CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture / DECEMBER 2020

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

#CuarenCineCuba 2 - watch films and docs from home

Cuba50 recommends another 10 great films and documentaries to watch from home this Christmas and New Year, from the cinematic 1960s to groundbreaking 1990s tragicomedy to diverse documentaries on photography, music, climate change, politics, to contemporary dance performance and poetry.

Cuban artist Rafael Zarza wins National Visual Arts Prize

Using painting and printmaking, Zarza is known for his dedication to his images of the bull and cow, plus using sexual and religious imagery to parody and ask questions about the island's colonial history and contemporary life..

Cuban cartoonist Ares and comedian Juana Bacallao jointly win National Award for Comedy 2020

A constant in the Cuban press through the pandemic has been the regular appearance of cartoons by Ares - provoking readers to think better about coronavirus and how to combat it. Juana Bacallao, longtime fabulous comedy performer is jointly awarded with Ares.

"Like dancing in another dimension" two young dancers, brothers, talk about their work

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, Cuba's top contemporary dance company has produced world class dancers and choreographers. Two of its rising stars Mario and Victor Varela, from Cienfuegos, talk about their approach to dance and performance here.

'PA LOS MAYORES

Just released on 18 December is this fantastic dance track and videoclip "Pa' Los Mayores Y Los Van Van". It is the first collaboration between top salsa timba band Maykel Blanco Y Su Salsa Mayor and Formell Y Los Van Van, the legendary Cuban band now led by the late Juan Formell's son Samuel Formell, and is dedicated to showing respect the the elders of Cuban dance music.

view AND LISTEN 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, or coffee beans for your perfect grind.

browse here

EVENTS COMING UP

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.

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.