It just so happened historically that Cuba has always followed its own path. It differs from the rest of the Caribbean states in its special spirit of freedom, which every tourist begins to feel already on the ramp of an airplane arriving in Havana or Varadero.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of Catholics hold carnival in winter, Liberty Island prefers to do it in summer. The meaning and content of the carnivals in Santiago de Cuba and Havana has nothing to do with Lent.
History and modernity
The first celebrations of the Mamarrachos, as the Santiago de Cuba Carnival was formerly called, were held several times over the summer. They were timed to coincide with the days of some of the most revered saints in the city. The first holiday took place on June 24 in honor of St. John and then spilled over into bright and colorful processions, which continued until the end of July.
The modern carnival in Santiago de Cuba takes place from 22 to 26 July and is dedicated to Saint James (Jacob), who is considered the main patron saint of the city. In addition, the celebrations are timed to coincide with the Day of National Uprising, proclaimed an official Cuban day off. Since 1953, the fun has taken on a double scale and thousands of tourists come to the city, despite the height of the hot and sultry Cuban summer.
What to see and what to participate in?
- There is a whole museum dedicated to the Caribbean Carnival in Santiago de Cuba on Calle Heredia. The exhibition features about three hundred items related to the history of the Caribbean culture festival, which has gradually turned into an old carnival.
- The courtyard near the museum is a stage for local folklore groups. However, in Santiago it is easy to see artists and even learn to dance samba yourself at any time of the year. It is enough just to come to the main city square on a Sunday afternoon.
- Children also take part in the performances during the festival. For them, a children's carnival is held with costumes, dance numbers and competitions between the city's schools.
- All festivities take place in the central squares and streets of Santiago de Cuba. Entrance to carnival events is absolutely free.
Among other carnival entertainments in Santiago, pouring water on participants and spectators is popular, which is quite refreshing in the July heat. The parades are attended by horses, carriages, actors from local amateur theaters, comedians, acrobats on stilts and fire eaters.
