Now is the time to visit Cuba’s vibrant, colourful capital as special celebrations and performances bring the city to life.Supplied
If Latin America were to hold a contest to determine which is the most vibrant, colourful and lively capital, Cuba’s Havana would likely come out on top.
And this year, doubly so.
On November 16, Havana celebrates its 500th birthday. It’s a rare achievement for a city in the Western Hemisphere, marking the day in 1519 when the capital city came to be under the shade of a tropical ceiba tree. Back in the 16th century, the ceiba was considered sacred and magical, and so the first mass and council meeting of San Cristobel de la Habana (as Havana was first named) took place under its branches.
The tree is still there – look for it near the El Templete church on Plaza de Armas – but so much else has changed. While the country gained independence from the Spanish in 1898, it quickly came under control of the U.S. until the Revolution in 1959. Now a proud and independent nation, Cuba has become a popular tourist destination for Canadians who flock to the country for sun and surf.
The heady fusion of cultures, religions, art and architecture in Havana is being celebrated all year long with special concerts, dance performances, parties and the renovation of hundreds of roadways, parks and buildings. That includes Cuba’s national capital building, El Capitolio, which is open to tours, and the imposing Castillo del Morro lighthouse overlooking Havana Bay.
Havana’s Capitol building is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.Supplied
“Havana is not just a romantic city, nor a city of classic American cars, or a city of dancers and palm trees,” says Lessner Gomez, Cuba Tourism board director in Toronto. “It’s a city of intense culture, where surprisingly, there isn’t enough time to sample the cultural life that extends from ballet festivals to book festivals [to] jazz.”
The Cuban government has been eager to dispel recent rumours on social media that U.S. economic sanctions in Cuba were resulting in supply issues in the country. While Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz confirmed that oil supply in September had been modestly affected, he says that an alternate supply has been secured and “tourism in Cuba is conducting business as usual.”
In fact, the many activities planned for Havana’s 500th anniversary make it an excellent time to visit the city, Mr. Gomez says. (Check out the LaHabana500 website for info about the celebrations.)
Special events abound all month, including an international music festival, sporting events and dance performances.
Music is an integral part of Cuban life. Visitors will get a chance to experience the vibe of the city during Havana’s 500th anniversary celebrations.Supplied
For running enthusiasts, the Marhabana marathon on November 10 through the city streets is a must-do. From November 5-7, the food, arts and sports of Italy will be celebrated on Galiano Street. On November 15, a free, special performance of the St. Petersburg Ballet will take place in the National Theater of Cuba.
On November 16, the official 500th birthday celebration will be broadcast on national TV, radio and Facebook. Look for big screens along the Malecón, Havana’s seafront promenade that winds for seven kilometres alongside the city’s historic quarters. Musical and dance performances will take place all over the city. After a fireworks show that night, revelers will party until dawn.
The beautiful Havana Cathedral was built between 1748 and 1777.Supplied
Ayngelina Brogen is a Canadian from Nova Scotia who writes the food and travel blog Bacon is Magic. Ms. Brogen fell in love with the city, its people, music, culture and food – and eventually moved there for 18 months. She agrees with Mr. Gomez that while Havana’s history is fascinating and should be celebrated, she’s most excited by its transformation into a modern city where hip cafes and artists’ haunts spring up beside weathered buildings.
“Whenever someone says, ‘Havana is frozen in time,’ I think, ‘You didn’t go to the right places!’” Ms. Brogen says.
A statue in Old Havana Plaza.Supplied
While tourist draws like the Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution) and historical landmark El Morro have their place when celebrating the city’s history, she points to more contemporary offerings that showcase the real Havana today. Check out Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), an art space, club, restaurant and modern cultural hub.
“It looks like it’s straight out of Brooklyn,” Ms. Brogen says. “A lot of tourists go – but so do Cubans.”
Art lovers should check out the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (the National Fine Arts Museum) and take in a ballet performance at the Gran Teatro de La Habana – Cubans take ballet seriously.
The Gran Teatro de La Habana is the home of the Cuban National Ballet.Supplied
Stopping in for a bite between visits is a must, especially in Havana’s growing number of paladares. These are privately owned restaurants, which tend to be more modern and innovative than government-owned options. Dine on fresh lobster at O’Reilly 304 or try El Dandy, part bohemian café and part art gallery, tucked away in Old Havana. Or hit the newly renovated Mas Habana nearby for excellent cocktails and appetizers like spicy octopus carpaccio during happy hour.
Walking around Havana is a great way to get to know the city.Supplied
It’s going to be even easier to live like a Habanero (Havana resident) this November as the city celebrates its big birthday, Mr. Gomez says. It’s the perfect month to walk around Havana and enjoy the safe and friendly city the way it’s meant to be experienced: at street level.
“Take advantage of all the free street parties and open stage concerts,” he says. “Get inspired by the festive spirit of the Habaneros who invite visitors to wander around its streets and enjoy an authentic experience.”
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