CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture  /  MAY 2020

All the latest cultural news from Cuba and what to see from the UK

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#CuarenCineCuba - Watch films and documentaries from and about Cuba online 



Here is our first #CuarenCineCuba eclectic selection of 10 films – fiction and documentaries from and about Cuba to watch from home online while in quarentine. From rural mobile cinema to racism, literacy as development to rediscovering roots through language - there is something for everyone. Enjoy! 


 

10 Cuban music tracks and videos released during the pandemic

Here are 10 diverse Cuban music tracks with videos, composed or released during this time of Covid-19 pandemic.  Some attempting to reflect some of the feelings of isolation and sadness people are having and some trying to lift people up in difficult times. From timba to sweet salsa, hip hop and rumba to jazz. Alexander Abreu to La Reyna y La Real. Take a listen.


 
 
 

Cuban musicians offer live online concerts during the pandemic - watch here

With the suspension of cultural activities in Cuba, as part of efforts to stem the spread of Covid-19 virus, Cuban musicians are looking for alternative ways to share their music in all corners of the island. Watch here some of the mini concerts presented.


 
 

Becoming the antidote: how Cuban artists have played their part

"Culture did not stop but reinvented itself" How have artists, musicians and other culture workers in Cuba become part of the antidote, and how have their livelihoods been protected?
From making face masks to online performances read more here. 


 

Juan Padron - comic creator of Elpidio Valdes 

Cuba has lost its godfather of animation - Juan Padron, the great comic creator of 'Elpidio Valdes' and 'Vampires in Havana' sadly passed away early April. Read more about him and his work and watch a video of some of his best moments in film here.


 
 
 
 

#InternationalJazzDay was 30 April - check out this video interview (with English subtitles) with the great Cuban jazz maestro Chucho Valdes on his views of the legacy of his supergroup Irakere - plus a short film introducing some of Cuba's brightest emerging young  stars of the youth jazz annual festival 'JoJazz'...


 

Buy Cuban coffee, honey, chocolate 

Fresh and rich Crystal Mountain coffee, beans and ground, direct from the Escambray mountains of central Cuba, delicious honey from Matanzas and much more

 
 
 
 
 

Learn to dance Cuban style online


Missing your dance classes?

Some Cuban dance teachers all over the UK are offering regular sessions online, via Zoom, facebook or Instagram. 


 
 

How has Cuba handled the pandemic?


For the latest news on Covid-19 in Cuba, how Cuba has approached the pandemic, the work of their health workers abroad and how to support Cuba. Plus online public meeting on 1 June 6.30pm UK time.

 

The story of Rueda de Casino


"No one invented Casino... it was created collectively by people..." this brilliant short film tells the story of the Cuban salsa dance form - Rueda de Casino - through the words and moves of some of the many founders. With English subtitles. Will make you smile and want to dance!


 
 
 
 

Tamayo, art and the pandemic


Without abandoning his usual dose of humour, Cuban visual artist Reynerio Tamayo has been posting on social media these images alluding to the tragedy that is shaking the world.


 
 

Celebrating International Day of Son


Celebrating the international day of Son - here is a beautiful historic film of Ignacio Pineiro, an important figure in the development of the Cuban son, with his group Septeto Nacional performing Echale Salsita, with some cool dancing too.



 

Watch Cuban music doc 'De vuelta al barrio' with El Nino y la Verdad


A real treat - watch the whole documentary here 'De Vuelta al Barrio' featuring top Cuban salsa group El Niño y La Verdad, made by Alejandro Valera, just released - as always giving respect to their immense Cuban musical heritage.


 
 
 

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