they don’t miss it.

What to Expect:

  • A grander, more staged parade along the MalecĂłn seawall.
  • Large, intricate floats, professional dance troupes, and well-known bands.
  • A slightly more formal atmosphere compared to the spontaneous street party of Santiago.

Traveler Tips:

  • Arrive early to get a good viewing spot along the MalecĂłn.
  • While still lively, it’s often considered more family-friendly than the intense Santiago carnival.

Notable Cultural Festivals Throughout the Year

Festival Internacional de Jazz (Havana International Jazz Festival)

When: Mid-January.

What It Is: A world-renowned festival attracting top-tier Cuban and international jazz musicians.

Why Go:

  • Concerts and jam sessions are held across Havana in various venues, from grand theaters to intimate clubs.
  • A fantastic opportunity to experience the incredible talent of Cuban musicians in a vibrant, city-wide atmosphere.
  • While tickets for major headline acts can sell out quickly, many excellent performances in smaller clubs are more accessible and offer a wonderfully intimate experience.

Las Parrandas de Remedios

When: Christmas Eve (December 24th) in the small town of Remedios.

What It Is: One of Cuba’s oldest, loudest, and most spectacular festivals. It’s a “friendly” face-off between two of the town’s neighborhoods.

What to Expect:

  • An astonishing, all-night fireworks battle.
  • Parades of massive, intricate, hand-made floats (carrozas).
  • A massive, joyous street party fueled by rumba rhythms.

Traveler Tips:

  • CRITICAL: Book accommodation in or near Remedios up to a year in advance. Availability is extremely limited and disappears quickly.
  • This is an extremely loud event. Consider earplugs for your comfort.
  • Wear non-flammable clothing (e.g., cotton, not synthetics) and closed-toe shoes due to falling firework embers.

Festival del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (Havana Film Festival)

When: Early December.

What It Is: A major international film festival celebrating Latin American cinema.

Why Go:

  • See new and classic films, documentaries, and shorts from across the region.
  • Screenings take place in Havana’s beautiful, historic cinemas.
  • Many films are subtitled in English, making it accessible even if you don’t speak Spanish.

Practical Tips for Attending Any Cuban Festival

Planning & Logistics

  • Book in Advance: During any major festival, accommodation and inter-city transport (especially Viazul buses) get booked up months ahead. Plan accordingly.
  • Verify Dates: Festival dates can sometimes shift. Always try to find the most current information before finalizing your travel plans around a specific event. Official Cuban tourism sites or reputable online travel forums are good resources for the latest news.

On the Ground

  • Carry Cash (CUP): You will need Cuban Pesos for street food, drinks, and incidentals. Assume you will not be able to use cards at festival stalls.
  • Stay Safe in Crowds: Be mindful of your belongings. Use a money belt or secure bag. Avoid flashing expensive cameras or phones unnecessarily.
  • Embrace “Cuban Time”: Schedules can be fluid. A parade scheduled for 9 PM might start at 10 PM. The key is to be patient, flexible, and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.