Holidays & Festivals
Public Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Day of Liberation / Triumph of the Revolution |
| January 2 | Victory Day of the Armed Forces |
| May 1 | Labor Day (Huge demonstration on the Plaza) |
| July 26 | Day of the National Rebellion (Moncada attack 1953) |
| October 10 | Start of the Wars of Independence (1868) |
| December 25 | Christmas (holiday again since 1997) |
Festivals
- Carnival Santiago de Cuba (July): The largest carnival in the Caribbean — Congas, Comparsas, fireworks, and days of street parties. Absolutely worth seeing!
- Havana Jazz Festival (December): International jazz festival with Cuban and international stars. Concerts throughout the city
- Festival del Habano (February): The mecca for cigar fans. Tastings, factory visits, gala dinners
- Parrandas de Remedios (December 24): Cuba's craziest festival — two neighborhoods compete in a contest of fireworks, floats, and music. In Remedios near Santa Clara
- Festival del Caribe / Fiesta del Fuego (July, Santiago): Afro-Caribbean cultural festival with music, dance, and rituals
