CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture / OCTOBER 2020

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

Cuba's National Day of Culture

On 20 October each year Cuba celebrates National Day of Culture, the anniversary of the first time the National Anthem was sung, the start of the struggle for independence and the struggle to end slavery.

Cuban musicians nominated for Latin Grammys

Cubans dominate the Traditional Tropical album category in the 2020 nominations for awards are Changui de Guantanamo, Orquesta Failde (from Matanzas), Orquesta Aragon and Omara Portuondo.

Interview with Johannes Garcia, Cuban National Award winner for Dance 2020

Winner of the National Dance award (lifetime achievement), Garcia, talks about his life with the National Folkloric dance company in the 60s and since, making the dance and music with African roots visible and the struggles of creating a unique new artform for the stage.

What is the impact of the US blockade on the culture sector in Cuba?

Cuba's Deputy Culture Minister and poet, Fernando Leon Jacomino, explains how the United States' blockade costs his country's economy more than 22 million dollars every year just within the culture sector, and how the blockade has intensified recently especially as regards cultural exchanges.

Check out some amazing artworks in Cuba's national collection

The Cuban National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana has over 30,000 works in their collection, and many now can be viewed online. (image above is extract from Belkis Ayon's 'La Cena'). We showcase a selection of artworks right here

view here

Try some Cuban coffee direct from the Sierra Maestra mountains

Altura Sierra Maestra Cuban coffee is grown in the high Sierra Maestra mountains of Eastern Cuba. Strong with a clean, rich soft flavour and hint of honey. Freshly ground, for all coffee makers. Coffee beans also available.

browse here

EVENTS COMING UP

Thu 29 October 7.45pm, London online screening: Herencia

Sands Cinema club and CSC North London present this documentary by Ana Hurtado. The elements of African cultures and the extent to which the very fabric of Cuba owes its existence to African ancestors are examined, featuring interviews with artists and musicians and a great soundtrack.

10-15 November, Havana Glasgow Film Festival Online

This year’s theme is ‘Extraordinary Cuba’ focusing on health and innovation on the island, with screenings of recent Cuban feature films ‘The Extraordinary Journey of Celeste Garcia’, about an invitation to another planet, ‘Inocencia’ – the true story about the unjust murder of Cuban medical students and documentary ‘Living Between Hurricanes’.

Sat 28 November, online: Fuerza London

This special online event is to celebrate the Latin American community in London during the pandemic through music, dance, poetry, short fillms and real life stories. Featuring Cuban musicians and music such as Rene Alvarez, Clasico Latino and Grupo Lokito.

Learn to dance Cuban style online

Missing your dance classes?
Cuban dance teachers all over the UK are offering regular sessions online, via Zoom, Facebook or Instagram. 25-31 October - Cuban School of Arts lead 14 hours online master workshops 'Puro Sabor' in Son, Salsa, Rumba, and more.

7 May 2021 - Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, London

Salsa star Maykel and band combines catchy lyrics with irresistible dancefloor-ready arrangements. With top Cuban salsa DJs Javier La Rosa, Rich, Dr Jim.

22 July 2021 - CIMAFUNK, London

“A perfect mash up of Cuban music and James Brown with a big dose of Parliament Funkadelic.” Catch Cuba’s rising star next summer.